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

[nadine_he_loves]

I'm fine, thank you.

[Nadine inclines her head in greeting, offering a smile as she looks over his stall. It's a clever idea, really, to make some money. God, she's going to have to figure out a job before too much longer.

Those thoughts quickly flee her mind when Jaskier extends a white rose to her. There's a little lurch in her heart, a sudden sense of weakness. It's unbidden, the gesture calling forth a memory so strong it almost overwhelms her. Flagg, on their wedding night, the white rose from his breast pocket held out to her. The path of petals, all of them white...

She realizes she's standing there staring like an idiot, missing most of the rest of what Jaskier says. It had just hit her so suddenly, and with it come the tumultuous mix of feelings her husband always brings.

Below that is simply the slight awe that he somehow knew her favorite flower.]

Uh...thank you. White roses are my favorite.

[A pathetic response, she knows, but what else can she say? At least she caught the last of his words.]

Don't remind me. I spent pretty much everything I had. We all did.

[cointosser]

[After years with Geralt, he's quite attuned to the difference to someone who isn't listening on purpose versus someone who is simply a bit lost in their own thoughts. Jaskier is patient, wherever she has gone, holding the rose with a smile until she returns.

Since the new memories of the Continent, he understands. When even a single candle flame or the wrong smell of rotting apples could bring him back there.

It's only a guess, of course.]

Really? A lucky guess on my part. [And a little touch of flower language he's been learning in his spare time -- you know, as a side interest for the stand.]

I'm happy to help you with whatever you may need. It isn't an offer limited by time.

[nadine_he_loves]

[Back in the present, Nadine takes the offered rose, lifting it to her face to smell it and feel the petals against her chin. It isn't as though it's only bad feelings the memory called up.]

Well, thank you, it's very sweet. And...really, it's alright Jaskier. I don't need much, and I'm going to find a job. There's apothecaries and herbalists in Cadens.

[She at least has a skill to offer, now. And she enjoys it, has enjoyed learning and practicing and watching her skills develop. It's much quicker and easier than magic, though she's keeping up with both.

Besides, she doesn't quite feel comfortable relying on others. It's too easy a habit to fall into. Add in the complexities of her and Jaskier's relationship and the idea makes her even more uneasy. She's used people in her life, plenty of times and for plenty of reasons. She doesn't want to use Jaskier, not like that.]

It's...sort of fun, doing something that's not teaching. That's pretty much the only job I've ever done. I started working right out of college.

[cointosser]

Please! It's not charity. I mean. All right, I suppose it is, but you deserve it. We all need a stepping stone when we first begin.

[And he has learned quickly, especially from Julie, that people from their world are not necessarily... used to this sort of work. Not work itself, but going on the search for coin. Crafting a talent for it. Then squeezing every coin out of every man you meet, if possible.

But. He does think herbalism would suit Nadine, seeing as she'd done such a good job with Geralt. (Before he ruined it.)

He plucks out another white rose and tucks it in her hair behind an ear.] I think you'll be a natural healer. And if you need herbs for your practice, you know where to come. Look. I'll even let you pay me if it makes you feel more comfortable.

[He absolutely won't take her coin, actually.]

[nadine_he_loves]

I really do appreciate the offer, but I really don't need it. I came with pretty much everything I need.

[Which Nadine doesn't see anything wrong with, despite that everything she owns fits easily in a pack. She has a few sets of clothes, she has her bag of supplies and tonics, her sword... All she needs is enough to cover living expenses, and possibly supplies for her continued education.

She'd gotten use to only owning what she can easily carry with her even before this world.

Her head ducks a little, when Jaskier sets the other rose in her hair, fighting the little flush that threatens at the gesture.]

You know...you're the third person to tell me that. And that I'll take you up on. Actually... a lot of the recipes I know already are made with plants local to Nott, if I give you dried leaves and flowers, would you be able to grow those?

