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

[princessvegas]

Yeah, but then most of us who got locked up ran away when we got busted out. Nearly everyone that stayed got treated all nice when they were Summoned. And now, there ain't very many of us originals left to tell the story, so they're sweepin' it under the rug.

[ So many of the first two groups have disappeared. Only a few have returned, all without their memories. At what point will they all be erased from Abraxas's history? When all that's left are those who were treated kindly, or indifferently, at worst. When no one remembers those who were punished, thrown in a dungeon without so much as a word of explanation why. What will the face of this cold war look like when there's only people with an incentive to actually help?

She squints at the bullets, which look far too long to her. She can only assume they're for some kind of rifle, but how could he ever hope to steal one of those under these circumstances? No, he must want a handgun, but what the hell kind of pistol can take those? The skepticism is written on her face. ]

What, you got some kinda magic bullet power? 'Cause it's not a bad power, just kinda useless if it don't come with the gun too.

[ Glancing up, she snorts at his arcana. It does figure that they match, despite it being one of the rarer arcana, as far as she can tell. ]

Y'know, they never really told me much about it. When I got here, some asshole said "Wheel of Fortune", then "take her away", and that was it. Only thing I ever got outta anyone is that I guess some natives think it's the luckiest arcana. And I don't think it's real common like some of the others, I've only ever met a few other Wheels.

[itookashot]

Do we know why people go back, then? Could it be Thorne intentionally sending away people who can call them on their shite?

[ It would be logical! Get rid of anyone who can point out how they messed up, bring in new people who have no idea and have an incentive to help them out. Jesper himself avoided signing up to help the Free Cities unless he has a very good incentive too, like $$$$$, but he did meet a few people in the barracks who were already prepared to help out or sign up for the army even. He doesn't know how people go, only how they come.

He is concerned about the whole locking up thing, but he already was pretty sure Thorne was full of it and not worth getting involved with. They might have some fancy food and shiny objects, but it's not enough. Free Cities wasn't paying his way here, otherwise he'd be suspicious of them too.

The bullets are long and would suit the rifles he stole them from, but he can also change their shape and size to whatever he wants. It means he'll have to spend less money than most people on bullets. Not that he's going to admit to that. She is right on the money about that but Jesper's so used to pretending he has no powers that he just shrugs. ]

You're right, it would be useless without a gun.

[ Neither confirming or denying although the assumption is there. And that's why he needs a damned gun. He stuffs them back into his pockets. Jesper is a bit surprised about the lucky part. ]

I have been called lucky, so that tracks.

[ He's the one who always ruins his luck for himself. He has gotten out of situations and scrapes many times when he shouldn't have. The times he loses are his own fault, not that of lady luck. ]

And I like to spin wheels of fortune, we have those, part of our gambling.

[princessvegas]

[ She sighs and shakes her head, turning and beginning to walk towards the direction she last remembers seeing people sell wine. She gestures for him to follow. ]

Nah, it ain't that simple. We don't really know for sure how it's happenin', but we think it's the Singularity sends people back. Maybe somethin' to do with our connection to it. But it can be anyone who disappears, not just people Thorne brought, or who live there.

[ If only it were so easy, to know what happens when people vanish. But the first person Julie ever knew who disappeared had been one of the ones that Thorne wanted, had pampered and doted on. So she knows for sure it's not that, it's something bigger.

One thing about being evasive with someone like Julie is that she knows when it's happening. Her existence depends on reading people, getting what she wants out of them -- it's easy for her to pick out a non-answer masquerading as an answer. So she looks at him from the corner of her eye, picking out the thread that he doesn't have the magic bullet power that she'd jokingly suggested, but he can definitely do something along those lines. Conjuring small objects, maybe. Really, she just doesn't care enough to continue questioning it. ]

Y'all get a gun, you're gonna make a target of yourself. Far as I can tell, they're real rare outside of the army, so you havin' one means spotlight on you soon as they hear a shot go off. But it ain't my ass'll land in a cell when a stray bullet hits a kid, so I guess save your pennies and see what you can find on the black market.

[ She comes from a world where there are only two options for staying safe -- either you stand out so much that you gain power and influence, or you blend in well enough that no one gives you a second glance. She's always been more on the side of the former, but the latter is just as well, maybe even better in a city like Cadens, where it's easy to disappear. She didn't rise to the top of her new society because she gets easily lost in a crowd, but then again, she wasn't trying to go against the rules of New Vegas, either.

