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

[itookashot]

[ Jesper probably would listen to a history lesson. He is twitchy but he gets genuinely interested in other people's stories. And there are a lot of them here. No one has let him down yet in terms of being unique. There are pirates in the area too, pirates and gangs and all kinds of trouble-makers. His best friend Inej for example, the other Crow here, was about to sail off as a pirate of sorts. It probably would be easier to not be stolen from on long tracks of land, as opposed to sweeping ships. ]

I suppose with the infinite universes, it makes sense some things end up in common. And people are what they are everywhere. They truly are trained not to think of Grisha, my kind, as real people. A friend of mine used to think that way, he was raised to it.

[ Matthias never pretended that it wasn't his fault though. He was brainwashed from childhood but he still held himself accountable after he started living differently, after falling in love with a Grisha. Which is why Jesper refers to him as a friend despite the rest of it. People are people, corrupt and difficult, but they can change too, he saw it for himself. But he lets Ravka worry about Fjerdans, for now. It is true that inevitably they will come for everyone if they don't get stopped, but it is a messy affair, and Ketterdam stays out of it. Their own brush at politics was enough.

Ah, another Thorne person. It's a shame, he keeps meeting ones that he finds fascinating! Maybe this peace summit will end up somewhere good, but Jesper is not an optimist. ]

They do sound like they have a lid on it there, although you do have a castle to live in, so there's a compromise. Free Cities lives up to its name, but the only free option to live in is the barracks.

[ And like any army they are sparse and there is unspoken pressure to join up. There are more options for living in the city proper though, but it's a process. Jesper likes it there, overall. If he can't be in Ketterdam, this is the only option. ]

My friend said right before our batch arrived, there was conflict between the Summoned in the factions. They fought or argued with each other on behalf of their areas.

[techmaturgy]

Yes. So, just a gentle nudge in the right direction.

[Without, ideally, nudging them towards further militarization, though given the displays here, Viktor is starting to think it might be a lost cause. Perhaps that’s why he’s so interested in the Academies—if he keeps things as theoretical as possible, there’s less of a chance that something he invents for the leadership here will be used as a weapon.

But all of that seems like a lot to say to a stranger, even if he’s a very popular one.]

That seems ideal. [Given his, you know, everything.] But, I can also fix things. Improve equipment. Give a few of the, eh. Aforementioned nudges. I’m not lacking in opportunity.

[In that he has a very fortuitous skillset, for Cadens.]

[techmaturgy]

[You can’t waste taxpayer dollars in the mind realm! That’s what Viktor is going to tell himself, anyway.]

If only there was also the luxury of time.

[Because, disappointingly, he’d been told that time passes as normal in the real world. For the best, maybe—otherwise Viktor doesn’t think he could find a reason to leave.]

When I make my way there, I wouldn’t mind seeing what you’re working on.

[shadowthief]

She laughs lightly and bumps his arm with her shoulder. "You can learn it." They all could, given enough time, the right conditions. She knows Jesper's always-at-ease attitude is a farce at least part of the time, and that there is always some tension strung tight like a wire in him. But she hopes that won't always be true.

"No," she agrees with a slight shake of her head. "but that wasn't a place without war, either." The ideal world, the one that would likely never exist, for exactly what Jesper said next. "You're probably right. But a girl can dream," she says, leaning her head against his arm as they walk.

She doesn't need anything else in this moment. The entertainments being offered, the food, the drinks, none of it matters as much as the boy she's currently wrapped into the side of. The safety of him. The home-like feeling of him. She only wishes she knew how to make him understand the importance of himself, but in lieu of it, she'll take this simple, easy moment, among all the less simple, easy ones that came before it.

perf <3

[shadowthief]

[She smiles, only a little abashed at the call-out.] Thank you. Likewise, Sam. I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon.

[And with that, she nods and seems to all but disappear into the crowd to go seek her friend out.]

