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

[cointosser]

[Once the invitation is accepted, that's more than enough for him. His smile was already genuine, but -- perhaps there is a little elation there, in that despite everything, despite their new memories, there is some buried sense of hope.

At least not only in him. In that she, too, can find herself smiling again. After it all. After the second loss of her magic.

His hand squeezes hers in the shadow of the crook of his arm.]

Thorne's charms? Ah, you may certainly try. I do recall the private baths. Gods, I miss those. [He glances at her though, with a waver in his heart. Perhaps a question: are you really trying to convince me?

Geralt has Ciri. Ciri has Geralt. And despite everything, he has come to find care for Yennefer, too. Who has no one. Especially... especially now.] Is that little prick Ronan still trying to run the supply chain? He was very rude.

[No, he'll never let go being denied pierogi.]

[vixening]

[ buried hope. that is the heart of it, isn't it? because where yennefer sees survival, jaskier has seen hope. that's why she had been the one sneaking into the basements of his taverns, who is only a single member of countless that had searched for the sandpiper, who had known him only for the hope he could provide. it really is something, isn't it? to find jaskier here, once again. providing that hope. doing something so little as holding an arm out for her, and she is smiling.

the hand, squeezing at her own, does not go unnoticed. if anything, it gives her a kind of strength to hold to that feeling of the smile. to hold onto the idea that perhaps, maybe, it can linger. ]

Do they not have baths in the Cities? [ she says, or attempts to say, with an air of disgust. but the truth of it is, he glances to her with an unspoken question and before yennefer can really layer in the tones and meaning to her words, she has to look away. can't quite bring herself to honesty, or lies either. she won't let what she really wants come through because it's possible she doesn't quite know herself. or, rather, she knows but doesn't have it in her to admit.

instead, yennefer snorts. ]

He is hardly running much of anything. Though he is still offering his dreams. [ a beat, and then yennefer glances to jaskier - one brow arched. ] I wasn't aware you had such strong opinions of the twat. [ there isn't necessarily fondness around the word twat, especially not after their last. interaction. if anything, yennefer is fairly sure ronan despises her much more than she has an opinion of him, but. alas. ] The Venerable Ronan Lynch did make a name for himself after the Dimming, though. I'm sure you saw him at the opening speech. [ along with the rest of the court, dressed in the queen's colors. ]

[cointosser]

I bathe, thank you, and it's even in my own home! It's... it's different, that's all. The water pouring down on you in those baths, the soaps and oils... ah. They'd been decadent.

[Dragging Geralt into them had been rather nice, in retrospect; Jaskier wasn't in short supply of handsome men, but he wouldn't forego admiring those around him.

Of course, the fact he pulled him out of a cage to bathe him out of desperation had severely limited his enjoyment of the experience.]

Only because he's a twat. And offered me nothing. I was helping run things, you know, between all of the Summoned. When we only had each other, and tiny children trying to incite open rebellion. [His smile is only a bit grim. He's long since assumed that Coraline girl has vanished. The numbers appear to be growing as time goes on.] Ugh. I was asleep. I heard nothing. Venerable? Please! Venerably an ass-kisser is what he is.

[A Jaskier once scorned is scorned forever.] You probably like him, don't you? Peas in a pod, the both of you.

[vixening]

[ she holds a knowing smile through his defense, because for whatever it is that he has, it's nothing compared to the baths in thorne. it couldn't be. so he says even in my own home and yennefer nods, of course he bathes, but does she really need to say more? about the decadence, about the elegance. about the world that jaskier had left behind, and that it had only been after jaskier had left, that she'd become a part of it.

so, for now, yennefer just hums. because she doesn't need to defend the castle and it's riches. the magic and what it affords them. they walk, and jaskier's tone adjusts to the topic of ronan, and yennefer's expression turns more entertained. ]

I wasn't aware he'd offended you so. [ because she wasn't, truthfully. she forgets how much time the others had spent above, in the castle, during her stay in the dungeons. it doesn't not bother her, but it is a quiet reminder. tiny children trying to incite open rebellion. ]

His affinity is for the High Mage, and Ambrose has taken a particular liking to his brand of loyalty. It's just surprising, really. The chaos he has access to is like nothing I've seen before. [ ugh jaskier says, and yennefer snorts a bit herself, the smile she has much more sarcastic, telling in ways that only jaskier can probably see. ] They were handing out titles like vassal states, after what happened there.

[ and then it is time for her to shoot jaskier a look. you probably like him. please. yennefer's eyes roll a moment later, as she continues, their feet casually taking them down busy aisles, performances and showings all around them. ]

I don't much care either way for him, though his magic is quite impressive, but he hardly cares for me. He's a bit territorial, you know, where it concerns Kylo. I think he sees me as a threat. [ which...wouldn't be wrong. still, it has yennefer shrugging, once. ] That and I got us both stuck in the mountains around the Singularity for a few hours.

[cointosser]

[He doesn't exactly answer that, if only because his offense comes from the simple act of... not getting what he wants. And being mocked for it. It's sort of funny, actually. This dislike lingers, but the reasons for it in the first place seem ridiculous to him now. That he could be so annoyed by something that doesn't matter.]