With a dry scoff, she snorts and enters the tent of a Thornean vintner, pulls a silver from her coin purse. Wine is something she can justify spending money on. ]

Yeah, some people call me lucky too. I say it depends on your definition of luck.

[itookashot]

[ Jesper follows without any hesitation, always glad to make an ally, and one that seems to have info and a very clear mind. She's being up front and he likes that in a person, albeit with the knowledge there's plenty not being said too. It'd be weird if that wasn't the case, but he's getting more info than others have offered, so it's all good. ]

So they bring us, and the Singularity chooses who stays and who goes? Interesting. They really can't control it then, it's like throwing a bunch of darts at a board and hoping a few stick.

[ That must be frustrating for the higher-ups here. He likes that. He doesn't even know them and he likes it. Jesper is in no way above petty delights, like the powerful getting knocked down a peg. ]

That's a bit unfortunate though, that we can't control it either. A friend of mine was here and he's dead back home. I've looked everywhere for him, but I think he's gone.

[ Jesper didn't get to see Matthias at all, actually. Inej told him to look for the grumpy former enemy soldier, and he went everywhere in the city, asked questions, tried to find him. Nothing. He's accepted he's probably gone before a reunion happened, and maybe in a selfish way that's for the best. It stung enough the first time, no one wants to lose someone twice.

Though he also wonders now if there is a way to convince them to bring specific people too. On some level he wants that, but hoping his boyfriend gets stolen to another universe is not very selfless. So he's not going to ask. Just low key hope.

She is right about making a target when you have a gun, but he has his ways of masking, and it also means he'll be a target that can take care of himself. She's smart though, very smart. He can tell that straight away.]

My bullets don't stray, but you make a very good point. Though the art of being a good sharpshooter is not having to shoot bullets, just keep the threat of them ever-present. Keeps people from acting stupid.

[ Sometimes the threat is enough. He follows her into the tent and glances around, an immediate quick swipe of his eyes, looking for threats to either of them. If there was one, he would step between her and it, strangers though they may be, it's an instinct. But it doesn't seem that way here, luckily. He'd like to have a drink. ]

I'm alive, that seems lucky enough. I know it's a low bar, but it's one I always value.

[princessvegas]

[ She grabs a nearby table and sits, and they're quickly brought a bottle of wine and two goblets. When she pours, it is an extremely liberal pour, because she is the kind of person who usually drinks straight from the bottle. It's a complicated subject he's asking about, and she needs a sip before she can address it. ]

Yeah, that's the way it goes sometimes, but god knows he might show up again in a few weeks, so. [ She shrugs a little. ] See, the thing is, none of us know exactly how it works. In the beginnin', only Thorne could summon, and it seems a lot like they didn't have much control over who they got. Solvunn and Cadens figured it out after some of the original group got there and ran their fuckin' yaps about it, 'cept I think they somehow figured out how to pick who they got. Thorne figured that out too. But I don't think it's a door they can really hold open at will, if that makes sense? I mean, I think that, when they summon, they're basically usin' a crowbar to open this door in the Singularity, and they were just stickin' their arm in and pullin' out whoever they could grab before the door shut again. But the Singularity, I'm not sure it really wants us here. So when people get sent back, or whatever's happenin' to 'em, I think that's the Singularity tryin' to correct itself. The only difference now is that the idiots figured out how to open their doors in a specific place and time, 'stead of just whatever they could manage. [ There's a pause and she takes another drink, her brow furrowed. ] But that's just what I think, based on talkin' to the others.

[ She's by no means an expert. By this point, she has sort of discerned that her connection to the Singularity is far stronger than most other people's, but that only gives her a minimal amount of insight. Her path in pursuing that connection has been very different from everyone else's.

But his follow-up makes her snort, perhaps a little derisively. ]

Yeah, that works on dumbass street toughs or whatever. But y'all ain't gonna stop the goddamn government with one gun and a handful of bullets, and I guaran-damn-tee you that if one'a these natives runs off to tell the bigshots that one'a us is skulkin' around and bein' a threat, they'll send the army after us. Probably all of us, which really ain't a game you should be tryin' your luck on, but even if they just come for you, you ain't got a prayer. Trust me. My world, my country, it wasn't that far off how they're runnin' Cadens. Military state, basically, biggest in the whole history of the world. It's... it's somethin'.

