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

[falcony]

As much of a nudge as you want to give, but I don't think it'll need much.

[ the militarization aspect is something a bit unavoidable, as far as sam can tell, though that is usually the case with most - if not every - technology forward nation that sam has ever come in contact with (the u.s. being a prime example, he says, gesturing to his time in the service).

but academics, universities - those are usually safe spaces. at least as far as sa's always seen. maybe it's why he asked so quickly if viktor found his way there. ]

Oh? Yeah you'll find plenty of work, especially in the city. Just cause I'm curious - can you build them too, from scratch? Or are you more of a fixer?

[funbreaker]

[ This conversation is hardly what Thancred expected when joined in the baths by Shuten. He isn't quite sure what to make of it, or of her if he's honest, and yet he has no reason to hold anything against her just yet. What sort of things she's done because of her nature to be indecent, he could not guess. He imagines it's nothing good, but he also isn't going to leap to conclusions.

What is far more interesting is how she speaks of humans with a strange sort of admiration. Nor is she wrong. Thancred can recall his own desire for his comrades to survive as he stumbled toward Meteion, how that determination had stoked itself in his heart. ]

I can hardly argue that point. [ It's an admission of sorts. He lets out a little huff of a laugh. They can be quite persistent, can't they? ] You must have some experience to speak so authoritatively about it.

[gynvael]

They disappear.

[ Depends on one's definition of escape, he supposes. They aren't here anymore, but that's all that can be said for certain.

He tips back his drink, a vague shrug of a gesture. ]

Your first time, you lose your past. We all go through it. After that, the place is yours to shape.

[ Just something that happens. Geralt doesn't talk often of his, those three or so weeks where he lived a life not his own and yet so much his own. The later arrivals have it simpler. Someone to guide them, to bring them out sooner rather than later. ]

should we wrap up in the next few for future shenanigans?

[cointosser]

Us truly fascinating people seem to attract them, don't we? [Barring the very true fact that Jaskier was the one who sought out Geralt's company, that he was the one to follow him... but if you ask Jaskier, it's on both of them, because Geralt never got rid of him when he could.

And now he cannot. And he will not. That much has become clear.

Jaskier chokes on his next sip, caught somewhere between abject surprise and a laugh.] Melitele's tits, warn me next time! [Clearly it's a jest, and he bumps her shoulder with his own. His words are not slurring, not quite, but there is an easy warmth in them now, and his laugh comes easy.] Mm, not that I'm entirely opposed to a whole crew, but I can see the attraction of a bit of private frivolity between hero and... pirate captain. That must be in a book somewhere, yes?

[aquaveiled]

[ An excited and eager student is the best she can hope for, really. And honestly it's been a while since she could just be excited about food again with someone.

She chews her piece of bread as she waits for Wen's appraisal. ]

Yes, you have identified the meat! And the stock as well. What sort of vegetables do you think it is?

[ That may be a little more difficult, but there are a few she imagines he can pick out. ]

Oh absolutely. Coin buys a bed for the night and food for the belly if you're not keen on hunting it down yourself.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier blinks, surprised by the touch. Not for how soft it is, but that it comes at all. Since Hector, he realizes, this is the first time he's brought up the state of his sphere. How much it truly weighs on him, even with distance and time between. Whether these are memories that have happened, memories Ciri crafted, or memories of what will come to be...

It doesn't make them any lighter. Any easier to bear.]

My apologies. This was never meant to be a morose night! And as much as I do enjoy making things about me, er, not quite in this case.

[And yet morose it stays. Perhaps allowing it to be that way is what they need right now. An opportunity to be. He would like to carry everyone else's burdens with no damage to himself, but it isn't realistic. Not when he has his own.

So he listens, his fingertips gliding thoughtlessly up and down Rhy's arm.] It's different when you have no choice in the matter. Especially in the way we were brought here. The least we deserve is dignitaries! [His lips quirk.] No matter how much I would like to believe in Destiny sometimes, none of this feels like how it was meant to be.

[sakaya]

I most certainly do!

[She shifts from her spot causing the waters around them to ripple.]

I work for a human who has a biiiig job ahead of her. Ah but my Sweetie is gonna have to do without me as long as I'm here.

[Or maybe another projection is in her place? Well, details smetails, Shuten won't think too hard about it.]

And with all this eye candy around including yourself, I'll be finding it difficult to leave! Well, that's just barring the usual blockages that have been presented to us.

[itookashot]

"The plan was to learn how while living in a mansion, no care in the world, but alas. I'm on a new adventure." That is of course mostly untrue, there would always be cares, but he was looking forward to aspects of being with Wylan. Outside of the obvious, because he cares for his merchling, the other was trying to work on his own stability, and he reluctantly agreed to start learning how to use his abilities. It wasn't going to be boring, but it would be less frantic, and he could always let Kaz pull him off to occasional jobs.

