EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

[abraxasmods]

Event #6 - EVENT INFO

go to the OOC event info and plotting post

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Those that agree to attend the Summit will travel via portals to the designated location, which is out in the open in neutral territory. Plenty of pretty mountains and flowers. A magic field is erected over this area. Characters can only enter and exit at designated portals. It is not possible to leave this encircled area, which will also negate teleportation and portal spells. Plus, you don't want to embarrass your faction by sneaking out of bounds!

Before entering, all will be given a pin that designates what faction they belong to. This pin is not only color-coded but enchanted so that even should the appearance change, mages from any faction can identify who is who. The Summoned will be required to wear this pin at all times during the Summit.

The Summoned will be offered a comfortable tent to stay in during the 3-day Summit period! There's also a communal bath and a lounge to enjoy. A simple but tasty complimentary breakfast is provided for everyone, and additional meals can be bought from the faction booths or at the lounge. See the Neutral Section detailed below for more.

As noted, CHARACTERS MAY CHANGE FACTIONS USING THIS EVENT. To switch factions, please reply to the comment here. See the OOC post (link above) for details or questions!

The "Peace" Summit

An open plain flanked by mountains to the north and south, a large circular area has been fenced off. Large poles embedded into the earth are connected with magical rings, drooping heavy in the middle as if the ethereal chains have real weight. The area is divided into thirds, each section a mass of colorful tents and booths. In the center is a large wooden stage. All attendees must sit through this keynote speech. It's only polite.

The Prime Minister of the Free Cities begins the opening address. In formal military regalia she's the first to address the crowd, raising her arms high to command attention. She's smiling.

+ Marlo's Speech

"We'd like to start by welcoming all of you. For those that don't know me, I'm Marlo Renier, Prime Minister of the Free Cities. With me are Councilwoman Winifred Bordeaux of the Solvunn Communities and Queen Ellya Gladwin of the Kingdom of Thorne. We come together today in the spirit of good will. We may be divided by borders but we're all neighbors. We all share this continent. We may not always share the same opinions or agree on everything but who does? There's one thing we do agree on though - nobody is looking to start trouble. That's about the last thing anybody needs right now. That's why we're all here today. A show of good faith, a display of trust, and hopefully the first step on a long road of diplomacy and mutual understanding. And we all expect everybody on their best behavior and to conduct themselves in the spirit of this Summit.

I'm going to turn things over to Councilwoman Bordeaux now. Thank you, and you all should come check out what the Free Cities has to offer! Councilwoman?"

Marlo steps aside for the representative of Solvunn to take center stage.

+ Winifred's Speech

Winifred steps forward, nodding hear head to Marlo before turning her attention to the gathered crowd. Her own attire is modest, a dress of ivory and forest green adorned with hundreds of embroidered flowers and a velvet bodice in a deep wine red.

"Thank you, Prime Minister. Some of you are likely only to know of Solvunn due to the terrible circumstances surrounding Eifstide, for which we must humbly apologize. It was not our intention to cause such pain and happened merely by accident. While that does not take away what has occurred, we do hope that we can move forward together to create a brighter, more connected continent. All of us has something to share with each other, and it is my sincerest hope that we may learn from you, as well.

The Gods smile upon the unification of our mighty communities! May we be blessed with a friendship of longevity and prosperity!. For those of you curious as to what Solvunn can do for you, look no further than this Summit's festivities. It is my pleasure to let Queen Ellya of Thorne conclude todays formalities."

+ Queen Ellya's Speech

When it's Queen Ellya's turn to speak, she addresses the crowd with hands folded. For this occassion she's worn an elaborate gown of bright blue shot through with silver that seems to shift and move through the fabric.

"Such inspiring words, truly. I can only echo the sentiments put forth before me. I hope that this Summit shows to one and all that Thorne intends no aggression toward our fellow kingdoms. Certainly, through collaborative efforts such as this, understanding can be found. Tensions can be resolved. Even between such opposite minded cultures. I am confident that these few days will be very illuminating for each and every one of you. I urge you to go forth with eyes and ears open, to ensure all that can be learned is. Enjoy yourselves. Indulge yourselves. Educate yourselves. The festivities will now commence!"

Spreading her hands towards the audience, Queen Ellya slowly steps back to her place with the others.

From here on out, the festivities commence! Characters are encouraged to freely explore each faction's section as they please - and of course, to be respectful of their neighbors. They're all friends here, after all.