[ Not something good, based on her tone. She watched her government use the military to accidentally destroy ninety-nine percent of the human race, watched them scramble and lie to the world public in the aftermath. She has no trust for the government of Cadens. ]

[itookashot]

[ Jesper waits for her impressive pour; he's a social drinker, rarely doing it on his own, so these are times when he gets to indulge a bit. He listens to her attentively as she talks, taking in every detail she gives and noting it. She's a fountain of information and very direct opinion, and that is always appreciated. He's completely spellbound by her explanation and nods to show he's listening. ]

Maybe the Singularity is doing it because it knows we don't belong here. That could be messing with the way things are supposed to be. We've changed the fate of this world by existing in it, if the Singularity is supposed to balance it, we're the problem.

[ He pauses and then shrugs. ]

Well no, we're not the problem, we're the symptom. The people in power are the problem, but it might not be able to get at them.

[ They belong here after all. It's a vague sort of theory, but Jesper's never really dealt with the idea of a multiverse or fate or worlds supposedly being the way they are. Their magic isn't even technically magic the way it is here, and the concept of alternate worlds is something he's never heard of, not even at the academy. ]

I think we should probably stop fucking with the Singularity, if it doesn't want us here.

[ That seems pretty damn obvious, why poke the magical bear? Jesper doesn't want to poke it, thanks. While that may conceivably lead him back home, where he'd probably be much better off, it could also just kill him. And he likes being alive, including alive here. This makes him think a lot about jurda parem and how experimentation can go the worst possible directions in the hands of bad people.

He believes her when she wisely points out that his arrogant sort of approach to having power in his hands doesn't help big picture. But Jesper only knows the gun, what else does he have otherwise? Technically, a lot of power at his fingertips, far more than any firearm, but that's not something he likes. He does go more serious though, twirling the pendant in his fingers. ]

In my world there's a version of that. People with special abilities, they're called Grisha, they don't like it being called magic but it's easier to call it that here. There are only a few options for them. The army finds them when they're children, they test them young and take them from their families. They're trained to fight and die for the army, for people who don't really care about them or even hate them for existing.

[ Jesper speaks with some emotion other than easy warmth on this, very somber. That was his future, until his father hid him. It was personal. ]

Some hide. Some get captured by the enemy, who kills them immediately. Some get hired by people who use them for their skills, but always live with the fear that it'll become capture, caught like a rabbit to be used or sold. Even with powers, it probably isn't enough.

[ Jesper was hired, and he knows in his heart that Kaz would never betray him, never let anyone lay a hand on him, even when they were fighting. But his powers were secret for a reason. Kaz would protect him by any means necessary, but if the wrong people came for him, it may not be enough. So it's still a secret, outside of certain people. He realizes he may be speaking a little too personally and forces a smile. ]

Our worlds are trash for some people, huh?

[princessvegas]

Yeah, you're preachin' the fuckin' choir on that. Last time I told someone we shouldn't fuck around with the Singularity at all, the bitch told me it was more important that she gets to go home to... I don't know, defend someone? Whatever. The point is, "not fuckin' with it" means things gotta stay how they are now. [ She takes a long drink, then gestures with her goblet. ] No more summonin', but also, not tryin' to force the Singularity to put us back. If it wants us gone, it's gotta make the decision, not us. I mean, we don't even know that the people who disappear are goin' home. They could just be fuckin' erased altogether. How's that any better than bein' stuck here? All these assholes think they're gonna get dropped right back where they got plucked from, but no one knows. Dumbasses.

[ HEY JESPER DID YOU KNOW THAT JULIE MET YOUR FRIEND it was not a pleasant conversation. Julie's frustrated with the bizarre obsession so many people have about "going home" -- not only is it an unknown, not only does she not want to go back, but it's also again playing god, trying to bend the Singularity to the will of man. She has seen what happens when people play god. She dreads the idea of what happens when the Singularity decides to play back.

She listens with a grim look on her face. The only thing he's saying that sounds truly foreign is the part about magic; it's the one factor that never had to play into the world she grew up in. But drafts, forced enlistment, it's nothing new. She has no memories of a time where the United States was not at war, born late enough that she was barely in elementary school when they'd gone back to war in the Middle East. It has been a constant in her life, the military propaganda, the signatures of boys barely out of her poor, rural school before they shipped out for promises of free college and a car. ]

They stopped the draft, where they made men go to war, but that's because we had enough folks with no other options anyway. We didn't have magic back home. Probably for the best. I've seen what they managed to do without it. If all they had to do was walk through kindergarten classrooms to find livin' weapons, we'd've all been fucked decades before I was even born.