So it's a lot to lose, but Jesper would rather look at this as an adventure to deal with, rather than what it is. The two of them will handle this together as best as they can. Wylan wouldn't want him to dwell, he would want him to stay sane, thus why he has yet to give in to gambling again. As difficult as it is, it's easier, doing it for someone else. At least until he gets stronger. He'll also do it for her now.

"I think there has to be somewhere out there that's just nice. It'd be impossible that every single planet in the universe is the same way. But unfortunately, not the sort of place that would kidnap folks to it, so we'll have to imagine it, yeah?" Jesper still thinks he would hate it! After too long, he'd get antsy. But it's nice to think of her there, with her family.

[londonbound]

You have nothing at all to apologize for, Jaskier.

[ Rhy continues stroking his hair, unwilling to move even if it's an awkward angle, enjoying the soft touches (and not really needing to look at each other's expressions, like this). A distraction might be what he wanted, but this feels more... necessary. A friend to talk to. It's hardly fair to keep using Jaskier to put his mind off of his own problems constantly without listening to his. ]

I have a habit of making things about me, too. You deserve your turn.

[ And as for the rest--

Rhy sighs, closing his eyes for a few moments, willing away the tears that prick behind his eyelids. ]

How are we to know what's meant to be? There are so many contradictions. How do we choose the right path? And are we right to change it?

[ His eyes open, blinking. ]

...I'm sorry. Morose and dreadfully philosophical. Our first time enjoying a meeting outside the Horizon, and I'm just being sad and boring at you.

[shadowthief]

The Free Cities. [She answers it immediately, not wishing Himeka to think she'd go to Thorne after everything she'd told her. She would have done whatever necessary to convince Jesper to leave it, had that been where he'd arrived.] Cadens, specifically. My best friend, he's more like family really, he's. He's here, and that's where he is, and I can't leave him alone.

[shadowthief]

"Yes," she nods a little in agreement. "A new adventure." That's a sentiment she can get behind. This is not what she would have chosen, but if she looks at it too much like being stolen or captured, it twists and tangles itself around the parts of her still on that slaver ship, in the cage of The Menagerie. So a new adventure sounds much better to her, too.

She nods again at that. "We can certainly imagine it," she says, her voice a soft, wistful thing. It was nice to think about, no matter how much she thinks it might truly be impossible.

[itookashot]

Me too. We're family. If she's stuck here, I'm glad I'm here too so she's got company.

[ This isn't a better option for either of them, they had important things going on in their lives back home. For Inej it is particularly painful since she was reunited with her family after many years being captured, only to be here. Jesper's the kind of loyal that he would pick being stuck in a bad situation so his friend isn't alone rather than home where he has a boyfriend and a life to enjoy.

He listens and tilts his head when she mentions superheroes, he kind of gets that. Technically all Grisha are, and they do fight for people, but they are soldiers, not freelancers. It's strange though, he was not aware Sam has superpowers, but he assumes he does from the title. ]

I get that. It's why I wouldn't join the Ravkan army, they'd make me if they could.

[ Jesper did wonder occasionally if he should have gone, but not enough to actually go. He did reluctantly agree to maybe see a Durast trainer using Wylan's money, or be open to the idea of being trained, but there will always be this paranoia in the back of his mind that he'll be snatched. Which isn't likely now that there's a new king who cares for Grisha, but it doesn't have to be rational fear. ]

He definitely reminds me of my dad. Only there's a whole lot less disappointed face, which I appreciate.

[ Colm is a wonderful and loving man, but he is also a man with high standards. They're working on meeting in the middle, but it's going to take some time. He loves him though, no question, he considers himself extremely lucky to have a good parent. Most of the others in their group did not. ]

Here we are though, in a world where powers aren't as rare, and probably no witch hunters out and about for us. That's going to take some getting used to.

[sealingpower]

More advanced?

[Zelda looks somewhat taken aback. Though the Divine Beasts are run on technology that is still a mystery, she's sure what is displayed here and even what this man is talking about is way more advanced.]

Would it be... too much to ask for you to tell me more about it?

Oh! Please excuse my rudeness! I should have introduced myself sooner. I am Zelda.

[funbreaker]

[ The type to move nations. In that sense Thancred cannot help but think of Alphinaud as well, who had been too ambitious for his own good at first. He'd learned the lesson of what came of that the hard way, and ever since he's carried himself like a person well beyond his years. Thancred's proud to consider him a friend, and he knows Himeka feels the same.

The talk of Emet-Selch is far less to his taste, but this is all information he is better off knowing. It is good news that Himeka had been able to forge a truce with the Ascian, and yet Thancred finds himself bothered by it all the same.