Mingle & Activities

Every faction has their own setup of booths and displays that feature a variety of activities and items. Booths open in the morning and close a couple hours after sundown in the evenings. Attendants at each place will be friendly, although some may notice that while the Summoned wander more freely, there is very little intermingling among the locals of each faction. The occasional dirty look may be exchanged when no one's looking and those with keen eyes might find evidence of petty bits of vandalism.

Click to expand the sections below for a description of each area.

Thorne Section

Each booth in Thorne's section are adorned with opulent fabrics in the same blues and silvers of the Queen's dress. Magically lit lanterns are strewn on the fronts and within tents and will change colors throughout the day and over the course of the weekend. Regardless of the weather, being beneath the awnings is always pleasant as if indoors in a properly warmed and ventilated room. Nothing is left wanting. Luxury and ease through the use of magic is emphasized.

Though not calling out any who wander the aisle, any who approach a booth will be greeted with a pleasant smile. Mages are eager to show off their magicks by the use of spells, staves, wands, and magical enchantments from ancient tomes. A booth from Hayle University gives demonstrations and short lectures on the hour every hour, letting the Summoned know that with enough practice they, too, can become a Master of Magicks.

For those who came with a full coin purse, there are fine wines, expensive tapestries and fabrics, sparkling accessories and more available for purchase. If you're feeling hungry, it is highly suggested that you try the decadent and delicately dressed dishes comparable to what's served in Castle Thorne itself.

Along with magic shows, the most popular booth is that of the Pondering Orb. Form an orderly line and wait for your turn to approach the orb. All will be allotted five whole minutes to think their deepest thoughts as they lay their hands upon the orb and ponder. The little bit of tingling that you feel and the faint glow that grows the longer you touch it just means that it's working.

Free Cities Section

The Free Cities area can be heard from nearly all the other sections, alive with sound and activity. There's a state of carefully balanced chaos between the different booths and lanterns are connected by long wires, powered by generators placed proudly out in front - in almost direct competition to the magical light show that Thorne has been putting on. It's just a bit of friendly rivalry, of course. There's nothing wrong with having such a strong reliance on magic, even if it seems rather outdated.

Attendants are eager to show off all their grand innovations, including meals in a can (main course and dessert all in one dubious goop can!) and a small variety of old-style guns. They are the only faction displaying these weapons. In addition, they'll talk about the impressive level of productivity their workers provide in the name of progress. Naturally, no one is forced to work overtime. It's only that their people are so dedicated to their work, even a common factory worker will go out of their way to help science and innovation. The Summoned are encouraged to consider joining a nation with such a high level of ambition, and there's always room for everyone in their powerful military.

To commemorate the event, those participating can stamp their bronze with a fancy gear pattern. It takes about fifteen seconds to press and renders the bronze worthless to spend, but what's more valuable than a souvenir? There is a sign that says No refunds if you aren't happy with the result, although if the machine happens to swallow your coin, you will be given a new bronze to stamp free of charge. Isn't that generous?

Solvunn Section

Solvunn's booths are covered with handmade tablecloths in various styles - quilted, patchwork, crochet, and intricate embroidery. Enchanted candles of all shapes and sizes float and illuminate the area, some changing color as the day goes on. When the sun sets, all the candles take on a shade that imitates moonlight.

Those who are running booths will call out to anyone who approaches, ushering them to the booths in order to ply them with friendly conversation and small samples of their wares. For the right price, there are specialty honeys, cheeses, candies, and all other manner of goat-based products. A few booths also have goat's milk soaps, lotions, and candles. Ask a Solvunnite about what good a goat is and they'll tell you everything. The mages are equally more than happy to show off their mastery, though not just in flashy elemental magic. Mages fond of divination, tealeaf readings, and interpreting tarot will offer one-on-one demonstrations, especially if you've some coin to spare.

This year, Solvunn has decided to extend its Spring Equinox celebration to the other Abraxans at the Summit! Everyone is encouraged to join in the festivities as now is the time for observing the balance of day and night. This celebration is devoted to new life - new community members, additions to their flocks, and the bringing of goodwill for the year's crops. A maypole is erected at the center of the celebration and if it stays upright until the following festival, it's taken as a sign that the community's harvest will be bountiful.

Additionally, the shrine of Lyfbringr has been erected with paintings and several small statues depicting an androgynous god that appears as an amalgamation of man, flora, and fauna. The shrine is enclosed in a tent that is half bright cheery colors and darker monochromatic shades.