[itookashot]

You're right, if the Singularity sends us back, there's no real reason to think we return exactly where we were when the mages did it. Two separate entities, after all. Though if we do just vaporize, it's not as if any of us would know or care at that point. Also arguably them trying to push the Singularity for their own reasons could vaporize everyone else. So very single-minded.

[ Jesper really doesn't want to die, but since it's out of his hands, it's just more logical to try not to die in his average day! He can help that, but magic, he really doesn't want to mess with. He's been avoiding magic his entire life, while he is a very curious person, he doesn't want to poke the bear. Unless he gets hella $$$$ for it and a good reason. He believes Julie's right, he nods as she talks. She seems to have a very clear head about this.

It's much more rare for someone to have a good conversation with Matthias. Jesper's had maybe one in their entire time together, the man is very difficult. Was, difficult. But he still was one of them. You can't always love every member of your found family, only tolerate them. ]

Only men? One of the countries is like that, very macho man-centric. Those with abilities it doesn't matter what you are, as long as they can use you. I'm talking people who can throw fireballs, create hurricanes, control darkness and pure light. One of them could kill a dozen people without trouble. My friend Nina can cause a heart attack or make someone suffocate with a little focus and effort.

[ So she's absolutely right. Living weapons. The Darkling and Alina were rare exceptions in their powers, but he's seen the power of every day Grisha. Nina could stop people in their tracks, it was always incredible and alarming to watch how she did it. And now with her new powers, who knows what she's capable of. But they're still people. Individuals caught in this situation, most of them barely older than children, like her, like him. ]

But there are mages here who I'm sure who could do the same, and they don't fear them here, not the same way. I wonder why that is.

[ Fear of the powerful seems so instinctive, so the lack of it is curious. He's sure SOME people are afraid of magic, Free Cities doesn't have a whole lot of it, but not the way his people are monsters in the night. ]

[princessvegas]

Y'know, when the natives of this world get too close to the Singularity, they just sorta disintegrate, at least the way I heard it. I don't know why so many people think we're that much different. It's one thing if we vaporize one by one, through no choice of our own. It's a whole 'nother thing to push it until everyone goes down at once. I've seen that. It's not somethin' they should want.

[ And even worse is the thought that they, the Summoned, are that different. That they're an exception to the rule and the Singularity won't destroy them. But she was the exception before, stayed standing while every person within a hundred miles of her dropped dead. It's so much worse to remain living.

Her head tilts side to side as she squints, trying to figure out how best to explain the casual, omnipresent sexism in her world. ]

Mm, well, we ain't had the draft for like, sixty years? Women can join the military, go to war and everythin', they just don't get forced into it. Not in my country, anyway. Part of it is just, y'know, shitty men bein' sexist like they been since the dawn of time, but also, a long time ago, we would have wars that were so big, they took basically all the men away. Someone had to stay behind and keep the world goin', watch the kids and work in the factories. So it's more complicated than just men bein' macho, but like... not by all that much.

[ She shrugs. It's not exactly the worst issue regarding sexism that they had been dealing with in her world, at least prior to Captain Trips. After the superflu, shit did get substantially more severe for women who were trying to travel, survive on their own. Men kidnapping women and forcing them into sexual slavery wasn't uncommon, especially outside of the few remaining cities. Wasn't exactly uncommon in them, either. Living through the apocalypse sucks doubly hard for women, as it turns out.

But she brightens a bit when he thinks out loud about magic, because that's something she actually has insight about. She often doesn't, so it's always a nice change. ]

Oh, I can shed some light on that! [ She holds one closed fist out, then turns it over and opens it. Above her palm, a ball of flame quickly materializes, then twists until it's in the shape of a kitten, tail twitching as it licking its paw. It disappears as quickly, and she withdraws her hand. ] See, Free Cities don't like magic, but there's a lot of it to go around. Anyone can learn how to do it, at least in Thorne. Solvunn too, I think. Like I said, my world didn't even have magic.

[itookashot]

They disintegrate? Then why are they trying to fuck with it? I'd leave it alone entirely if that were the case, they're asking for mass disintegration at this point. So they summoned us here as test subjects to mess with the thing they can't?