[She's not entirely sure how his plant magic works, but she has samples of the plants she can't easily find here.]

[cointosser]

[Jaskier purses his lips, but it's quite clear Nadine isn't taking him up on it.] Fiine. I won't push it.

[It appears they're doing well enough on their own. It's... it's good. Honestly, he cannot complain. Geralt has convinced him (he's convinced himself) to stay here, and if he must stay here, he's glad to see so many friendly faces. Cadens is quite the busy place as it is, and though he say Julie and Nadine often in the Horizon, it's... it's not quite the same. There's still that line that separates that place from reality. Touches and affections and company alike.

Luckily for both of them, he's not really sure how it works, either. It appears to be enough as long as he knows the plant itself.] I believe that will work! I've grown a few herbs for Geralt having only seen them a few times. It does wear on me a bit if I do too much at once, but I'm sure I could give you a steady enough supply.

[He can't say he's ever gone into business with one of his romantic partners before, but... he can't say he isn't enjoying it, either.]

[nadine_he_loves]

You don't need to tax yourself over it, if you could just get them started I can take it from there.

[Herbs grow fine in window boxes, but Nadine doesn't have seeds or anything to start with. A few seedlings from Jaskier would go a long way. At least this time, she's starting out in a new place with a skill to offer and experience to show to prospective employers.

It's a better start than she'd had in Nott.]

And I do appreciate it. I can put together some tonics and potions I can bring around to apothecaries, and hopefully get a job with one of them. And training. That was part of the deal at my last job, I worked for pay and for lessons. Maybe I can even have my own little stall at some point. Or start making and selling drugs on the side.

[That's mostly a joke. Mostly. She does know how to make a mildly psychedelic potion, she'd made a bottle for Lloyd.]

[cointosser]

[She's being far too kind. Use him and squeeze him like a washcloth! He takes a bow to her so he can kiss the back of her hand. Nothing would bring him more joy than aiding her foray into the healing arts, especially as his ability to offer much in teaching is next to none.] My dear, I would run myself into the ground for you.

[What perhaps she can only sense now is that he is eager to do so. As of late, as he has found the energy to do so in the time between now and the acquiring of these new memories, he has kept himself busy. Because if he is busy, he cannot be lost in his thoughts. In those memories. Jaskier is The Sun. He cannot stay eclipsed forever.]

Whatever you may need, let me know. I've looked into opening my own stall for the herbs. It feels a bit of a waste if I can grow them and then do nothing with them, after all.

[And because it's Jaskier, his voice drops a little lower as he moves closer.] If you'd need any encouragement at all, or testing for your, ah, drugs, my door is always open.

[Translation: I'm not (as much of) a mess anymore.)]

[nadine_he_loves]

[She smiles thoughtfully as he bends over her hand.]

You know...I think you would. But I'd prefer it if you didn't.

[One thing Nadine doesn't doubt is that Jaskier is devoted to his friends. And whatever the hell this started as, and wherever it might go, they are friends at this point.]

And is that so?

[She laughs a little, dropping her own voice to match his. That...is a very interesting possibility. It's not as though anything she can make now is terribly potent or addling, but she has a few recipes for things that produce mild euphoria and relaxed states.]

I'm sure I can use your help. I usually just have Lloyd test that stuff but he can share.

[cointosser]

[He smiles back as he straightens.] Then I shan't. For now.

[It's hardly threatening coming from him, but it's always an offering that can be taken, if needed. He's very firm that he means to support her -- and Julie, of course -- in whatever ways he can, as easily as Geralt does. They have their own means of support to offer.

Nadine, Julie, and... oh, right. Lloyd.]

Ah. Lloyd. Helping you test your sexier drugs, then? [He gasps quietly, as if truly shocked by the news.] Nadine, I never thought you would have another man on the side. How risqué!

[nadine_he_loves]

[Nadine lets out a surprised laugh at that, shaking her head and holding up a hand.]