Representatives of Solvunn stand by to weave colorful ribbons or rings of flowers into people's hair or tie small bells onto their wrists. There are many baby goats frolicking in a temporary paddock that guests are free to mill about in. The Summoned are invited to consider a life among a peaceful neighborly commune where help and friendship are right at your doorstep!

Neutral Section

This area is meant for everyone to mingle, but the Summoned will find they're mostly the only ones here as the locals prefer to stay within their factions. It's lightly decorated with no particular colors or emblems of any one faction. Ample ambient lighting gives the place a warm glow once the sun goes down. Wooden benches are placed sporadically between the different designated areas, making sure that no one has to go far to find a place to rest their feet.

The Lounge Tavern is open at noon for 2 hours for lunch, and then again at sunset in the evenings, where anyone can come to have a drink or a meal. Beneath the protection of a large, open air tent, seating is provided in the form of more wooden benches and long shared tables, as well as a few stools. Vintages, ales, and meads from each of the factions are available to enjoy. A few recreational activities are available, as well, such as darts and dice games. The tables and seats are placed close together, to encourage mingling and talk among each other. Though the bar is staffed by NPC volunteers, all are expected to bus their own tables when they leave.

The Sleeping Tents are where the Summoned will return to for the night to sleep. Each tent has large number of pillows, throws, and a few large mats that can be arranged as desired for optimal comfort. The ground itself is lined in animal pelts, mostly sheep and goat, making it soft and inviting. They are indeed shared, but there's plenty of room for everyone. Each tent can fit about 8-10 people - or more, if you cozy up.

The Communal Baths open in both the evenings and in the mornings for a few hours each, which is effectively an open bathhouse pool. The pool is dug into the ground itself and lined with special tile manufactured from the Free Cities, hailed for its ability to hold water without the use of special sealant. The waters are magically warmed to the ideal temperature using enchanted stones from Thorne that create a natural border around the edges, and soap (made of goat's milk, courtesy of Solvunn) and towels are provided. Here, those attending can bathe as well as use it as a mingle.

Summit Events

Meant to be a "collaboration" between the factions, the Summit also offers activities that take place on the main stage where the speeches were initially given.

Raffle

The Summoned will be provided a single courtesy raffle ticket, which they can use to enter the raffle contest. Additional tickets will cost an extra 5 bronze coins. To enter the raffle contest, fill out the comment here and we will RNG your prizes!

Regardless of luck, all those who enter will receive all 3 (one of each) of the following consolation prizes:

• Inkless Quill: Provided by Thorne, this is a magical quill that never runs out of ink...sort of. It'll work for about a month of heavy use before it runs out of juice. The Thorne sigil will automatically watermark any pages that this quill is used to write on.
• Tote Bag & Charm: Provided by Solvunn, this soft woven tote bag comes with a small handmade charm depicting a sigil of one of the old gods. If asked what the god or sigil means, the only answer is that you will know when your time comes.
• Glow Ring: Provided by the Free Cities, this ring will adjust to fit any finger size. It comes with a round orb instead of a jewel that can light up on command and act as a powerful torch or flashlight. Very powerful. People have gone blind by looking directly into it for too long.

An Escaped Creature

On the second day of the event, rumor has it a small creature has gone loose! The offender in question is this little fellow, who is the size of a small poodle. The Summoned are asked to help find and catch him, if at all possible. He's noted to be harmless if mischievous, but all those in the area are warned to be careful for if he's startled, the animal will eject a magical plume from his quills that can cause one of the following temporary effects: excessive sneezing, a change in hair color, glitter bombed, or to emit a constant glowing aura.

No one knows where he came from or who brought him, but ask any of the faction attendants and they'll be liable to start pointing fingers at the other side. Nonetheless, all those who make an effort to help catch him will be thanked and available mages may attempt to help with the side effects.

If you want your character to make a real attempt at catching him, reply to the comment here by Feb 20th and we'll RNG who eventually catches him. If your character fails, however, they must take one of its side effects for the rest of the day. The choice as to which one is yours! The winner will be rewarded with a token bottle of wine for their troubles or a very fancy dessert if they don't drink.

Comments

[itookashot]

Jesper Fahey. A Summoned.

[ He taps the pin over his lapel. ]

Sorry I just ... sat. I'm told I hover if I'm standing, and sitting next to you seemed a bit presumptuous.

