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

[londonbound]

[ Jaskier's embrace is warm and steady; maybe it's just because he knows this is real, but it feels somehow better than it had in the Horizon, more grounding. Rhy sighs, slumping against him, giving in to the urge to bury himself in that warmth. ]

I'm beyond helping. [ He laughs. Even muffled against Jaskier's shoulder, the sound rings hollow. ]

But if you're not careful, I'll drink you dry.

[cointosser]

[His heart clenches, and so do his arms tighten around his friend. It echoes, too harshly, things he's thought himself. And who is he kidding? He still thinks them now. He cannot be helped. He has turned into someone that... in some ways, he cannot stand.

He kisses Rhy's ear. It's a cute ear, as ears go.]

If you are, then so am I. Now I am very thrilled by the idea of always drinking away my problems, but perhaps we should find some limit here. I can find plenty of other ways to distract you outside of wine drinking.

[It's not entirely meant to be sexy, either. He can sing. Dance. He'll make a fool out of himself, even, if it gives Rhy a laugh.]

[londonbound]

[ It tickles a little. Not a bad distraction. Rhy lifts his head, still close, bumping his forehead gently, briefly to Jaskier's. ]

I suspect you do not mean a stronger drink.

[ Rhy sighs, closing his eyes for longer than a blink, considering. Jaskier is probably right. And it's not like he's ever quite sober these days anyway. ]

Will you join me in the baths?

[cointosser]

[He snorts. Fuck. He'd say the same thing, wouldn't he? Actually, he's fairly sure he has already. Stronger drinks. If he could, stronger herbs, spending his night smoking them on the floor of Julie's club without a thought in his head. Easier that way.]

No. I do not mean a stronger drink this time.

[He Looks Rhy in the eye once he lifts it from where their foreheads brush. Intimate, but gentle. One of his favorite touches.] Are you joking? Rhy, I would never turn down a gift such as that! Yes, I'll join you. I could be even coaxed into giving you some sort of massage. I've been told I'm very good with my hands, and I have a raw appreciation for lovely shoulders.

[londonbound]

[ A flicker of a smile. Rhy slides his arm into Jaskier's, giving it a squeeze, and turns them toward the direction of the baths. ]

That sounds exquisite. I already know you're good with your hands, after all. I think my shoulders should meet your standards.

Perhaps we can find a secluded little part of the hot spring. I don't think I'd like a crowd, right now.

[cointosser]

Ooh, flattering me again. You never stop.

[A smile. A small one, but he'll take it. He'll take it over whatever weight lays across Rhy's heart (that swirling darkness spilled across his chest.) He takes Rhy's arm, lifting his hand to kiss it. He does have lovely shoulders. And lovely... everything else.

A chance to show off the strength of his hands was a welcome challenge.]

I will chase all potential botherers out, I promise. [And so he does. Though it could not be call "chase" so much as he politely finds them a cozy spot alone and begins loudly, obnoxiously singing until the closest few bathers decide to move away or leave.

They're alone, for the most part, and Jaskier has cracked the knuckles in his hand.] Now you can relax. Melt, even. I won't mind watching you melt.

[londonbound]

[ It's not because Rhy is shy; he just wants some space. It's sweet how seriously Jaskier takes his request. And adorable how he actually goes about to fulfill it. While Rhy is stripping out of his clothes at the edge of the hot spring, the bard does his best to clear nearby bathers out by singing some sort of bawdy song -- and Rhy can't help but wonder if it's for his benefit in other ways as well, trying to cheer him up.

It actually works, even. He's smiling more genuinely by the time he climbs into the water, watching Jaskier with rapt amusement.]

Let it never be said you aren't creative, my friend. [ Rhy compliments him as Jaskier settles now that they're mostly alone on this side of the bathing pool. ]

Thank you. As for relaxing... I shall do my best.

You're already helping.

[cointosser]

[To Jaskier, it's almost always been to his benefit that he has so little capacity for embarrassment. Honestly, it works even better than he initially hoped with Rhy's reaction. He's all but eager to strip his own clothes and toss them to the side (neatly; unfortunately, in the real world, he's paid rather handsome sums for them.)