[carmesi]

[her expression is softer, now that he's managed to push his way through the jagged corridor of defensive mechanisms that is wanda maximoff. 'stuck with me forever' is quite the cheeky thing to say, but she can tell that it's just easy banter—the kind that she misses, from her brother, or even from he family in the avengers—steve, natasha.

jesper answers with an expected answer, that he isn't in solvunn, but his offer that she can visit any time she likes brings another smile to her face.]

I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to go back to a farm if that was all I ever knew. [but it works the same for her—] Most of my friends are in the Free Cities, too. We meet in the Horizon often.

[speaking of...]

You should meet Sam Wilson. He's a friend from home.

[carmesi]

Oni?

[she questions, the word foreign in her tongue, but decides not to disrupt further with her comments. she must not consider herself human, so perhaps it is whatever she is? wanda offers a smile.]

I suppose looks are deceiving. ['past life', 'current incarnation'. it's the first she's heard of it, but this isn't the strangest thing she's ever seen.] I'm sure if you want it, you could have a party in your domain. I would be sure to visit any time.

[because, in the end, whoever or whatever shuten may be, she seems exceedingly honest and genuine—won't bite her tongue over what she should or shouldn't say.]

You'll have to let me know when you set up your Horizon.

[funbreaker]

[ Yes, Thancred can't say he's surprised that for all the differences he's noted between various worlds, there have also been plenty of similarities. Both are interesting to identify, which is why he can't seem to stop indulging his curiosity when he meets other Summoned for the first time. He assumes a Grisha is someone who can use magick in Jesper's world, meaning that it's not something just anyone can do there. ]

I assume that means he's had a change of a heart? That's good news, at least. [ No doubt Jesper wouldn't refer to this person as "friend" if it weren't for that. Much like with the Garleans, who'd been indoctrinated for so long that to some extent they couldn't be blamed for their behavior. If their star does survive, Thancred foresees a long journey to bridging the gap between the Garleans and the rest of the world. The time the Scions spent in Garlemald had not been easy.

When Jesper points out that accommodation is much easier in Thorne, Thancred gives a little tip of his head, acknowledging that point. He's the sort that would rather be left to fend for himself than have to live under the watchful eye of his captors, but he's made his choice to put up with it for now. A castle does beat out barracks, at least.

At the mention of events that transpired before they arrived, Thancred lets out a low sigh and shakes his head to himself. ] I must admit, I can hardly understand why any summoned would be that dedicated to their faction. No one has even been here for a year. Mayhap it's a means of proving themselves in hopes of earning some reward or influence, but to face down other summoned...

[ Ultimately, shouldn't they be more dedicated to each other? ]

[itookashot]

Two mages randomly showed up and freed all of you? And we don't know who they are after all this time? That's interesting. So there's probably another faction, isn't there? If they're not from these three and apparently independent.

[ Technically the mages could be from the three, but if so it seems like people would've known by now. Jesper likes when things aren't boring, and apparently the situation here really isn't. Not that he goes looking for strife, but he does sometimes look for trouble. He knows he would have gotten out of there immediately the same way everyone else did. He wonders if other people currently in Thorne who are new would have, if they experienced the same.

Jesper legitimately has not even given consideration to the ideas she's flinging at him right now, and it seems to obvious the way she's saying it. After so many years hiding everything he could do, outside of when Kaz needed him to use his gifts, he didn't consider lucrative ways to utilize them. It would've gotten him killed or kidnapped. Now it's like a door is opening in his head and it dawns on him, eyes widening. ]

You're amazing. I'm going to owe you one of those things for putting the idea in my head. Think of something you'd like me to make and I'll find a way.

[ Jesper will have to figure it out as he goes, find the materials, come up with ideas, but she's correct. He is stealing all these trinkets today, if he made them he could be the one selling them. Not to mention if he did ever want to be a shit about it, he could simply repurpose what he's stolen and it's likely no one would even know. He'll have to go forward with this in his mind.

He nods his head and thoughtfully sips, considering if he's shown any power that he hasn't had before, that he would notice. It really doesn't seem obvious to him if he has. But then again, Jesper has yet to have to run very fast away from a situation. If he does, he will be pleasantly surprised at a new helpful trick for escaping. ]

It's interesting the Singularity lets us have the Horizon, it's probably in charge of it, isn't it? All that magic. Maybe it doesn't want us all dead, if we're getting random powers and can make anything we want with our mind to live in.