[ Technically sitting on the ground is presumptuous too, but he went with what seemed like the smartest move at the time. Jesper's taller than most of his friends, only eclipsed by Matthias by a bare inch. He should be tired and he is, but he also is buzzing with an ever-present energy, constantly underneath his skin. Maybe if he could make little red magic waves, he could relax, but alas.]

A friend of mine ... she recently learned a new type of magic. It was accidental, she didn't know she could do it.

[ Jurda parem is still very new, and Nina's the only one to survive the use of it. So it turned her life-force powers into death-force powers. ]

And she'd fling something at me for calling it magic, it's not called that there.

[carmesi]

Yes, I was certainly going to wonder if you were making a statement about my height.

[it is an attempt at a joke, but this boy—jesper, as he's introduced himself—seems to be conscious enough of his height (as perceived by others?) that it seems a decidedly introductory disclaimer he needs to make. wanda's demeanor does certainly relax a bit, though, the shawl around her shoulders loosening a bit as her tight grip gives way, just so.]

Did she learn it while here?

[she's not entirely convinced—but that's just how wanda is: slow to trust.

regardless, she does offer one thing, since he shared his own:] My name is Wanda.

[itookashot]

Not exactly, more like a statement on most people's height.

[ Jesper is tall but he's not particularly intimidating at first glance, which he prefers. He's skinny and young and flamboyant and that's his true personality. It's better when people don't think twice about him if they are in a fight; that's when this part shuts off. He is observant and notices she's still tense, which only means he has to continue to lean on his casual and laidback side. He really doesn't want to make her anxious, but her powers drew him in. ]

No, back home. It's very unusual, Grisha abilities aren't supposed to work like that. But she was drugged, it enhanced her powers, and morphed them into something new.

[ Jesper almost took the drug himself, he asked Kaz for it, but he refused. Saving Jesper's life and sanity in the process, no way he would be as lucky as Nina and survive it. At the time he wasn't that thankful. He eyes her for a moment before taking a pendant out of his pocket. It's a Wheel of Fortune arcana one, he stole it from Thorne's area.

He tosses it forward, like he's throwing it away, and keeps his hand out. A moment later the pendant zips right back into his hand, a jolt of telekinesis. Jesper feels a little sick being so open about this, and almost immediately he looks around, nervous. It's still just them, but even that much makes him feel cold. ]

I suppose I'm just hoping this place doesn't, uh, morph them either.

[carmesi]

[it remains fascinating, watching as other people showcase their magical skills. she has never been surrounded by so many people who could—and all her life, wanda has been considered 'weird' for being able to control things with her mind. she does not want to imagine what people would say about her now that she has turned out to be a witch.

and so she watches, the pendant, and then her eyes return to his hand. one moment the pendant wasn't there, the next it returned.

wanda raises her hand and, with a light dance of her fingers, uses her magic to picks up the pendant from his hand, making it hover over his hand. it's not that she can sense how he feels a little sick, but she notices the way he looks around nervously. she brings the pendant towards herself, looking it over as it lands on her fingers.]

Do you think this place could do that? [she questions, then offers him the pendant back, looking him in the eyes.] She might just get better at it.

What about you?

[itookashot]

[ The main difference is no light shows when Jesper uses his, it doesn't have that beautiful glow, it's sneaky. Which is an important thing when you're trying to hide it. Most people never have any clue he's using them when he is, otherwise he might have gotten in trouble long ago. He still likes watching her do it, she's so much more at ease.

He takes the pendant, glancing up at her. ]

Yeah, I think it could. It's everywhere, even non-magical people are learning it here. Who knows what could grow from gifts you already have.

[ Usually that would alarm him, but maybe it's starting to feel less like a death sentence or a problem. What would it be like, to learn how to use them for real? Jesper doesn't know, but at the very least, being less afraid would be a step up. He hates that he can go guns blazing into any situation, face death right upfront, laugh his way out of trouble, but this? This is what makes his blood run cold. ]

It's not ... magic. Not exactly. They call it the small science at home, but if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck.

[ It isn't magic the way the mages use it here or even she uses it, but it's supernatural, and only some people can do it. Jesper picks up a rock, his fingers sliding along the jagged edges, and slowly it morphs underneath it into something smooth, going from square to slowly rounding. It used to be impossible for him to do this much, but he feels stronger here. He picks a handful of sand up and drops it onto the rock, and with pressure from his fingers, it seeps into the rock as if it has always been there, creating speckles. ]

Where I'm from people with gifts either are put into a magic army, murdered, or used in one way or another. Either by choice or by force. And you can't hide or refuse to use them easily, because if you do, it ... makes you sick.