It's nothing like that. Lloyd was my husband's lover. And his right hand man. And now...is sort of my bodyguard? He's...outside of Julie, he's my closest friend. He's been here for me since I got here, he looks after me. He sleeps in my bed with me because he knows I hate sleeping alone. And he likes drugs.

[So she makes some for him, sometimes. And has him test anything new she's working with, if it's in the relaxing or euphoric category. And while she'd been given explicit permission to sleep with Lloyd that way, she'd never exercised that permission. Considering his connection to Flagg and that he was Julie's (now ex, she assumes) boyfriend...]

Do you really think I could handle two lovers? I'm still getting used to one...

[cointosser]

[The answer hits him about as hard as a physical blow. While Jaskier frowns, it isn't in judgement; it's a man trying to piece a puzzle together. Wait, hadn't she mentioned this before. Her husband's... proclivities.]

I'll admit, that was not what I expected.

[His right-hand man? Did demons need men? For the sake of Nadine's (and possibly his own) sanity, and the fact this conversation is only a teasing one, he lets any questions he may have on that go. Besides, while he may not mean it unkindly, except for the fucking part, Lloyd has about the same description Jaskier would give to a dog. You know. A good, loyal, protective one.]

Well, I don't see why not! You're doing wonderfully with one. But if one suffices, then one you shall have. And a -- a Lloyd, on the side, I suppose.

[For drug testing. Actually, he's beginning to understand where a lot of the strangeness he's seen in Julie and Nadine may have stemmed from.]

[nadine_he_loves]

We're all full of surprises.

[Meaning all three of them, her Julie and Lloyd. Few of them good surprises, of course. She almost asks what he had been expecting but decides against it. It wouldn't be the first time wrong assumptions were made about the relationship she had with Lloyd.]

And one is all I need right now. If I ever expand my options...it probably won't be with Lloyd.

[Not that she can imagine doing that much expanding. There's no expectation or even interest in some sort of exclusivity, it's nothing like that. Nadine is just only beginning to come into her own sexuality, and it's more comfortable to do that with a single, consistent partner. Particularly when that partner is as understanding and enthusiastic as Jaskier.]

I'd suggestively say maybe I'll see you later tonight, but there's not much privacy around here.

[cointosser]

[He wonders why. Perhaps he was a bit more on point with the idea of the dog than he anticipated. Or her husband has terrible taste in lovers. Both are very likely.

He gives her a smile again. Possibly because Jaskier knows and loves many of his own, he does hope that, at some point, she has that sort of... confidence. Certainly she's much more suited in her own skin during their less clothed acts than her words in the loft may have belied.

In a way, this has been one of his most thrilling relationships.]

Oh. Hah. Right. [He clears his throat. That had not stopped he nor Rhy, but Rhy is certainly... someone a bit less shy about those things.] Then what if I promise to see you later, in Cadens?

[nadine_he_loves]

I'd like that very much. And I'm sure you'll still have plenty of fun for the rest of the festival. Just save some energy for when we get home.

[Nadine may not be interested in semi-public friskiness, but she's sure Jaskier has plenty of 'friends' that are. She can't imagine his metaphorical bed will be empty. For those that don't mind the difficulty in proper privacy, this is probably a great opportunity for a little fun.

She reaches over to give his hand a friendly little squeeze.]

As for me, I think I'm going to hit the lounge for a bite to eat before it gets swarmed. I'll see you around, Jaskier.

[cointosser]

Oh, stop! You'll have me blushing before long.

[Oh, no. His reputation is spreading already, isn't it? All right, so he isn't secretive about it, but he once made a promise to Geralt that he wouldn't need hire him for another bout of bodyguarding from angry cuckolds.

Well. He's pretty sure he made that promise. At some point.

Never one to be topped by such expressions, he raises their hands together and gives the back of hers a kiss.] Have a lovely peace summit, Nadine.