[bloomly]

Machines...

( it feels like her mouth pulls down into a frown, without even realizing it--the similarities are a little jarring, between this place and back home. but still, what can she possibly do by herself?

his next words have her nodding, firmly. ) --Right! I felt that way, too. It's not the goodwill event I thought it would be... And even though I'm unsure of where I am, it makes me feel even more unsure about everywhere else.

( she laughs, lightly--leans in a little closer, as though to keep a secret. )

Even though we don't live in the same place, we can keep in touch, can't we?

[supersoldier]

[It isn’t much to go on, but he has no doubt that it’ll narrow it down somewhat. Not many looming buildings of dark steel in the Horizon, is there? (Is there? He wouldn’t know for certain.)

He huffs a little in amusement as she shuffles back up and prepares to take her leave. Fine by him; by all accounts, she’s been one of the less painful conversations he’s trudged through in his lifetime, and he does not mind humoring her again, later. Within their domains, they can rely less on words and simply showing.]

Sephiroth.

[No last name to give! Mysterious? Hardly. Simply the reality.]

I’ll be seeing you, Gideon Nav. [He says it with a faintly raising brow, nearly missed.] don’t get too overzealous with your drinking, too quickly.

[Off-handedly mentioned as she’ll no doubt have to step over a snoozing man on the way out. Don’t be like them.]

[princessvegas]

I mean, I'm sure someone knows who they are, probably important people. The Head Mage or whatever. But the guy never told us his name, and the woman never said anythin' at all. I don't know about another faction, but I do know that it was a real big deal that they were able to freeze the whole kingdom. Apparently, no one should be able to do that. Like, it's supposed to be impossible to use that much magic.

[ She shrugs. This is all information she's gleaned third-hand, over many months, and she has no real way of knowing how true it is. She has also never actually cared -- that man freed her and that's what she cares about. If he ever shows his face again, she would love to thank him personally.

Her nose wrinkles with delight when he offers to make her something, though she shakes her head a little. The stuff she really wants is not anything that would be possible in Abraxas, at least not outside of the Horizon. But... ]

Tell you what. I just moved to Cadens, so I got a whole new place to fill up. Make me somethin' pretty that I can put on the wall. Dealer's choice, whatever you think is best.

[ When she takes another drink, her eyes squint a little, thinking. She knows, by now, that most other people don't understand the Horizon, the Singularity's magic, in the way that she does. She doesn't understand it all very well either, but she does have a much more intuitive way of interacting with it, working with it. ]

I don't think that's how it works, really. I don't... I think it's kind of like an animal. It doesn't have thoughts like that, it just -- it just kinda is. I don't think it really wants any of us dead, because it would need a reason, y'know? It's a real human thing, to actually want someone dead. Animals, when they kill, it's just an instinct, not a real want. And I think the Singularity has instincts like that. It's bein' forced to let us through, bring us into this world, and I think it's just fightin' back. But I don't know that it has such direct control on our connection with it, on like a daily level, if that makes sense. We can have the Horizon, the magic, the powers, because we're all tied to it.

[ She pauses, takes a sip, waves her hand vaguely. It's all conjecture. ]

I mean, I don't know. None of us know, for sure. It's... it's just what I feel.

[gynvael]

[ His eyebrow quirks upward, but he takes the offered bloom without comment. Looking for someone catches his interest; the description only seals it. ]

I have. [ He tips his head in the direction of the pavilion where the Free Cities have made their presence known. ] We've met.

[ A time or two. They are not near close, but Cloud has struck him as, perhaps, not prone to making the brightest decisions. Not his job to look after everyone, though, so he's interfered only once, when Cloud meant to trek across the unknown desert on foot, to get to the other end of it.

To Solvunn. Someone I know, Cloud had said. A woman.

Geralt peers at Aerith. Could be a coincidence, but how many women in Solvunn could Cloud possibly know who'd also be searching for him in turn? ] He was looking for you. You can't reach him?