[ And Jesper's so healthy, so vibrant, he always thought that was a lie. But Inej was right. His sickness just showed in another way. ]

[carmesi]

[it looks like he can do some manner of transmutation, and that much is impressive. he says it's called small science, but it doesn't look all too different from what wanda can do with her own powers.

she listens to him, then, because for all that she can't understand why someone, anyone, would approach her, this conversation is not one she is uninterested in. she grimaces at what he explains, a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach as it parallels her own experience.]

My brother and I were born with... gifts, as you say. [whenever she speaks of pietro, wanda feels her heart ache; she draws her hands to him, pauses, questioningly, and then puts them atop his. a fond gesture.] We were used in battles with the promise of saving our home. We never had choices. I will always be misunderstood and feared back home.

Whatever your powers are, they are a part of who you are, aren't they? Even when it feels like they make you a stranger to yourself.

[she allows him to have his hands to himself again, drawing back, putting her own on her lap.]

But you shouldn't be afraid of your powers.

[itookashot]

[ Jesper is usually a swaggering roguish troublemaker who always seems to have it together and he is ready to laugh the world away. It's a persona that is mostly true to him, but there is this part of him too, locked away. A side that not many see, the young Grisha underneath, born different and taught to fear. At another time he might've flirted or joked with her, but when she touches his hands, he looks startled and very young in that moment. He's not used to being comforted over the hurt this deep inside.

He feels this deep connection suddenly click and wonders if this is what it would have been like if he ever told Nina before, if he let her actually talk to him about their shared powers, instead of brushed it off with a laugh. ]

I'm sorry for you and your brother. I was able to hide, but most of my kind wasn't able to.

[ He misses her hands when they're gone but he appreciates the gesture. He doesn't look up at her as he starts morphing the rock again, transmutation is definitely a correct term for it as it seems to change under his fingers again. ]

My mother was zowa, that's the term she used, it means blessed. She died saving someone with her powers.

[ Jesper almost never talks about his mother, but he's caught in this moment, enough to speak of it, even with how much it still hurts him. The rock hardens again and he offers her a very small dirt-speckled stone flower. ]

Are you ever afraid of them, even now?

ugh, them,, ;-;

[carmesi]

[when he starts talking about his mother, wanda takes notice that his voice takes a distinct tone—it sounds like what it would be like when she or pietro talked about their parents, and the mention that she died settles it for her. this world is just full of orphans, isn't it?

wanda takes the stone flower that he offers, smiling lightly as she turns it over and around in her hand.]

Blessed, and yet your kind had to hide. [if wanda were to look into the history of her own world—touch in more depth with what she does know about witches—she would definitely find similar instances of hiding away just to survive. but to save someone with the powers that make one be feared, then die forever thought of unkindly.] It doesn't seem fair.

[it's his question that rouses memories from years ago, of conversations she had with vision, with friends, of how she isn't sure of what she has become now that she has these powers.

but even now?]

I thought of myself one way when I grew into my powers. [when the mind stone gave them strength, pulled them from the recesses of her mind.] For many years I did not know what they made me, but they are a part of who I am. They are all I have left.

[of her brother, of vision, of her children.]

I'd like to think that I am learning to understand my powers, [a slight rise of her lips into a smile] even now.

[itookashot]

Where we lived was a little safer for zowa, but my father was afraid after she died, he blamed our powers for her death. He wouldn't let me be trained and made me promise to never use them and lie about them.

[ This is a little more difficult to admit to, but Jesper has come to a better place with his father. It used to be he could never blame Colm for anything, only himself for the terrible son he turned out to be, but a lot was put into frame lately. His gift saved his life many, many times, and he never knew it. It saved all their lives, it was the reason they saved Kuwei and defeated the merchants, and he used to see it at the worst part about himself. He understands the pain that his father went through, but sees the mistake too. ]

He's a good man, just flawed. Like everyone. And he had reasons to fear.

[ He could have been safe in their lands, but Jesper rushed out of the farm as quickly as he could, and being an open Grisha is a lot more dangerous where he lives. He wouldn't have been happy the farm Grisha either, he was always meant for bigger things. Although not necessarily better.