Himeka brings up that Emet-Selch would not want to see the Source destroyed, and Thancred barely holds back a scoff as he turns his head to gaze off into the faraway crowds. ]

Keep in mind that is only because we assume if the Source was destroyed by the Singularity, it would not be on his terms. It would not be a Rejoining.

[ If not for that, Thancred can only assume that Emet-Selch would be more than happy to pick up where he left off before the Scions had stepped in his way. He squeezes one hand into a fist, then releases it with a breath. There's no point in shoving all of his anger onto Himeka.

Once he's wrested control of himself, he glances back to her, his expression imploring. ]

Don't let him draw too close. That's all I ask. [ Himeka is the sort who will put herself in another's shoes all too easily, and the Echo allows her to do that quite literally. Thancred knows that she feels for Emet-Selch's plight, despite her decision to oppose him when all was said and done. He'd rather she not forget what the Ascian is capable of, even when he is presenting a nice front. ]

[sealingpower]

You have my gratitude.

[Zelda smiles brightly and sits in a rather regal manner; the book in her lap and a polite distance away from the man.]

And of course I have no qualms with the presence of another while I read. I don't suppose you might tell me what currently has captured your interest?

[sealingpower]

Oh, my apologies for the misunderstanding.

[Zelda notes that he's wanting to move on, so she glances at the statues he's looking at as well.]

I'm afraid not. I've only just arrived. They gave us newly Summoned a lot of information to process, but I do not recall a 'Lyftbringr' being mentioned specifically. They mostly talk of 'The Old Gods'

[sealingpower]

[Zelda pushes her hair back behind her shoulders and shakes her head to cool off a little as well.

Then comes Jesper's question and she blinks, then flushes a little. Well, since Link insists on still calling her 'Princess' the cat would be out of the bag soon enough.]

Yes both would be correct. I am Zelda, Princess and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hyrule.

[She inclines her head politely.]

[sealingpower]

[Zelda glances to the specific patrons he's referring to, then turns back.]

Yes, mealtimes at Hyrule Castle are also quite structured affairs with manners being emphasized. I don't suppose the addition of free alcoholic beverages has anything to do with the rowdy atmosphere. [She laughs lightly.] I've never been to a tavern before! Is this common?

As for Solvunn, their mealtimes are very quaint and welcoming. Like the common family suppers I've read about.

[She picks up her fork and daintily skewers a boiled potato, then returns it to her plate to cut into smaller pieces before bringing it to her mouth. She chews with her mouth closed and doesn't speak until she has swallowed.]

Though I have no complaints about the flavor of these quaint dishes. I do miss some of the more exotic spices though.

[itookashot]

He did. Unfortunately, he was killed by one of his people for defecting.

[ They assumed at least, from what Nina was able to explain through sobs and then icy numbness. They were only a crew for a short time but it is the type of unbreakable bond all the same. Jesper grieves him, he still is. There's glint of seriousness to him even saying as much. They weren't close, but they saw Matthias change in a way that not even the rest of them was fully capable of. Deprogramming from hate into love. ]

I think he would have wanted us to remember people can change, even hateful ones. It was never an excuse, but it was easier to understand.

[ It's insane to think that he was here, right before Jesper came, and he never got to reunite. Perhaps that is for the better. It isn't the same as having and then losing one of the others, but it still would have meant something. Briefly. He wonders if Matthias would have used magic, if the fear of being like a Grisha would have kept him from it, or would he have done it to feel closer to Nina. He'll never know.

He does grieve but death is a part of life in Ketterdam. They experience loss but they have to move on quickly, because tomorrow is another challenge. He respects Matthias enough to know he'd hate lingering too long. ]

I don't know, but I don't think it's all about the faction. She was concerned that Thorne having too much power and access to the Singularity would be dangerous to everyone else. Thorne was trying to gain Singularity power, and the other two factions got in the way of them doing it. It may have been revenge against Thorne for what they did in the start, throwing everyone in jail for no reason, or because they'd rather have the power in their hands away from Thorne. I think everyone had their own reasons, and probably only a few of them was faction related.

Maybe can wrap here?

[itookashot]

Hm, and if they're from Free Cities or Solvunn, probably someone would've known them. I bet you there's going to be like a secret group or something, playing on the sidelines. Things are never what they seem.

[ Jesper's treating it like a mystery because it is, but he also has been in gangs and on the streets a long time, there's always another plan, another power. If the Free Cities and Solvunn didn't set up the rescue, someone did. And it'll just be a pet theory of his, who knows if they'll ever get answers, but he'll find it fun to speculate anyway. A conspiracy theory being born.

He flashes her a smile and a wink. ]

Oh you got it. I'll come up with something bright and fun, just like you.