[ If she knows of the mind messages, then hasn't she tried to use it to find him? ]

[subhuman]

[ Father's library? That's got the sort of vibes of topic secret witchcraft that should be kept under lock and key. Though he has to ask... ]

"At the time"? What sort of timeline are we looking at?

[subhuman]

[ Now that is a curious point. As far as he could tell there was no obvious way to get back. Definitely not back through the well, though he looked into it (much to the dismay of the apprentice mages.) ]

That so? So there's been another great escape?

[ As casual as this all is, that topic seems to have Dante's interest more than anything else they've tossed back and forth. He does have business back in hell, after all. And a brother who really can't be trusted to be down there unsupervised. ]

Ah, enough Good Samaritans going around. [ A beat. ] What's it like?

[vixening]

[ yennefer does not know this woman - it's true. they have only just met, and their conversation has been fairly light and simple. but even still, almost without her very consent, yennefer feels her chest tighten at the uncertain pause in wanda's expression. catches the tension, the dismissive shake of her head.

perhaps wanda would have been one of those younger girls in the halls of aretuza that yennefer had taken under her wing. or, perhaps, she would have been someone else. someone yennefer would have been able to help a bit more than just sharing the secrets that had been kept from her.

I've probably got it all wrong and yennefer's eyes narrow, very briefly, as if sensing something more beyond the words. something a little deeper. ]

You have a gift. [ is what she says next, something...not quite intense in her words, but more solid than the ease of her tone before. ] Your chaos- especially if it comes from you- that is something incredible. Something that is yours. [ that is when yennefer smiles, feeling something bright and new and young in wanda, before she turns her eyes away from her. back out into the space in front of them. ]

The source of your magic might be different, but if you did want to know how I was taught to control it, I could help. We could compare notes.

[vixening]

[ the noise that jaskier makes is very geralt-esque, and it's really only the long history between her and geralt that yennefer is able to cover the way it makes her chest ache. it is easier, and thus yennefer leans into that, to focus on the very specific and very obvious moments that jaskier has made that obvious.

his tease does earn a small huff of a laugh as he leans into her, and gods, gods is it appreciated. the touch, the shared memories, having someone here who she doesn't have to present for. who knows, without her saying a word. part of it is the exhaustion of her part in court, of the life she has built around herself in thorne, but it's also more than that.

it's the feeling of being lost, the feeling of being on her own, and how it had been jaskier's words that had reached her first. jaskier's bird, who sits on her shoulder even now. jaskier who makes it feel like she can take a full breath, even more than geralt had. so yes, as he leans into her, she does lean back. walk alongside him pressed much too close than would be expected, normally. but she doesn't care. can't care.

( no, it is not just him. )

her brows are already up by the time he corrects himself - or, rather, patches his words, a barb already prepared in the back of her smile. she lets it pass for now, lets him continue on with his question. ] Ugh, crude, and I hardly fuck boys, thank you. [ because she recognized the double meaning in his question, and she feels the need to make it known she and ronan are doing no such thing.

but then, barely a breath after her words, there is a kind of stilling of yennefer's expression - a sort of hollowing behind the expression. ] Ah- yes, well. [ he doesn't care about her court dealings, and prior to that most - if not all - of her free time had been spent in the horizon, trading between geralt and ciri. despite the order of events, those moments almost feel longer ago, and that distance seems to grow between her ribs. it does hurt, almost as if she allows it to, for just a brief moment. her grip on his arm the only think keeping her steps from stuttering. ] I have been a bit. Ill. These last few weeks. [ because of course she is still on guard, even here, even just with him. ]

But I wasn't going to miss the summit.

[cryptsleeper]

1470s Wallachia.

[Dante you are clocking the vibes correctly. Congrats?]