[ Jesper looks concerned and sounds slightly incredulous. It's a little insane, honestly! The Summoned were brought here for that reason, and he wonders when they figured out that they wouldn't die instantly around it, the same as the civilians here. Did they just luck out that it worked that way? Jeez. He's heard of leaders caring very little for the people they put into the army or who fight for them, and technically stealing people from other worlds would make very good lab rats. Then no citizens die, only these strangers.

Listen, Jesper understands seeing something shiny and wanting to poke it, although he is not someone who needs to comprehend everything that happens. If someone can explain the Singularity to him, he'd probably listen, but he is not going to study it either. He just wants to roll with things and stay alive. And poking the magic is clearly a dangerous idea made by idiots, in his opinion. He has a bad feeling it won't be the people in power who suffer when it goes wrong. Typical! ]

Yeah, Fjerda doesn't let woman fight in their army, although they did recently steal some Grisha to use for their own reasons, but they don't see Grisha as people.

[ Which explains why they didn't mind doing horrible tests on them and seeing them become addicted to a drug that would eventually kill them. Women or men, that didn't matter, the power is what did. It's still strange to him to think Matthias was once like them. It's not that he's become an entire other person, he still had his weak spots, and he was a bit of a dick at times, but that level of hateful was what Jesper observed for himself in the man that died for their mission. He's glad he didn't meet him before.

Jesper brightens when she brightens since she has answers and he's fascinated, sipping his wine as he listens. Then she comes right out and starts using magic casually, which startles him. It's happening everywhere here, but he still didn't expect it from her. He smiles and relaxes, sort of taking in the reality that he won't be hunted down here. ]

So there's no reason to fear magic because anyone can do magic. Wow. Then I guess I don't have to worry.

[ He glances to the side and spots an empty cup on a newly vacant table, reaching out and it quickly lifts and zips straight into his waiting hand. It's not like he wants to keep a dirty dish though so he sends it back, a little more carefully so it doesn't fall over. ]

It's an easy way of getting items.

[ And that's one of the ways he ends up stealing. He can do it from pickpocketing and sleight of hand too, but there are few ways that can beat a very quick telekinetic pull when no one is looking. ]

[princessvegas]

I mean, I never saw it, but that's what I heard. The magic right around it is too strong, they can't take it. But I don't think we're test subjects, exactly. We're supposedta be heroes or somethin' like that. The head mage in Thorne, he says the Singularity is pullin' the world into itself, real slow, and that if Abraxas gets sucked up, the universe ends, so we're meant to stop it. Or at least most of us. [ Her assumption is that those left over from the dungeon are not expected to be particularly helpful. ] Not sure how, though.

[ It has never really been explained to her -- no one in Thorne bothered telling the imprisoned Summoned anything at all, and the Summoned who weren't condemned weren't very good at relaying the exact message. ]

But remember, shit was different when I got dragged here. Back then, they couldn't pick who they wanted, and it was only Thorne. I don't got a clue what they tell 'em now, or what Solvunn and Cadens say is the mission.

[ She shrugs. This is not her fight, and her only goal is to keep Abraxas peaceful and going long enough for her to live out the rest of her days here. She doesn't give a shit what happens after that.

Giggling with delight when he snatches up the cup, she claps appreciatively. ]

I knew you couldn't have a fuckin' bullet power, I just couldn't figure out what you did have. Now, you wanna be careful in Cadens, 'cause like I said, they don't like magic. Don't ask me, I think it's dumb as fuck, but it's not like Thorne, where they want people to learn stuff. Oh, have you been to the Horizon yet? 'Cause that might not be the only power you got.

[itookashot]

I suppose if it's desperate time and desperate measures it makes sense to do whatever you can, but arresting all of you was a stupid idea. You can't make people do what you want that way. Heroism, money, power, a return home, those would make sense to offer.

[ Then people who want to go would maybe work for them. Jesper agrees that leaving the thing alone is the best call. He would like to go home, but it isn't like he'll risk his life to do that, not right now. For Inej, he'd risk his life, for himself, eh, he'll see how things play out here. But he can hear Kaz in his head telling him not to trust those in power for a single word they say. ]

Ah, well, I am new, so what they tell us is that these are dangerous times and they need our help and that we're important. But then they don't ask anything of us or tell us what to do. Which seems counter-productive if you want people to be helpful.