The water greets him warmly, yet still only half as warm as his friend. Jaskier beams.]

Oh, I do like to think I am creative, if nothing else. [And annoying, one might add, but annoyance can be weaponized in... oh. The most creative of ways.]

I'm happy to, darling. You take whatever speck of relaxation from this you can. [He hums a bit as he moves closer, into position for the shoulder massage he's already promised. And, perhaps, to steal a kiss upon his cheek. His fingertips glide across Rhy's shoulders, drawing a simple pattern of flying birds.] I could sing something a little more soothing, if you'd like.

[londonbound]

I'd love that.

[ Rhy sighs, leaning back into his hands, settling into the water and letting his eyes lower, nearly shut. If Jaskier had ever wondered whether the strange, circular scar over his heart was real or only in the Horizon, he'll have his answer now, though Rhy isn't even thinking of it. ]

You do have the loveliest voice...

[ There is another, though, that he's chosen to hide in the Horizon around Jaskier, when he is only there for distractions and a good time and not too many questions. He can't hide it in the real world, the faded scarring along his left inner forearm, clumsily scratched into an apology: sorry.

Rhy sinks lower in the water, letting the heat sink into his body. ]

[cointosser]

[He's beginning to think he could drown under these compliments if he only kept Rhy occupied enough to give them. He kisses the back of his neck gently, moving his hands down to his biceps from his shoulders.

At least the scar could so easily be some sort of painted ink on his skin. But as his fingers move down his arms, brushing a different scar, he peeks.

Like the initials carved in Nadine's thigh, he knows so much better than to ask. He does not let himself pause over it; he rolls his thumb across the scar, knowing Geralt has always responded to them getting attention, and then moves back up to his shoulders.

He sings. He chooses a little love ditty he wrote when he was quite young to impress the cook's daughter with his knowledge of philosophy. It's terrible, a product of his inexperience, and yet he is fond of it as one of his first steps into the game of love.

Sorry. What could he be so sorry for?]

[londonbound]

A lovely voice and hands just as talented at massage as they are with a lute.

[ Rhy observes in a murmur, tipping his head back. He pulls his arm away to shift into a new position, casual in the movement as though it weren't deliberate. Jaskier doesn't ask, and Rhy is grateful for it. He's never asked about the scar over his heart either. He is a gentleman.

Rhy takes his hand a moment, kisses the inside of the bard's wrist, lips lingering on his pulse. He sighs and closes his eyes, listening, and eventually lets go to allow Jaskier to keep working on his shoulders as long as he pleases. ]

...thank you, Jaskier.

Your kindness means a lot to me.

[cointosser]

[He laughs.] The lutes have certainly never complained.

[Right. So they're avoiding it. Still, if he's to bear the scars, Jaskier has no intentions of ignoring them. He's never done that with Geralt either, no matter how sensitive some of the questions were. How new some of the scars.

So he moves his hand over his heart, palming his pectorals (they're lovely, by the way), until Rhy pulls his hand away.

It's a sweet, soft touch.]

Yes, well. I could say the same to you, my handsome friend. [Rhy has never balked at the scar that covers his own arm, either. Even if one that is written must be much more personal.] I know the whole point of this is relaxation, but I want you to know that if something is amiss, whether here or in your heart, you can confide in me. If you think it'd help.

[londonbound]

[ Rhy leans back against him with a sigh. Maybe not the easiest position to keep getting a massage in, but he'll take an embrace just as well. ]

I'm not sure it would. Mostly, the trouble is I'm feeling homesick, and there's nothing anyone can do about that.

[ It's slightly more complex, but it all boils down to truth. He wants to go home. See his family again, and his brother. His city. To feel like he belongs and is there for a purpose he understands.

But he's sure most of the Summoned feel homesick in one way or another, so he won't bother Jaskier over it, certain the bard probably feels the same. ]

[cointosser]

[An embrace it becomes, really, even if he must stall the massage. His arms fall across Rhy's chest loosely, the man's head against his chest. It's comfortable in its own right, simply having skin touching skin, the heat of the water.]

