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

[meiren]

[ He cocks his head as the figure comes to a stop, and offers a slightly wry smile as he lowers the bottle he'd been drinking from. ]

I hadn't imagined I might be in someone's way over here. [ Not exactly on the beaten path as he is. It's not a direct answer but not quite a deflection either. ] Looking for something?

[ His free hand flicks towards the nearby barrier. Just a guess, really, but Zhou Zishu can't think of many other reasons someone might be metaphorically walking the walls. Maybe the man knows something he doesn't. Maybe they both just don't know what to do with themselves at the moment. ]

[funbreaker]

[ As much as Thancred would like to claim that he has some vital information that's driven this late night stroll, that isn't the case. Still, it feels like something that must be done, a way to make certain he doesn't stand idle, as he's never been particularly good about sitting still. ]

I'll confess I did wonder if there might be some vulnerability in this. [ He leans over to rap his knuckles against the barrier, watching as the magick ripples against the small amount of pressure. ] No luck thus far, unfortunately.

[ It would be nice to be able to explore this world while not limited by the intentions of the people who brought them here, but that will have to wait for another time, it seems. ]

And what of you? [ He nods down toward the bottle. ] You could just as easily enjoy that in one of the tents.

[ He somehow doubts that anything going on here is about enjoyment, however. ]

[meiren]

[ The strange ripple of movement catches Zhou Zishu's eyes for a moment, and he watches until it settles again. Such a strange thing. He'd tried it once himself, but the reaction had unnerved him enough not to try again. His new friend here appears to feel differently.

But he is worried about the wall failing to keep something out, or keep them in? Not something to ask on first meeting, though a question Zhou Zishu tucks away for later.

Instead, he slants his eyes back in Thancred's direction. ]

I could. [ It's an idle acknowledgement, and one that shades dry as he tips his head upwards. ] But then I'd miss the view.

[ As much of the sky can be seen, given the still-glowing lights around the rest of the summit. One side of his mouth tips up in irony, but he just huffs a laugh. ]

Join me, if you like.

[funbreaker]

[ A stargazer, is he? Thancred has come to appreciate the night sky even more than he did before his time spent in the First. There's something comforting about the cover of night for someone like him, who has so often operated in the shadows. Yet now, after having watched as Himeka return night to each part of Norvrandt, it makes him almost sentimental.

Perhaps that's why when he's invited to join the stranger, he only hesitates for a moment before he nods and moves to take a seat on a flat rock within a yalm of the other man. ]

There is something about it, isn't there? [ He tilts his head up as well, searching for constellations he knows will be unfamiliar. Yet the view will only become more spectacular as the night deepens. ] Might I ask your name, friend?

[ The stranger invited him to sit, thus Thancred can only assume that he'd like some conversation, maybe even a distraction. He's happy to provide it, aware that he isn't likely to find anything of more interest than his fellow Summoned out here. ]

[meiren]

[ It's more interesting than staring at the inside of a tent, at least, as little as that says. More comfortable too, for all that it should conceivably be easier to see someone coming in an enclosed space.

But Zhou Zishu just takes another drink as he watches the other man settle with only slight surprise. The offer to join had been somewhat spontaneously made as Zhou Zishu got tired of his own thoughts chasing each other around, but he can't bring himself to mind that he's been taken up on it. That was the point of all of this, wasn't it? To get a sense of the people here. ]

Zhou Zishu. [ He nods once, rather than a full formal bow. That sort of politeness seems out of place, sitting in the dirt with a bottle in his hand. ] You?

[funbreaker]

Zhou Zishu. [ The name is not one that's familiar in any way to Thancred, and therefore it takes at least that one repetition to get his mouth used to the sound of it. He nods, however, having already gathered that those from other stars are also from, at times, wildly different cultures.

Yet sitting below the stars and enjoying a drink, that feels universal enough. Thancred almost wishes that he'd brought a bottle of his own now, not that he'd set out with any intention of imbibing. ]

Thancred Waters — and you're with the Free Cities? Are you newly arrived?

[ It's a guess, but an educated one. Those like him who are still new to all this are the ones who'd be most likely to wander around, caught up in a wild mess of thoughts that only something as calm as the night sky could settle. ]

[meiren]

[ The question pulls something like a laugh out of him as Zhou Zishu tips his head back to stare up at the stars. ]

Newly arrived, yes.

[ It's probably more obvious than he likes, considering even here he has so little idea of what's actually going on. For someone used to existing in the background, it grates a little to be read so easily.