[ So instead Jesper shrugged and wandered into the city and figured things out that way, he would've listened if they had more specific things to say in the barracks. Although he assumed they just wanted them to join the army, maybe then they would give more specific answers. He should ask Sephiroth if he's heard more since he joined up. That might be a good idea. But Cadens is new to this, maybe they don't know what to say or what they want yet.

Jesper grins widely at her at the clap and playfully rolls his hand as a ta-da and half-bows. It is so rare that he gets to use his powers without being terrified, but he doesn't feel scared with her there. Maybe he is quick to relax around fellow roguish types. ]

Don't tell anyone here, I've been hustling at darts. It all seems doable, that's the game.

[ Jesper does have incredible aim! That is true with or without his powers, he could make 85% of his shots without any help at all. But that 15% is the hard ones that get the most attention, so he needs them. Jesper fishes a bracelet out of his pocket and shows it to her. His tricks really are pretty subtle, if no one is watching, they wouldn't notice. His fingers touch it and it suddenly seems to turn into putty, soft and loose, mixing together. The shiny gems and metal mold together and turn into a pendant instead, firm again and newly formed. He sets it on the table between them.]

I haven't noticed any new powers yet. Did you have the fire before or is that something you got here?

[princessvegas]

That was the dumbest part, it wasn't even all of us. It was totally random, when we got brought here, the guy just said we were either guilty or not, and never explained why or even what we supposedly did. And then, they let all the ones that they liked stay upstairs and come visit us, so they didn't have no reason to really help either, because they already saw how they might get treated if they failed.

[ Not that Thorne really seem to have much of a plan for how the welcomed ones were supposed to save them. Julie's pretty sure Summoning as a whole was an experiment that unexpectedly succeeded, and Thorne was caught off-guard at the time. Just a clusterfuck, and now they're stuck here.

She nods, takes another sip of wine, points into the air as she speaks. ]

You know how to play pool, sugar? I ain't sure if Abraxas has it, but I know there's pool in the Horizon. Just get your payment out here, and take it off 'em if they don't pony up.

[ But then again, Julie is also the kind of person who has no issues rolling right up on someone she barely knows and bullying them into doing what she wants. No one messes with a confident white girl who has unnatural hair.

She watches him... melt? the bracelet, then reform it, and this fascinates her far, far more than telekinesis ever could. She's never seen anything like it, and she's transfixed. ]

Dude, what the fuck are you doin' hustlin' darts when you could open a whole fuckin' shop makin' stuff like that? Is it that you can only do it with certain materials or somethin'? 'Cause I can think of like a billion different things to do with that.

[ She shakes her head a little, takes another drink, then holds her hands out, as if holding an invisible ball. Between them, what look like tiny puffs of smoke begin to accumulate, until they form a recognizable storm cloud, which lights up from within with lightning. She lets it dissipate before it rains all over the table. ]

Nah, the fire ain't a power on its own. That's just... magic, I'm best with fire and lightnin' so far. Like I said, I didn't have magic in my world, no one does. But yeah, I got somethin' from the Horizon. I think most folks do.

[ It's a less visually impressive skill, since it's invisible, but she reaches out with her third hand. From a nearby table whose occupants aren't paying attention, she snags their bottle of wine, quickly it brings over to herself, where she plucks it out of the air. Then she puts her hand on Jesper's shoulder, like she's standing behind him -- it is a fully functional, distinctly human hand, identical to her two others except invisible. ]

[itookashot]

And they never explained to you why they randomly separated everyone? They can't be surprised that so many people escaped when they had the chance. I hear that's how anyone got to Free Cities and Solvunn in the first place.

[ They ran. Jesper would have been one of them, without any hesitation. He would not want to stay in a place that randomly decides to jail people, he'd like to be jailed for actually doing something, thank you very much. As much as he loves fancy things, he loves freedom a whole lot more, so he would have likely escaped Thorne at this Summit if he was there instead. Something about royalty really rubs him the wrong way.

He's annoyed on behalf of the people he's come to know here, because that is Jesper's way of thinking. He is intensely loyal to people and they don't have to do much to earn it, just be interesting and engaging and he's hooked. Her explaining all this to him, having a good conversation, it's already getting him connected to her, whether she knows it or not.