[vixening]

[ he should take it as a win, as yennefer is not afraid to dismiss anyone and everyone if she feels like it. and maybe it is because he knows his way around this sort of socializing, or maybe it's because yennefer - in general - has been a bit cut off lately, due to her own decisions. an easy conversation in a neutral territory where she doesn't have to pretend to have patience and understanding for members of the court...it's a nice change of pace.

part of her is curious about his answer - about his lack, or not, of free thinkers. in another place, at another time, maybe with a few more glasses of wine and a more comforting atmosphere. for now, unfortunately, her attention is immediately shifted.

magic, gone. a part of him, no longer his to use. yennefer - briefly - feels like she is back in the forest, screaming up to the skies, damning it all; her magic, her life, fate, destiny, voleth meir. nothing came to her then, and nothing comes to her now, either.

she knows that this slip will come back to haunt her, and she is almost prepared to cut off this conversation here and now, knowing she's shown too much, said too much, to this stranger. this newly arrived. this will come back to bite her, just as every other slip she has made has done so, but for now yennefer forces the mask back into place. forces all of it back into place. ]

Infusing weapons with magic isn't so far-fetched an idea. I know of a few who do something similar where I'm from, as well. [ vilgefortz, for one. geralt's witcher signs. she shrugs, takes another sip from her wine. manages a very small, slightly amused huff when he says as you called us. she does catch the way he quirks a smile back to her, the way he finishes off the rest of his glass of wine. part of her almost wants to latch onto the hope he missed whatever it was she'd just let slip, but she's got too many decades of underestimating men like him behind her to latch onto the hope too quickly. ]

It depends on the mage. [ she says with only a little bit of humor behind it. ] Though there is also a very simple solution. [ she smiles a bit in return, though there is something...not necessarily competitive about it, confident. together. and then downs the rest of her own glass, and sets it atop the table. ] You become adept with both sword and magic - for any time you might need to prepare, you will still have the weapon.

[funbreaker]

[ The idea of Thancred having to owe Emet-Selch thanks — or anything at all — is enough to draw a sour look from him as he sips at his drink. He sets down the mug with extra force and shakes his head. ]

I would rather you not tell him anything at all, actually.

[ His interaction with the Ascian has been limited to a single meeting in the Horizon, when his memories had been stripped from him and he didn't know any better. He does intend to find him during this summit to make a few things clear, as he's already told Himeka, but he has yet to be able to bring himself to follow through on that. Granted, he still has some time.

It's always odd to hear Hydaelyn's actions spoken of so negatively, especially now that Thancred has seen her with his own eyes. He's been addressed by her, even. He'd experienced both her conviction and her compassion firsthand through her test, and oddly enough, he'd never felt closer to her than when she'd left them to carry on without her.

Hythlodaeus does understand one thing, though, which is that there had been no way to find a compromise between Emet-Selch's goals and their own. Thancred will even acknowledge that there had been tragedy in his loss, even if it had also marked the Scions' victory.

And then, then he is asked about Etheirys. Thancred smiles at that, something wry and a touch melancholy, as he slowly rubs his fingers across the side of his mug. After a pause, he nods. ]

It also knows great sorrow. There are senseless deaths. People turn on each other against their better judgment. And yet we find a reason to live in spite of that. We find small moments of true joy among the suffering. Some would even say that it's those harder times that give the happier ones meaning.

[ Then he looks up, leveling a confident stare on Hythlodaeus' uncanny purple eyes. ]

That is why despite everything, we have fought tooth and nail for it. For our right to exist. We have been tested, time and again. [ By Emet-Selch. By Elidibus, and Fandaniel, and Hydaelyn. ] And we have always, always triumphed.

[ That is why he believes Himeka will be able to do it. She'll find a way to conquer Meteion, to overcome despair itself. ]

[vixening]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ and yes, there is always going to be more to it - more to the tone, more to the words that are chosen. she gets the feeling he's well versed in the double layering, and equally tired of it. so yes, he's correct to assume neither of them are interested in splitting hairs over it right now. especially since she's correct.

she tilts her head a bit like she has to really consider his words before agreeing, both of them moving through the initial crowd of the speech and into the festival itself. ] You could say that - though a war involving an entire galaxy...that is a thought.