He waits for her answer, listening closely. Jesper doesn't know if he is afraid of what he is, or rather the many ways he could use them badly, or mess things up with them. It's him he doesn't trust, always. And where did that begin? The same source, unfortunately. His eyebrows furrow at her. ]

They're not all you have left.

[ Jesper reaches out to touch her hand this time, of his own volition. ]

They may be a part of who you are, but they're not all that you are. You've got yourself, Wanda.

[ This at least Jesper knows well. Denying a major part of himself has been dangerous his whole life, and led him down painful paths, and it'll be years no doubt before he can come to a point of healthier mindsets. But he's young and he has that time. Except he's always had a strong sense of self, even when he's hated himself. ]

And we may have met a few minutes ago, but you're the kind of person who lets a stranger tell you his tale of woe, and you're nice about it. You've got all you really need being you.

[carmesi]

[a quiet laugh escapes her after he reaches for her hand and expresses that he considers her a kind person, declaring that she still has something left—herself. it hurts, because even if it were true, she has not stopped to consider her own value, attached always to those she loved and lost; attached to the perception that others have of her.

and part of her is unwilling to believe his words, given so generously, because he thinks he knows her, but has not really stopped to see how broken and bitter the path she's walked is, actions that she's taken that have led to painful outcomes, for herself and others.

tears don't fall down her cheeks because she works hard to keep her emotions at bay, but her eyes are certainly glossy as she looks down at him.]

Thank you. [she barely manages to get the words out, her throat tight.] I'm not sure how we ended here, talking about this— [these... 'tales of woe' as he puts it. he takes back her hand, to brush away at any tears that do challenge her will, laughs lightly again.] You're not in Solvunn, are you?

[because it would be too kind if he was.]

Come, you can sit on the bench.

[itookashot]

[ Jesper's always considered himself broken too. Broken because of his powers, broken because of his addictions, broken because he keeps letting people down due to his weaknesses. He told Kaz once that sometimes he lets his bad get the best of his good, and he knows that, but he keeps trying anyway. But that's why it's easy for him to have compassion for other people. Everyone's wounded, that's the word Inej likes to use. He can see it in Wanda too, due to her reaction to what he says, and he understands.

Jesper's always been the one that his female friends have leaned on. When Inej or Nina need him, he's everything they could ask for. The big brother, the best friend, the backup. He has a soft spot for women in his life, and Wanda's slotted herself in there with just one conversation and her glossy eyes. That switch hits him and all he can think is he'd do anything to make her smile. ]

Because I envied seeing you use your magic like that and decided to invite myself into your space. Now you're stuck with me forever, sorry.

[ Jesper smiles and he stands up to sit on the bench next to her instead. She'll see he really is a beanpole, tall and skinny as a rail. He sighs and shakes his head. ]

No, I'm in Free Cities. I grew up on a farm and left as soon as I could, so the idea of going back to one makes me break out in hives.

[ It's why he couldn't go to Inej, and she was kind enough to let him get away with it. Jesper would be deeply unhappy in a quieter more peaceful place, he's too loud and twitchy. ]

But that's what the Horizon is for. You can visit any time.

[carmesi]

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

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

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

[speaking of...]

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

[itookashot]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[carmesi]

Everyone — certainly does.

[her words are paused, drawn out quietly as she has no intent in interrupting jesper as he continues; to hear of how sam found him, brought him to a place to live. yeah, it seems like sam wilson is making himself something of a celebrity.

it brings a smile to wanda's face. she knows how important it is to him, to keep others safe, and especially now with his role as captain america—with the shield he's been left with. it cannot be easy, being in this world and neither of those things meaning anything.]

I'm sorry I missed her, but I'm glad you get to be together.

[solidarity—companionship—friends—that's important.

at his question, she leans back, putting her hands on her lap to hold the stone he's given her, stretches her legs outward.]

You're right: I'm not a soldier. [avengers don't classify as them, right? she never signed the sokovia accords to receive orders from the world's governments.] But the two of us, along with other really capable people, we would be what you call — superheroes? [she scrunches her nose at the term, shaking her head a little.] We went to prison because we didn't want to be on a leash; we wanted to protect others in our own terms, without waiting for the okay. We were on the run together for a few years.

[turning to him again, wanda offers:]

He's not quite a 'dad', but... something along those lines, right? Always looking after everyone.

[itookashot]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[carmesi]

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

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

It certainly will.

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

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

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

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