Jesper's not used to showing off his gifts at all, though he is a natural show off, and her reaction to the real Durast abilities is interesting. Telekinesis honestly is an off-shoot of what he's actually doing, and he doesn't entirely know how to explain it but he considers. His mother told him, long ago, and Nina tried to tell him as well. ]

I'm manipulating matter, anything that has substance or form, glass, steel, wood, plants, a lot of things. It's actually how the telekinesis works, I can feel the object from anywhere and make it move. People who are well trained in it can take poison out of blood, make dead flowers bloom, and create bullet-proof cloth. I'm not there yet.

[ But he could be. Some day. He's untrained and he can already turn metal into liquid and modify firm objects into something else. Durasts aren't the showy Grisha, and Jesper knows they're not taken as seriously as the straight-up warriors, but he doesn't have to be a soldier. He just has to be smart. He hasn't considered how useful these powers would be in actually getting money, but she has sparked it in his head now. Maybe he's been going about getting coin the wrong way. She's a genius.

Jesper watches her do the smoke as well, a storm cloud, it's like multiple Grisha elementalists together. It's the type of thing he knew existed but he doesn't get to see it, since he always was in hiding. He blinks when he sees her pluck wine out of the air, it's not telekinesis but he knows something is supernatural, turning when he feels a hand on his shoulder. Only nothing is there. Fascinating. His eyes widen and he looks back at her, grinning. ]

That's brilliant. You're doing great it considering this is all new to you.

[princessvegas]

All they said is that we committed crimes, but like, we didn't even know where we were. And yeah, sorta? It was super crazy. These two weirdos no one ever saw before stopped the whole kingdom. All the natives were just frozen in place. Then one of the people opened portals, told us that Solvunn was neutral and Free Cities wants to destroy the Singularity, then gave us an hour to decide where we wanted to go. Nobody's seen those two since. Most people who were in the dungeons ran.

[ Julie's group being the only ones who ran without leaving the kingdom. Even if the real reasons they stayed within Thorne's borders fell by the wayside, it had served them well. They'd gained horses, magical knowledge, money. Gave themselves a leg up for when they finally did leave.

Last week. She's so pissed about it. But she can let it go for now. ]

I'm serious. You want money for a gun? You go find shit you can reshape, glass and metal especially, and sell it. People'll buy any kind of kitschy bullshit, little decorative animals or whatever. Jewelry, even just plain silver stuff. I bet these people would lose their fuckin' minds over a slinky. Someone's window breaks, you make a new sheet of glass in the perfect size, put it in. Your overhead's basically nothin'.

[ He could single-handedly create a real-life version of Etsy. If he can reshape that many different materials, he's a one-stop shop for trinkets. Maybe even more, if they have the right substances. Rubber? Goldmine.

She beams, pats his hand with her third hand and then withdraws it. ]

Thanks. The hand, I don't have to do much with. When I first realized it was there, I had to practice, 'cause it would do shit on its own, like it was only listenin' to the subconscious part of my brain. But it wasn't that hard to get control, and now it's just like havin' three all the time. I think most people's Horizon stuff comes a lot more natural or simple, at least the people who can figure it out. Some folks get weird useless shit like horns, and a lotta people can't seem to find theirs, but I think it's just luck as to how easy it is to work out. It's like gettin' immortality as a superpower. You wouldn't know until you, y'know, survive somethin' that should kill you.

[itookashot]

Two mages randomly showed up and freed all of you? And we don't know who they are after all this time? That's interesting. So there's probably another faction, isn't there? If they're not from these three and apparently independent.

[ Technically the mages could be from the three, but if so it seems like people would've known by now. Jesper likes when things aren't boring, and apparently the situation here really isn't. Not that he goes looking for strife, but he does sometimes look for trouble. He knows he would have gotten out of there immediately the same way everyone else did. He wonders if other people currently in Thorne who are new would have, if they experienced the same.

Jesper legitimately has not even given consideration to the ideas she's flinging at him right now, and it seems to obvious the way she's saying it. After so many years hiding everything he could do, outside of when Kaz needed him to use his gifts, he didn't consider lucrative ways to utilize them. It would've gotten him killed or kidnapped. Now it's like a door is opening in his head and it dawns on him, eyes widening. ]

You're amazing. I'm going to owe you one of those things for putting the idea in my head. Think of something you'd like me to make and I'll find a way.