[ she has some curiosity to that statement, if only because the concept of galaxies is new and vague to her, and she's spent enough of her time (decades of it) dealing with a single sphere. she isn't quite sure how she feels about multiple.

but he grins, and leads her away from it all, and when he offers his arm she does take it. ] Oh, neutral. I'm curious about some of the other drinks available here - Thorean wine is fine and all, but you can get plenty of it at the castle. [ if he doesn't know the direction, she will have no issues with leading them there. don't worry. ]

[itookashot]

[ Jesper does kind of mean it, in his weird intensely, quickly loyal way. It's the way in Ketterdam, sometimes, you meet people you gel with, you make alliances and hope they don't go poorly. He would throw himself in front of bullets for a lot of people, and it doesn't always matter if he met them a day ago or a year ago. It's not a smart way to live.

He laughs as soon as she mentions Sam, shaking his head. ]

Everyone knows Sam. It's not surprising to hear he's like that from home too. He found me on my first day in the city, brought me to a place to live.

[ Jesper exudes a sort of confidence and self-sufficiency, or at least he's very good at pretending, but he is also young and he was alone, lost. Sam seemed to zero right in on that, as if he could sense it despite the calm and easy-going exterior. Jesper's been friends with him since and grateful for it. Even if he reminds him a little too much of his dad, in all the best and hardest ways. ]

My best friend Inej was in Solvunn, she's moving to Free Cities for me. We don't like being apart.

[ Inej was about to go to sea for her own motivations and her own adventures, and Jesper supported that, but he still did hate being away from her. They've been so close since they met, and now they only have each other here. He was about ready to run to the lines in between Free Cities and Solvunn and try to sneak her over, but this peace summit helped. ]

How do you know Sam? You don't really seem like the soldier type.

[ That's what he picked up from meeting Sam at first, former soldier type. ]

[vixening]

She is not wrong to think as much - Yennefer had been less than pleased with her own bringing here, and considering it had originally ended her in the dungeon, well. She's lived a complicated few months here. Still, the eagerness to get to direct questions such as these, and knowing where to ask them, does give Yennefer some insight into the type of person Edelgard is, though it's far from complete.

"He has not." Yennefer adds to her wondering, her posture and eyes remaining controlled, neutral, as they continue to walk. Bringing this woman up to date on the happenings of Thorne was hardly something for her to be too worried about, no matter where the Summit would lead her. "Day to day ruling, as well as any other larger matters between Thorne and the Summoned."

The way she wants to say she couldn't remember the last time she's even seen the king do any ruling at all, day to day or otherwise. But she withholds that side of things for now. "Some of the army, yes, and also the people themselves, yes. Her priorities are, and have always been, the people of her kingdom." There is very little actual emotion behind the way Yennefer recounts this information - which, if Edelgard wanted to look closely enough, would probably tell her that there's very little personal involvement for Yennefer there. Like reciting facts for an exam.

"Her support comes from the common people as well as the military itself, yes. There are some whose loyalty is more complicated, but as far as the kingdom is concerned, more support her than don't."

[photophobic]

[Kylo's head tilts slightly— it isn't difficult to note the shift in Julie's mood, or the concern sliding into her words. Kylo hardly needs his empathic abilities here.]

Is there something you want that it would be bad for you to have? Or are you worried about me, perhaps. My desires.

[It wouldn't be an unreasonable concern to have. But despite Kylo's general aura, he doesn't seem irritated or offended by the implication. Simply curious.]

[sorser]

[A weak spot for a weak spot. If that provides some assurance in lieu of trust, then so be it. Stephen has no reason to hide it, nor a willingness to. His eyes trail to Zhou Zishu's scarring when he pulls the neckline of his shirt downward. The scar itself is telling -- precise, purposeful damage.

As a doctor, he's seen plenty; it's not enough to make him flinch, barely enough to even make his brows pinch from a purely empirical standpoint. But he is not a purely empirical man. There's empathy to be found in the ghostly pain left behind by lingering scars. Stephen's lips thin, his look sympathetic.]

Again, I can't promise this world's techniques will be compatible with what you need, or how the repair is performed in yours, but I'll listen. Thorne has plenty of resources and I've tested my healing more than once.