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

[sorser]

[More snack-flinging ensues, sent flying by some hidden force, though he has to give some credit to the second man, redirecting it at the first's forehead instead. Even so, it's far from the quiet night of reading he had hoped for, especially after spending all day wandering the event they've all been forced to endure, some pretense at peace in which people still strain at each other with insincere smiles on their faces, some not mingling with other factions at all. Peace, indeed.

All-in-all, he's tired. He would like to rest.]

You want me to participate in whatever game you're playing now?

[Because he knows what "trying one" probably means: involving himself in their brand of being social. Stephen flips a page. He'll hurt his eyes if he wants to, thank you very much.]

Believe me, you don't want that.

[He will make shelled nuts rain on their heads. The idea is tempting, though he pushes it aside.]

[meiren]

[ He doesn't seem particularly surprised by the makeshift missile not quite making it's target, though it does earn an expansive eyeroll instead. Or at least gets partway there before he has to pause to give Wen Kexing a long look instead as the man's attention drifts towards their tentmate. Wen Kexing is highly capable of being unbelievably annoying when he wants to be, and for all he's been trying to help work off the tension, he'd rather not get into a fight at the moment. ]

No one wants your terrible walnuts.

[ And then the other man has to go and lay down a challenge. Not a great way to distract martial artists.

With a spark of interest, Zhou Zishu plants an elbow onto one of his knees and leans his chin on his upturned hand as he studies him. ]

And why is that?

[yeshou]

Sure!

[ Wen Kexing's answer comes a bit too loud and brash, and it isn't really just from the drinking. He takes the rejection as well as any child might, slighted by the fact that apparently Stephen just doesn't think the two of them are good enough to drink with. It doesn't really matter that it's not an insult or that this is honestly a fair enough reaction to the two of them. As always, Wen Kexing leaps at the challenge. ]

What's wrong with having a little fun, huh? It's not like you're sleeping anyway. We have good drinks and good food, so why not relax?

[ Where Zhou Zishu's energy is cool and precise, Wen Kexing's is restless fire ready to consume everything it touches. He leans forward in his place they've made for themselves, staring hard at Stephen. ]

He's worse than the Old Monster. At least he'd drink with me. Hey, uncle, even scholars remember to appreciate the world now and then. You can play one game, right?

[sorser]

Because if we’re playing a game of “hit the target in the most annoying way possible”, you’d lose.

[Easy as that. Perhaps it’s overblown confidence born of a desire to not stoke the fire more, though a part of him seeks the satisfaction of the opposite result — he lowers his book, finally, looking over at the two men.

Gesturing at their spirits, in whatever bottles they’ve taken into the tent.]

Have you ever considered that not everyone wants to suffer from a hangover in the morning? This summit meeting can be a headache enough.

[meiren]

[ All Zhou Zishu can do is snort at that, deeply inelegant. But he's already slumped lazily, half-braced against the little table they'd set up between them, so there's no point in putting on airs now. He does, at least, salute Stephen with the bottle. ]

No hangover if you don't stop drinking. [ A brief pause to take his own advice. ] I've been to enough of these things. Being sober is worse.

[ Not that he'd ever had the luxury of drinking then, not when he'd been the crown prince's knife in the dark. But that's why he does this sort of thing now, isn't it? Because he can.

But Wen Kexing seems determined to include this man, for whatever odd reasoning is rattling around in his head, so Zhou Zishu smiles faintly and gestures. ]

So come win, then. If you don't want to drink, that's more for us.

[yeshou]

[ Unlike Zhou Zishu, Wen Kexing carries a confused, almost wounded look as he turns from the sorcerer to his zhiji and back again, marking their conversation with a frustrated pout. Didn't he make a good offer? Isn't this the human thing to do? Wen Kexing is openly puzzling over where he went wrong and why this man is treating the invitation so discourteously. Part of him is resisting being insulted very hard, because his natural instinct is to be angry and rebellious first, but Zhou Zishu is smiling and relaxed, so he won't allow himself to be the one to spoil the mood. ]

Tch, fine then. Climb the western tower to gaze at the sickled moon.
Friends meet under a shared roof, but the wutong tree stands in the lonely courtyard.

A-Xu, give that to me. We need to heat it.

[ He's totally sulking at the cold reception, but it's certainly not the deepest wound he's ever felt. Wen Kexing sets about trying to heat some of the alcohol to make it easier on Zhou Zishu, keeping as mild an expression as he can through it all. ]

[sorser]

[He’s not sure what really makes him crumble first — the lazy kind of acceptance of his non-drinking for tonight, or the unexpected poetry which seems to pretty pointedly label him as a party-pooper. But he does consider it, despite himself.