[ Jesper will have to figure it out as he goes, find the materials, come up with ideas, but she's correct. He is stealing all these trinkets today, if he made them he could be the one selling them. Not to mention if he did ever want to be a shit about it, he could simply repurpose what he's stolen and it's likely no one would even know. He'll have to go forward with this in his mind.

He nods his head and thoughtfully sips, considering if he's shown any power that he hasn't had before, that he would notice. It really doesn't seem obvious to him if he has. But then again, Jesper has yet to have to run very fast away from a situation. If he does, he will be pleasantly surprised at a new helpful trick for escaping. ]

It's interesting the Singularity lets us have the Horizon, it's probably in charge of it, isn't it? All that magic. Maybe it doesn't want us all dead, if we're getting random powers and can make anything we want with our mind to live in.

[princessvegas]

I mean, I'm sure someone knows who they are, probably important people. The Head Mage or whatever. But the guy never told us his name, and the woman never said anythin' at all. I don't know about another faction, but I do know that it was a real big deal that they were able to freeze the whole kingdom. Apparently, no one should be able to do that. Like, it's supposed to be impossible to use that much magic.

[ She shrugs. This is all information she's gleaned third-hand, over many months, and she has no real way of knowing how true it is. She has also never actually cared -- that man freed her and that's what she cares about. If he ever shows his face again, she would love to thank him personally.

Her nose wrinkles with delight when he offers to make her something, though she shakes her head a little. The stuff she really wants is not anything that would be possible in Abraxas, at least not outside of the Horizon. But... ]

Tell you what. I just moved to Cadens, so I got a whole new place to fill up. Make me somethin' pretty that I can put on the wall. Dealer's choice, whatever you think is best.

[ When she takes another drink, her eyes squint a little, thinking. She knows, by now, that most other people don't understand the Horizon, the Singularity's magic, in the way that she does. She doesn't understand it all very well either, but she does have a much more intuitive way of interacting with it, working with it. ]

I don't think that's how it works, really. I don't... I think it's kind of like an animal. It doesn't have thoughts like that, it just -- it just kinda is. I don't think it really wants any of us dead, because it would need a reason, y'know? It's a real human thing, to actually want someone dead. Animals, when they kill, it's just an instinct, not a real want. And I think the Singularity has instincts like that. It's bein' forced to let us through, bring us into this world, and I think it's just fightin' back. But I don't know that it has such direct control on our connection with it, on like a daily level, if that makes sense. We can have the Horizon, the magic, the powers, because we're all tied to it.

[ She pauses, takes a sip, waves her hand vaguely. It's all conjecture. ]

I mean, I don't know. None of us know, for sure. It's... it's just what I feel.

Maybe can wrap here?

[itookashot]

Hm, and if they're from Free Cities or Solvunn, probably someone would've known them. I bet you there's going to be like a secret group or something, playing on the sidelines. Things are never what they seem.

[ Jesper's treating it like a mystery because it is, but he also has been in gangs and on the streets a long time, there's always another plan, another power. If the Free Cities and Solvunn didn't set up the rescue, someone did. And it'll just be a pet theory of his, who knows if they'll ever get answers, but he'll find it fun to speculate anyway. A conspiracy theory being born.

He flashes her a smile and a wink. ]

Oh you got it. I'll come up with something bright and fun, just like you.

[ He can't wait to brainstorm on it, actually. She has a really good vibe. All he needs is the inspiration and the material to stick. This is the second Wheel he's met and he feels like he gets them, somehow. It's just scratching the surface, obviously, and if they're at all alike it means they all have a lot of dark depths, but it's still there.

Jesper listens to her thoroughly, she really does seem to know her shit, whether or not she's guessing, he believes her. It's an interesting way of looking at it. An animal instinct but not an intention. They're tapping into something not because the Singularity wants them there, but because somehow they can. He's never been good at magic so he doesn't know if it makes sense, but he's heard no better description of what it all is. ]

I think you've just managed to give me the best breakdown of this entire situation in just one talk. I think I owe you at least a few more drinks.

[princessvegas]

[ Honestly, she doesn't know if they'll ever get a real answer. She knows what the crown in Thorne is capable of, and it wouldn't surprise her if they managed to secretly catch the interlopers, kill them off. If they're lucky, that is.

She chuckles and raises her glass slightly to him, folds her other arm on the table casually as the people she stole the wine bottle from notice its absence and begin looking around. ]

I'll hold you to it, but I'll warn you, I ain't a cheap date.