[ He can't wait to brainstorm on it, actually. She has a really good vibe. All he needs is the inspiration and the material to stick. This is the second Wheel he's met and he feels like he gets them, somehow. It's just scratching the surface, obviously, and if they're at all alike it means they all have a lot of dark depths, but it's still there.

Jesper listens to her thoroughly, she really does seem to know her shit, whether or not she's guessing, he believes her. It's an interesting way of looking at it. An animal instinct but not an intention. They're tapping into something not because the Singularity wants them there, but because somehow they can. He's never been good at magic so he doesn't know if it makes sense, but he's heard no better description of what it all is. ]

I think you've just managed to give me the best breakdown of this entire situation in just one talk. I think I owe you at least a few more drinks.

[funbreaker]

[ It seems that Thancred has struck upon a subject that draws some excitement out of Shuten, which is interesting given how languid she's been thus far. Calling this human she supposedly works for "Sweetie," the talk of eye candy... she is quite an odd one, isn't it? ]

If it's any consolation, I don't believe that time back home marches on without us while we're here.

[ He has fairly solid proof of that, based on his discussion with Himeka. He shifts up to sit straight as well, in order to explain. ]

Two friends of mine had been here for moons — err, months — before I arrived, and yet I never noted their absence back home.

[ He rests his forearm on his pulled-up knee, then raises an eyebrow at Shuten. ]

What was this big job? If you don't mind me asking.

[carmesi]

[it certainly is comforting to know that she is not alone in feeling displaced in her own world, what with her powers and her general sentiment of not wanting to be bound by obligation to anyone. and yet, she cannot help but wish it were different for everyone; simply having to imagine her sons, living in a world where they won't be accepted for being born different? it terrifies her.

if only the world had more people like sam—understanding, sympathetic, never to anger before knowing what the situation is.]

It certainly will.

[there's a sudden pinprick on her face—droplets—and she looks up, at the passing clouds. it doesn't look like it will storm properly, but it might be enough warning to seek out a shelter.

wanda hesitates before she stands, but ultimately makes up her mind to take jesper's hand and have him follow, off the bench. it's an invitation implying his company is most welcome, should he want to accompany her, so they can keep talking.]

Perhaps we should head to a tent for now. We could grab a bite to eat before it pours on us.

[a friend, this feels like, even when in her heart she thinks she should be more cautious. she is tired of putting up walls, of being defensive; the stone he's given her presses against her closed fist, and wanda thinks that it's alright, for now.]

[princessvegas]

[ Honestly, she doesn't know if they'll ever get a real answer. She knows what the crown in Thorne is capable of, and it wouldn't surprise her if they managed to secretly catch the interlopers, kill them off. If they're lucky, that is.

She chuckles and raises her glass slightly to him, folds her other arm on the table casually as the people she stole the wine bottle from notice its absence and begin looking around. ]

I'll hold you to it, but I'll warn you, I ain't a cheap date.

[lackingtalent]

[Oh, and such a look it is! Were he to have known Thancred better (or at all, actually) he more than likely would have found a reason to say something (playfully) untoward. Yet he does not. And it is a good thing- for there appears no love lost there.

Hydaelyn, however, is something that brings about no small amount of conflict for him. Venat, after all, was a dear friend to him. Though Hemera, yes. But also on her own merit.

He had not taken her stance at the Final Days. Differing philosophies, a conflict of morals. Nothing more. Yet what Venat, through Hydaelyn, did to Zodiark, to his people, (even with the benefit of death and with all of the relevant information unclouded) was an act that he saw as cruel. Unspeakably so.

Yet even if he bears the same animosity toward the figure as the Convocation, he differs in one crucial element. He does not bear any ill will toward her children.

Especially not when Thancred answers his question like that. He finds himself smiling, faintly, in turn.]

I have every confidence your people will overcome the trial we could not. Ours, after all, depend on it just as much as your own!

[And...]

We share the same star, each and all of us. Regardless of the form of which it takes now. And each of us has a part to play in protecting it.

Not as large as Himeka's, most certainly! ...Yet I think she will prevail. It would quite the disappointment were everything to be cut short now... and from what I recall of her, she's never one to disappoint.

[funbreaker]

[ Interesting. So there are multiple of these Old Gods, with Lyfbringr being only one of them. The most important one, perhaps, if they're the one who they've chosen to highlight at this summit.

Are the Old Gods more similar to the Twelve, or some sort of primal threat? That is the question. Not that he expects this young woman, new as he is to all this, to have the answer. ]

And what do they say of them? [ He would like for a wall to lean against, but this is a tent, so he simply crosses his arms and shifts his weight. ] I must profess to being quite curious, as there is no such talk in Thorne.