But finding information has to start somewhere. One side of his mouth curves up as his eyes flick over in Thancred's direction. ]

As to with...I'm not certain. The Free Cities brought me here, at least.

[funbreaker]

True, I can't imagine any of us so newly arrived would feel particularly aligned to one faction or another.

[ It could be that's partly why this summit is taking place. While Thancred doubts that it's all about them, the possibility of convincing someone to switch sides may have played a part in the planning of it. Given that it would be natural to feel some disdain toward the faction responsible for bringing them here, the others might assume they could coax them into moving.

But Thancred's already learned that all of them are guilty of these summoning practices. They'll need to use some other means to determine where they ultimately want to end up. ]

What do you think of it so far? The Free Cities.

[ The booths can tell him one story, but the impression of someone as new to all this as him might be more valuable. ]

[meiren]

[ His expression takes a turn for the decidedly wry as Zhou Zishu turns to face him properly again. ] Have I seen enough to have an opinion?

[ Oh, he has several, which might be clear from the huff he gives that's almost a laugh. What Zhou Zishu is less certain about is how much of it is safe to share. It's impossible to miss the tensions here, the fact that they are literally sitting in an attempt to quell them aside. Perhaps it's a bit more paranoid than necessary to be so reticent, but some habits are too well ingrained to be left behind with the position that needed them.

Once a spy, always a spy. ]

Have you been here long?

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred isn't particularly bothered by the deflection, but he also sees an opportunity to push just a tad harder, if only because this man had decided to invite him to sit here. It's not as if he has to share anything particularly sensitive, after all. Thus, Thancred fixes him with a small smile and shrugs in response. ]

You tell me.

[ Given that Zhou Zishu has opted to wander the perimeter of the summit grounds, it stands to reason that he would have been just as thorough in Cadens. It could be that Thancred's assumption is wrong, but he doubts that.

At that question, he shakes his head. ] About as long as you, I would imagine. I can tell you what little I know of Thorne, if you're curious. [ Would it be more amenable if this was an exchange? ]

[meiren]

[ That pulls a wider smile from him, and a flicker of acknowledgment. There's really no reason to be secretive, other than habit, and Zhou Zishu can admit to a certain amount of curiosity about the places in this world he hasn't seen. It's a neat compromise. He can appreciate that sort of thin. ]

Alright. A trade.

[ Of course, it doesn't take into account the fact that good deal of what Zhou Zishu has seen, he doesn't understand and has no context for. But that's not what the trade is. ]

I've only seen the one city. Cadens. It's busy. Wealthy. Very proud of itself.

[funbreaker]

[ Cadens, yes, Thancred has heard the name a fair amount by now. He understands that the Free Cities, being plural, has a number of other cities in its territories (and he's seen some maps as well), but Cadens appears to be the one where the Summoned have congregated in largest number. ]

I have also only seen Castle Thorne and the town that surrounds it. We have been treated remarkably well, given rooms in which to stay and fine clothing and plenty of food.

[ Nor has any of that kindness been withdrawn, thus far. There are others who have been there for eight moons and are flourishing, though is that only because loyalty was pledged?

Thancred swings his arms behind him and then leans back on his palms, letting them press into the soil. ]

The people of Cadens are proud of their ability to create technology in place of magick, I presume?

[meiren]

Considering they pulled us here with some purpose, I would imagine they'd want to treat us well.

[ And that does seem to be the case regardless of where they were pulled to. It makes sense to Zhou Zishu, an attempt to endear themselves to the people plucked from their own homes. But it is also good to know.

He tips his head a little to give Thancred a thoughtful look, as if trying to track his train of questions. ]

They are quite proud of their machines, yes. [ Those too like nothing Zhou Zishu has ever seen before. They have reason to be proud, he supposes, not that he has any idea of the comparison. ] Do you know much of the magic?

[funbreaker]

I suppose so. [ Thancred can't simply forget that those in charge in Thorne locked up some of the first batch of the Summoned because they weren't precisely who they'd been looking for. The ritual seems to have been perfected now, which means that isn't likely to happen again (not for that reason, in any case).

It also means that all of them were hand-picked, as they'd been told, though Thancred remains somewhat baffled by that choice in his case. Particularly given that he was brought to Thorne, of all places.