Stephen’s lips purse, but finally, a rustle of clothing — he puts his book down, having memorized the page number.]

Fine.

[He raises a scarred hand in preparation for relatively simple magic, but he’ll need a few guidelines. A target, so to speak.]

Name the target.

[meiren]

[ He's rolling his eyes even as he hands the bottle over, though whether it's at the sulky poetry or the continued fussing or all of the above is a matter of debate. If sulking is the worst of what the dramatic idiot does, Zhou Zishu will call it even.

And then their new friend changes his mind, and Zhou Zishu's eyes slide back in his direction to give him a measuring look. Someone else with a weakness for challenges perhaps.

His grin widens as he waves a lazy hand in Wen Kexing's direction. ]

I'm sure Lao Wen can come up with a good one. [ This is his game, after all. Zhou Zishu is just here to be a terrible influence. ]

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing is in the middle of taking the bottle of alcohol from Zhou Zishu, intending to heat it with his qi since they are lacking in proper heating options while inside a tent. He looks up in wide eyed surprise, both at Stephen's change of heart and Zhou Zishu promptly throwing him under the boat. So much for loyalty. And yet, Wen Kexing can't help a small smile from creeping in. It may just be humoring, but he's still touched.

Awkwardly clearing his throat, he lowers the bottle back to the table and sits up a bit straighter, attempting his best official posture as he surveys their tent. ]

Ah!

[ Grabbing an empty bottle with probably too much enthusiasm, he sets it on the floor a little away from their table and sticks a nut in the hole, plugging it shut. Then he takes what was once the stopper, firmly impaling it on the end of that so the small top is sitting just above the actual bottle. ]

Knock that off without breaking the bottle. If you don't drink what do you do? Seclude yourself in caves and meditate to become immortal?

[sorser]

I never said I don’t drink at all. Catch me when we’re not at a peace summit amid territories that are just barely playing at being nice.

[Then again… maybe that is a proper reason to drink.

Well, anyway.

Stephen watches as his target is situated atop a bottle, not so much as hesitating when the explanation is finished — he reaches out with a hand, and an uncracked walnut floats towards him. He catches it between forefinger and thumb.]

Easy enough. Watch carefully.

[His other hand twists, and a mandala of light—small in radius—hovers a few feet in front of him, twisting lazily in the air, amber and glowing. He wills the walnut through it, zipping past its middle.

When it comes out on the other side, still flying forward towards the bottle and the two men, it is not just one walnut any longer. It is multiple, many copies of the same, numbering at least fifty. They whirl through the air, and fervently fly straight towards the general vicinity of both bottle and his tentmates.

The duplication spell itself is not ferocious. His aim is to be a vague annoyance, in the same way they had been to him, and the nuts fly to hit foreheads and clothing, like being pelted with a hard rain. Somewhere in there, he hits his target, too — that’s just playing the probability game.

When there’s little more than nuts scattered on the tent ground, no matter the outcome, he’s just smiling lopsidedly.]

There.

[meiren]

[ He rescues his bottle back from Wen Kexing while the man is setting up whatever nonsense he's got himself fixed on this time, absently drinking from it as he watches. The floating nut gets a flicker of interest but no real surprise. The glowing circle, on the other hand, earns something much sharper-- at least until every thought vanishes but the need to protect himself from flying shells.

It takes a heartbeat to fight down a much more vicious response, but it's clear rather immediately that the projectiles are harmless. Instead, his free hand comes up automatically to block his face, and Zhou Zishu can't help a momentary pang for his missing wider sleeves, which would do a better job of it.

Once the hail seems to have stopped, he lowers his arm again. And can't help huffing out a breath at the sight of the smile on the other man's face. ]

Senior, I think that's cheating. [ So mild a tone, so bland. And so easily ignoring the fact that no one set any rules in the first place. ]

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing makes the mistake of doing exactly what Stephen tells them to do. He leans in and watches with avid attention as the golden light hovers in the air like a strange net. The flying nut is no shock at first, but then there are dozens of nuts and they are all coming right at the two of them like a rain of angry insects stinging everything they hit. Instinctively, Wen Kexing draws his arm back and shakes his wrist as if to toss a long sleeve out of the way, but he's got no weapon to grab for, so instead he waves his arm and sends a wave of qi energy toward the walnuts, intending to counter the volley.

His movement covers Zhou Zishu, which of course means he takes at least three direct hits to the face. ]

Ahh! You- You can't just-!

[ The offense in Wen Kexing's voice is so heavy he can't get the air out of his lungs to voice it. He points an accusing finger at Stephen's grin, huffing, mouth open... and then his brain seems to catch up with the situation and his anger dissolves. ]

How did you do that?