Yes, well, it must be so wonderful for him to be so terribly special.

[He wrinkles. Titles, even! Ugh. Well, Sam's got one too, so perhaps they're not the most terrible thing, even if Jaskier's esteem for the Free Cities is only mildly better than for Thorne.]

Oh... him and Kylo, is it? Oooh, I had no idea. Gods, that perfectly suits him. No wonder he followed Kylo about like a pup. A shame, you know. I tried to bed Kylo, but he was... [Jaskier gestures vaguely.] Much more interested in talking about lightspeed. Which is a thing, apparently.

[His head jerks to her with surprise and, more enthusiastically, curiousity.] You what? I must hear this story! Come on, spit it out. What were you doing out there? Taking him out to fuck the Singularity?

[Only a guess, considering how quick he was to defend all the bullshit magic it had cast upon them.]

[vixening]

[ the thing is - that had probably mattered a great deal, before the rest of it all. before they had their separate factions, before the war became so close. before the dream, and all that had come after. it feels a bit like a lifetime ago, these conversations, these meetings. plus- yennefer is hardly one to talk about holding tight to resentment, her own for ambrose evident even in the way she says his name.

and perhaps it is in the play of it, in the way cadence of jaskier's words. they are still in a place they can be easily seen, and they are being seen by anyone from his adoring fans to those who know of yennefer's standing, her place at the queen's side. whatever it is, this almost feels easy. almost like this could simply be it, even when yennefer knows nothing is ever that simple. ]

Oh- [ she says with some animation, a curl to her mouth. ] You didn't know? It's hardly a secret. Ronan and Kylo may as well be betrothed, with how little they are apart from each other. Though of the two, Kylo has greater plans for Thorne. Ronan, for all his loyalty to Ambrose, is more attached to Kylo than anyone else. [ there is something entertained and light in the way she laughs at i tried to bed kylo. something that both says i could have told you better and me too all in one. because there is no lack of attraction between her and kylo, either, and if it weren't for ronan's visible distaste and anger at her very presence, there probably would have been a great deal more much earlier.

and then, of course, there had been geralt - and yennefer's attention had been all but taken and held - but that's another conversation entirely.

at the sudden jerking of his head, yennefer audibly sighs - annoyed, not at him, but at the story she is willing to tell. ] No, gods. Ronan had mentioned that he could take me into one of his dreams, and I wanted to experience it for myself, but to do so he needed to be closer to the Singularity in order to pull the energy, and I told him I would take us there. [ there is...a momentary pause here where yennefer has to catch herself, thinking back on how angry she had been, at the idea that anyone could interfere with her magic in such a way. she'd been terrified, panicked even, and now...well. now look at her.

jaskier can probably feel the way her hand tightens at his arm, just for a single half-breath, before she forces herself to relax again. to push through, and return to the air which they'd been holding, gossip and all. ]

As it happens, my magic took us to the mountains just outside of the crater, and then would not bring us back. Kylo had to come and retrieve us.

[cointosser]

[If there was ever to be a meeting between them again face to face, he's rather glad this is it. Even if the topics of choice have been chosen to avoid any undue attention their way, it's... it's things that no longer matter. And that, because they do not matter, they are so easy to talk about. To joke about.

At least some things have not changed. Jaskier still loves gossip.

And he responds to it as he should: with a gasp, as if he's actually scandalized by such a thing. And then a laugh.

That is to mostly move past the idea of. Ambrose. As a person. He'd rather not think of him ever, actually. (He has the luxury, and his dear wife does not.)]

Who would've thought you were over there getting yourself into dangerous shenanigans? Wait. I know. I would have thought. I would know. [His hand graces over her knuckles, and it's as if there was nothing dangerous about this utterly fucking crazy act.] So you never went to this dream of his, I imagine? Sounds like a wonderful excuse to get you in the middle of nowhere so he could try to choke your -- your absurdly long neck.

[vixening]

[ he is right, though. that because they do not matter, they are earlier to talk about. to joke with. and there is something to say about the mere existence of it - that the conversation can be light enough for her to laugh, intelligent enough for them both to keep up.

jaskier gasps, and it is as over-animated as ever, but the laugh he follows it with...yennefer can't exactly say that the sound of his laugh is what makes her smile, but there is something to it. to the laugh, to their easy conversation, to the seamless way they continue to walk through the festival grounds. like they could be anywhere else. like they could be anyone else. ]

Good sir, I do not get into dangerous shenanigans. I am always extraordinarily well behaved. [ but her own grin is still present, still wider than its been in weeks. nearly a month, more than a month. she has lost track of it, the days blurring together, but this is still somehow the brightest moment she's had. ] No- we never did manage to get to the dreaming itself. And despite your very obvious fixation on my neck, he couldn't have reached it if he tried. [ she'd still had her magic, then. and whether or not her portals had or hadn't been working, it would have taken a lot more than an angry ronan lynch to get to her.

but now it is her turn to pat his arm, her brow lifting ever so slightly as she turns to him. ] And do you mean to tell me you haven't been getting up to trouble over in those Cities of yours? Seems a bit hard to believe.