Unfortunately, the only cure I've found for such a sickness is returning to where the heart craves.

[And they are stuck here, regardless.

Jaskier rests his chin against Rhy's shoulder.]

Funny. I thought I would feel it, too. And I do, for some places from home, but... when I left, a war had brewed. And the places I loved are not the same. [Bleobheris, a place he always considered untouchable, soiled by Nilfgaardian boots and racial epithets, carved into her beautiful trunk.] I've often wandered about as a traveler, and have always assumed if I did not have a home, I couldn't feel such sickness. But now I wonder if you found it, and lost it, does the feeling ever go away?

[londonbound]

Oh, Jaskier... [ Rhy lifts a hand to touch his hair when Jaskier rests against his shoulder, the angle less ideal for actually petting him but the touch warm, a brush of fingertips against his temple. ]

That sounds terrible. Missing the way thing were is a type of homesickness too, I suppose. One I also know.

I am sorry you experienced that.

[ Rhy tips his head closer, closing the small distance between them. ]

I've never been away from London so long. And never... alone. Whenever we made trips to neighboring countries, it was always with my father at least, not to mention a whole slew of dignitaries and valets and all that. I thought it might feel good -- the freedom of just being able to go somewhere on my own, just for a little while. But not like this.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier blinks, surprised by the touch. Not for how soft it is, but that it comes at all. Since Hector, he realizes, this is the first time he's brought up the state of his sphere. How much it truly weighs on him, even with distance and time between. Whether these are memories that have happened, memories Ciri crafted, or memories of what will come to be...

It doesn't make them any lighter. Any easier to bear.]

My apologies. This was never meant to be a morose night! And as much as I do enjoy making things about me, er, not quite in this case.

[And yet morose it stays. Perhaps allowing it to be that way is what they need right now. An opportunity to be. He would like to carry everyone else's burdens with no damage to himself, but it isn't realistic. Not when he has his own.

So he listens, his fingertips gliding thoughtlessly up and down Rhy's arm.] It's different when you have no choice in the matter. Especially in the way we were brought here. The least we deserve is dignitaries! [His lips quirk.] No matter how much I would like to believe in Destiny sometimes, none of this feels like how it was meant to be.

[londonbound]

You have nothing at all to apologize for, Jaskier.

[ Rhy continues stroking his hair, unwilling to move even if it's an awkward angle, enjoying the soft touches (and not really needing to look at each other's expressions, like this). A distraction might be what he wanted, but this feels more... necessary. A friend to talk to. It's hardly fair to keep using Jaskier to put his mind off of his own problems constantly without listening to his. ]

I have a habit of making things about me, too. You deserve your turn.

[ And as for the rest--

Rhy sighs, closing his eyes for a few moments, willing away the tears that prick behind his eyelids. ]

How are we to know what's meant to be? There are so many contradictions. How do we choose the right path? And are we right to change it?

[ His eyes open, blinking. ]

...I'm sorry. Morose and dreadfully philosophical. Our first time enjoying a meeting outside the Horizon, and I'm just being sad and boring at you.

[cointosser]

Yes, well. It's simply a habit we both share.

[He says with amusement. He doesn't mind. As of late, besides, he hasn't much wanted to talk about himself. The things he's remembered. Morose, as he said, and who wishes to sit around and hear that? Especially in such a lovely little bath.

Jaskier relaxes against him, against the wall. If they are to be tangled up, then he may as well enjoy it. And he is already, honestly. The hot water, the soft skin -- a wonderful combination.]

I don't mind philosophy. If detached enough from oneself, how could it possibly be morose? [Except those questions, he can guess, were about Rhy. What path was he on that he feared so?] Sometimes, I think, it is better to let go of fear, at least for that which we cannot change, nor control. But Rhy, if it helps, I think whatever you choose will be right. At least, right for you. I don't think you can do much better than that.