[sorser]

You never said there were rules. Only that I had to hit the target with a nut, presumably with some skill. I did that, didn’t I?

[He says easily, plainly. Truth is, this is how Stephen often operates: taking the rules, or lack thereof, and bending them to accommodate what he can and cannot do. He’s done the same with a dark entity seeking to devour the Earth in the past; he’s done it now with a handful of duplicated walnuts in a shared tent on a far-away world.

He drops both hands, taking note of each man’s reactions; quick and tense, almost defensive, only to be met with blandness and gawking apiece.]

I did it with magic. The kind I learned in my world before being summoned into this one.

[The glowing mandala dissipates, and soon after, so do all the excess nuts scattered about. Only one remains — likely the original.]

It’s a simple duplication spell.

[meiren]

[ He certainly did do that, and Zhou Zishu toasts him with his bottle in acknowledgment even if it is accompanied by a smile full of irony. As he tips his head back to drink again, he flicks a look over in Wen Kexing's direction. He seems more intrigued than annoyed, at least, which probably means Zhou Zishu won't have to run any interference. Helpful.

And the conversation is already started for something he's curious about himself. Even better. ]

Magic?

[ A term he's heard thrown around quite a bit while he's wandered the Summit, but none of it had looked quite like that. A pity too, duplication seems like it would be significantly more useful. ]

Is that common?

[yeshou]

[ Unlike his normal reckless, volatile actions, Wen Kexing remains still for a moment after Stephen dismisses the extra walnuts. He frowns to himself, looking at the places they had been lying. Lips pressed together and brow furrowed, he seems to mentally count what is lacking in that space, chewing on the logic of it in irritated silence while he reassesses the tentmate with a new perspective.

When Zhou Zishu asks his question, Wen Kexing's eyes go directly to Stephen's. He waits, wanting the answer, but can't seem to hold it in long enough and finally speaks with a great deal less fire than he started with initially. ]

So they were all fakes.

[sorser]

[His grin continues to be wry, even under the curiosity and stark assessment of the other men.]

Depends on how you qualify fake. They were just as real as the original until the spelled dispersed, or said original was compromised.

[“Compromised” is a better term when a duplication spell is applied to more than just walnuts—people and weapons, for instance—but the concept is the same.]

Magic’s very common in Thorne. [Obviously where he’s situated now, if his pin means anything.] But in my world? More common depending on the circles you happen to run in. Not everyone’s proficient in magic.

[Stephen just happens to be very much so. Thus, duplications spells on a whim.]

But it's common knowledge that it exists.

[meiren]

[ Known but not commonly practiced. Not unlike the sects, then, where only some might get a chance to learn. Zhou Zishu nods once, though he doesn't move his thoughtful expression from their tentmate and very deliberately does not look over at Wen Kexing. He already knows what face the man will be making, if he's come to a similar conclusion. ]

So they brought you there, because you could already do magic?

[ It's at least a reasonable explanation, even if it means he doesn't particularly like following it through to why a military strength would have chosen him. Zhou Zishu has been trying very hard not to think about that and isn't going to give up that habit now.

On the other hand if he keeps drinking like this, he's going to run out pretty quickly. ]

I saw some of the Thorne magics outside. Everyone does it?

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing's expression only darkens as the conversation continues. He keeps focused on Stephen rather than Zhou Zishu, staring fixedly at him like he can't bear to look too hard at Zishu for long (although he does steal some covert glances when he's sure the man isn't looking), and instead focuses on the sorcerer. ]

So creating things from nothing is simple. What is hard? Tell me the hardest magic you have learned.

[ Is that shameless? Sure it is! But he's not supposed to be the gentle one. Wen Kexing steals the bottle back from Zhou Zishu without looking, going back to heating it with his qi again. ]

They bring people in they think are useful and show them off to each other. Maybe if they show off enough, they can convince the others to give up early. Heh.

[sorser]

That, and probably because I had something of a reputation.

[(Ex-) Sorcerer Supreme. His responsibilities dictated that he keep balance in his reality for the sake of his Earth, so perhaps they saw that obligation from across universes and plucked him out of the summoning pool because of it. As much as he’d like to have been asked first, he has to admit: it’s a fair strategy, and hanging an obligation over Stephen’s head often works when it’s an important one.]

And no, not everyone. But many. Magic is very prevalent in Thorne, a part of everyday life. You’d be hard pressed to find an instance in which it isn’t used.

[One question at a time. Stephen’s starting to believe he’s broken down a dam, and here they come a-flowing. Maybe it would have been better to have kept his nose stuck in his book instead of showing off.]