[cointosser]

No, gods, no. Who would ever assume that Yennefer of Vengerberg thrives in chaos?

[Ah. Perhaps it wasn't the best choice of words, but he moves on immediately anyway, sweeping them towards the dining tent and into the next conversation.] Fixation? Who's fixated? I'm only -- I noticed it. There's nothing wrong with noticing.

[It's long, all right. Like a goose neck.

It's very pretty.]

Of course I don't! I'm a well-respected member of the citizenry, thank you. If my name is known, it is known with reverence. Jealousy, even! They've already begun singing my songs in the taverns, late at night. Perfectly respectable, thank you. I haven't even gotten my other arm blown up.

[It was only the once, for sure.]

[vixening]

[ no, not the best choice of words, but the flash of loss only lasts that - a flash. because jaskier is moving on and yennefer can focus on the jump of the conversation, on the sound of conversations around her, on jaskier's arm - his actual arm, him, not just some version of it that she'd seen in the horizon - under her hands.

i noticed it he says, and yennefer's brows lift. and - as if to punctuate the movement - she does tilt her head, leaning it as if to accentuate it just a bit more for him. the collar and bodice of her dress that she's picked today does show it off well, she knows. it had been part of the reason she'd chosen it. ]

Only noticed? You're certain that's what you'd like to call it? [ her smile is curled with the exact implication he can probably bring to mind himself - of their time in the horizon, before everything had gone to shit. about the nights they had spent together - because she knows, as well as he does, that they'd done a bit more than noticing.

still, she does settle back into her place at his side as they continue - relaxing back into a gentle pace as she just nearly laughs. her hands, where they're curled around his arm, do run along the fabric of his sleeve, though it seems to be less of an intentional movement, and something more subconscious. seamless. she shakes her head. ]

Oh, of course, of course. Definitely respectable. And I'm sure all the taverns singing your songs are filled with the very same members of the citizenry you so clearly represent. But I am glad for your other arm. You've only got so many limbs to explode in a lifetime- wouldn't want you checking off the list too soon.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier grumbles some noise in response he's surely learned from Geralt that could either be affirmation or denial. It's pretty and perfect, like the rest of her, but with their teasing back and forth now he'd be mad to confirm he thinks any of her attractive.

It feels like years now that she held him down. Blindfolded him. Pulled his magic back out of his ass. Rather literally, almost.]

They're lauding those same limbs, by the way. As they should. [Now it's a tease, and despite himself, he leans into her. Like Himeka, but this feeling is so much stronger; they have shared something that he cannot truly share with anyone else, even Geralt. They are... together, they are something special.

Is it just him that thinks so? Gods, he dare not ask.]

I'll have you know my latest experiences have matured me greatly. Not that I wasn't already fully matured. [He's always quick to patch up any holes in his speech, lest she find a new barb to plant.] And while I'd love to beleaguer you with more tales of my song, is that all you've been up to? Getting lost in the mountains and fucking about with silly boys?

[He can't say he's actually done much more. He certainly does his fair share of fucking about with silly boys. And ladies.]

[vixening]

[ the noise that jaskier makes is very geralt-esque, and it's really only the long history between her and geralt that yennefer is able to cover the way it makes her chest ache. it is easier, and thus yennefer leans into that, to focus on the very specific and very obvious moments that jaskier has made that obvious.

his tease does earn a small huff of a laugh as he leans into her, and gods, gods is it appreciated. the touch, the shared memories, having someone here who she doesn't have to present for. who knows, without her saying a word. part of it is the exhaustion of her part in court, of the life she has built around herself in thorne, but it's also more than that.

it's the feeling of being lost, the feeling of being on her own, and how it had been jaskier's words that had reached her first. jaskier's bird, who sits on her shoulder even now. jaskier who makes it feel like she can take a full breath, even more than geralt had. so yes, as he leans into her, she does lean back. walk alongside him pressed much too close than would be expected, normally. but she doesn't care. can't care.

( no, it is not just him. )

her brows are already up by the time he corrects himself - or, rather, patches his words, a barb already prepared in the back of her smile. she lets it pass for now, lets him continue on with his question. ] Ugh, crude, and I hardly fuck boys, thank you. [ because she recognized the double meaning in his question, and she feels the need to make it known she and ronan are doing no such thing.

but then, barely a breath after her words, there is a kind of stilling of yennefer's expression - a sort of hollowing behind the expression. ] Ah- yes, well. [ he doesn't care about her court dealings, and prior to that most - if not all - of her free time had been spent in the horizon, trading between geralt and ciri. despite the order of events, those moments almost feel longer ago, and that distance seems to grow between her ribs. it does hurt, almost as if she allows it to, for just a brief moment. her grip on his arm the only think keeping her steps from stuttering. ] I have been a bit. Ill. These last few weeks. [ because of course she is still on guard, even here, even just with him. ]

But I wasn't going to miss the summit.