The vagueness with which Zhou Zishu speaks of Cadens' inventions gives Thancred cause to wonder if he is not used to this level of technology. Though his question is one that brings forth a wry smile. ]

A decent amount. Mages of various sorts are quite common where I'm from as well. It's not my area of expertise, but I make do. It makes it rather odd that Thorne in particular saw fit to summon me, but...

[ He shrugs his shoulders and tilts his head up to the stars once more. ]

Like or not, I'm here.

[meiren]

Indeed we are.

[ And Thancred sounds just as ambivalent about it as Zhou Zishu feels. They can guess all they want at the motives for plucking them out of their own homes, but in the end there is very little that can be done about it, other than to see where things go. Pragmatism does have it's benefits.

But Zhou Zishu just studies the man for a moment while he isn't looking, and after a beat holds out his bottle to the other man. Seems like he can use it. ]

I doubt anyone here understands the whole of the motivations in play. [ Something worth figuring out, though, perhaps. But it does sound like a lot of work for a retired man.

One side of his mouth tips up slightly. ] Perhaps they're all just bored.

[funbreaker]

[ Seeing the movement out of the corner of his eye, Thancred glances back down to see the bottle offered. He blinks a time or two, glancing up to meet Zhou Zishu's gaze before he nods and takes it.

He knows nothing of worth can be found at the bottom of a bottle, but this also isn't about that. Sharing a drink with someone as an act of commiseration isn't a bad thing, and so he takes a swig before setting the bottle down in the grass between them.

Just bored? But based on Zhou Zishu's smile, Thancred knows he must only be joking. ]

That would be something, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, I have to assume there's much more to it than that.

[ Sitting under an unfamiliar set of stars with someone he barely knows, as far from home as he can be and still not certain of what his future might hold back there — it's all surreal enough that Thancred finds more words tumbling out of his mouth before he can think better of it. ]

Would you believe me if I told you this wasn't the first time this sort of thing has happened to me?

[meiren]

[ There's a pause before Zhou Zishu gives him a decidedly arch look. Would he have believed him ordinarily? Not at all. But given the current circumstances, it's a bit hard to maintain skepticism now. It might explain why Thancred seems so much more sanguine about the situation, at least. ]

And what did you do then?

[ Even if it isn't the same sort of situation, there's information to be found there. A baseline, a starting point of what to expect.

And if Zhou Zishu is honest with himself, there's a fair amount of curiosity as well. ]

[funbreaker]

[ It's a fair question, and Thancred has certainly been trying to consider his own actions in the First while here as well. The situations are quite different from each other, even so, but he does have a rather unique perspective to bring to the table. ]

I was not nearly so limited in my movements then, which meant that it was a simpler task to get a lay of the land and find my bearings.

[ He can learn plenty about Solvunn and Cadens through this summit, but it won't be a substitute for physically visiting those places, and that is not an option at the moment. That doesn't mean he won't be looking into methods all the same.

After a pause he draws his legs up toward his chest and leans forward to rest his arms on his knees. ]

I became aware of a specific mission, to find someone and keep her safe, which drove the rest of my actions henceforth.

[meiren]

[ He considers that for a moment, staring out blindly into the darkness. One could imagine it to be a similar situation here, that they've been brought for a specific reason. That's what they've been told.

But. That's if anything they're told can be trusted. Zhou Zishu has his doubts. Overly paranoid ones, almost certainly, but that doesn't mean they're wrong. He's had quite enough of acting for someone else's purposes and being told it's for a good reason.

When his attention snaps back to Thancred, it's accompanied by a searching look. ]

What guides you now?

[ Does he believe this is also a mission? ]

[funbreaker]

[ As soon as Thancred had heard of the legend of Minfilia within the First, how she'd been born and reborn time and time again, along with the fate of her current incarnation, there had been little question in his mind as to what he had to do.

Here, his path is far less clear. He realizes that they've been summoned here to help the respective factions who called them in, but he will not blindly dedicate his blade to a cause either. Yet given that he's already run into both Himeka and Fandaniel at this summit, he is beginning to get an idea of where he might be needed. ]

I've recently encountered some familiar faces from home, both friend and foe. Sorting through all that, and keeping said foe from doing any unnecessary damage, seems like a good short-term goal.

[ He gives a little shrug and snatches up the bottle to take another sip. ]

Beyond that, I will need to be getting home at some point, to see things through. But I imagine that applies to most of us.

[ He fixes Zhou Zishu with a curious glance as he hands him the bottle, curious to know his answer to this same question. ]

[meiren]

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

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

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

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

[funbreaker]

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

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

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

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

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