There are a multitude of complex spells, some I’ve cast and some I haven’t touched. [Tucked comfortably away in the “forbidden” section of Kamar-Taj’s library.] Does it matter what’s difficult and what’s not?

[meiren]

[ The danger to attracting the attention of a former spymaster. Well and someone else who's just a nosy bastard, and who gets a flicked, dry look as he steals the bottle out of Zhou Zishu's hand. He's distracted enough not to want to bother fighting Wen Kexing on it, though, and his attention drifts back to Stephen quickly enough. ]

Do you suppose everyone who's been brought here had a...reputation? [ It sounds almost like an amused, rhetorical question, but there's a focus to Zhou Zishu's eyes that says he means it. Will knowing the answer make any sort of difference? No. They're here whether they like it or not. But it would be at least one theory proven.

And just like that the moment of intensity vanishes again and Zhou Zishu slumps lazily back as he snatches the heated bottle back again. ]

He's just trying to bait you.

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing studies Stephen while Zhou Zishu says his piece. He's chewing on some thought much more openly and recklessly than his partner, staring like a wild cat looking at some strange new thing trying to decide if it is a threat or prey. It's only when Zhou Zishu snatches the bottle away that he turns his head, snapping out a low bastard! at the other man at the table before he turns on a loud protest. ]

Shut up! I'm not baiting him, I want to know what he can do! Making fake walnuts is just a trick, isn't it? If he can do something really impressive, why shouldn't I ask him?

[ There's a tension behind those words, one where he stares hard at Zhou Zishu, leaving some unspoken, forbidden thing between them. Then he looks back to Stephen, putting on a sour pout. ]

It matters. We need to find someone that can manage difficult.

[ His pointed words get cut off suddenly, as if Wen Kexing was stung by an insect. He draws his arm back from the table with a rough motion, then hisses through his teeth and swats at Zhou Zishu. ]

I just want to know you aren't relying on one technique and don't actually know any others.

[sorser]

Everyone who’s been brought here must have some reputation. They’re picking us for a reason. [He lets the implied question hang… for all of two seconds.] What do you think yours are?

[He’s a sorcerer with a penchant for trying to save Earth from magical threats; so far, his track record is decent, and he hopes to keep it that way. But what makes these two men special, so much that they’d pull them here across worlds?

The look he gives Wen Kexing, on the other hand, is a little disgruntled. Does he really think he’s a trick pony, thinking himself a full-fledged sorcerer while only knowing a duplication spell? His pride is less fragile these days, but it still twinges.]

I know plenty, believe me. And I’ve had to use them more than I like. Enchantment, shielding, elemental spells, transmutation, teleportation. Time manipulation. [He stops there, though, already exasperated he’s had to say as much to prove a point.] Why do you need to find someone at all?

[meiren]

[ The pinch he'd delivered might have been just this side of too fast to see, but the sharp warning look he gives Wen Kexing when the man refuses to just leave it alone is a lot more obvious. Subtlety has never much been one of Wen Kexing's strong points, but he would have hoped that wouldn't extend to spreading Zhou Zishu's own personal business out in front of a man who's name they don't know, magic or otherwise. ]

Certainly nothing so impressive as that. [ Avoiding all of the topics he doesn't want to talk about in one go? Certainly not. When he looks back towards Stephen, his expression is politely blank. ]

We have nothing like that in our home. Forgive my friend's curiosity.

[yeshou]

[ The list of potential spells certainly sounds promising, even if Stephen doesn't specifically mention one that he wants. Time manipulation could be useful if only it were able to reach back to their own time. Elemental spells might include some esoteric knowledge that could connect to medicine. But Wen Kexing catches the warning look, and although he scowls back at Zhou Zishu, he presses his lips together in angry submission.

He's not afraid of sharing his own reputation, cursed and dark as it is, but if revealing his notoriety means exposing Zhou Zishu, he doesn't love talking about his past either. What's frustrating is his love's continued refusal to seek help. Working his jaw, Wen Kexing finally can't hold back his indignation at the excuse. ]

Friend? What a way to refer to me after all this time! Tch.

[sorser]

[He isn’t sure he buys it — as far as Stephen’s concerned, his question regarding why strong magic is needed between the two men (who are, apparently, something more complicated than Just Friends) has been swept under the rug. In the end, it’s none of his business if they don’t want to truly share, though he finds a difficult balance between leavings things be and sticking his nose into them.]

If you need me for a task, or a spell, you’d better spit it out while I’m here. After the peace summit, I’m assuming we’re going to all be shuffled back into place. [Into their proper territories, with a few presumably having shifted here and there.] You’ll have a difficult time finding me in the castle, then.

[There is always the Horizon, though Stephen is pushing for information now; not facilitating it for later.]