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

[lackingtalent]

There was, most certainly. Yet if I had, I would still be wondering if this body shares your old aversions. Fortunately, I am informed.

[His comment is light, breezy- intended to be a joke, and intended to have more added. One of the greatest pleasures to be had in conversation, to him, was wholly affectionate back and forths with this one. ...Yet what follows, the explanation of what happened to their people, does not spark joy.

It is to be expected, yes. Returning was simply embarking on a journey, and there was always a destination. Yet it's cruel, isn't it? Far too cruel, to be shattered unto so many separate (flawed) existences. To have pieces of yourself missing, and to never know.

That is Himeka's tale, he's certain. Even if she had (unknowingly) been a great deal more than just the two shards she had mentioned on the moon. But Fandaniel... Where the fragments of Hemera's soul are yes- incomplete, yet hale and well, Fandaniel's is all but destroyed. Both in what he recognizes of Hermes, and what he perceives as Amon. Utterly corrupted. Eroded by time, yes. But worse- bent and twisted nigh unrecognizably by cruelty, both experienced and wrought.

And what is recognizable is...
He reaches for the bottle again, refilling his glass.]

...Hades. [His true name, yes. But it is just them, and the next statement is important.] Be wary of him.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

Did you not think to simply ask?

[He knows - or thinks he can guess at - the answer, even as he asks it. But even so, he would have answered honestly if Hythlodaeus had. That, at least, is nothing he feels particularly inclined to hide. And it gives him something to focus on that isn't the matter of Fandaniel, if only for a brief moment.

A topic that, it seems, he is not yet going to be allowed to set aside, and he does not argue the use of his true name. Instead, there's something like a sigh and then he shifts so that he's facing Hythlodaeus proper. Though he cannot claim the conversation will be a comfortable one, it is nonetheless too important for him to continue speaking with his back turned to Hythlodaeus.]

He and I have spoken. Even prior to our respective arrivals here.

[A pause, as he stares into his wine glasses, as if he might find his next words there.]

We are - and were - known to each other. Fractured and dangerous though he is, it is a danger I have weathered for some five millennia.

[And one that he does not mean to let get the better of him now.]

[lackingtalent]

[That is something that would normally be funny to him. He could have asked before he slathered, yes.

But it was far more fun to give a warning too vague to actually be a proper one and to gauge reaction. And really, his dear friend's transcendent (it seemed) aversion to anything cold would have been a welcome tirade. For with it would come teasing- their light back and forth mutually exchanged in both Emet-Selch's (purposely) overblown complaints, sighs, irritation. Some laughter, most certainly... because oh, every rant, every sulk was always something he found so dear.

Yet the topic pales in comparison to the answer that comes of Fandaniel. And that length- no- that expanse of time.]

Five...

[His eyes are wide. Their kind, yes, did have the potential to live nigh eternal lives. Their bodies, their minds, were not ones that degraded with anything as simple as the slow passage of the years. And there was freedom they had in choosing when their lives as they knew them would end. Choosing when to begin anew. It was always their choice.

Or at least it was. Actually living that long indicates that choice was something stripped from him. And knowing him, really knowing him... He would never allow injustice to sit. Let alone the travesty of what happened to their world, the greatest injustice of all.

He shifts to allow Emet-Selch the space he needs to turn properly, and as he resettles, tucking his legs in close to remain close. His glass is placed down once more.]

...You located what remained of Fandaniel's soul in that man.

[Perhaps erroneously. He personally perceives the soul as all but dead. Something else lingers in place, something he views as parasitic in nature is now dominant.]

And- [Lahabrea was gone. Such was clear to him from his conversation with Thancred. The second seat, of Elidibus... nothing good must have come from his seperation with Zodiark. Which meant...]

You elevated him, did you not?

[A guess. But one that comes from his uncanny ability to see, yes. But also one that comes from his greater ability to survey. To take details- what Thancred had said about Emet-Selch, the timeframe mentioned, as well as what he knows about him as a whole, to come to the assumption, and a conclusion.

Which is that a man such as that had a use. And: ]

...It was for us. All of it. You never stopped trying to save us.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[Not even Emet-Selch's long stay in Garlemald had been able to change his aversion to cold. In fact, if anything it had very nearly made it worse, for all that it had also dramatically skewed his idea of what might be considered cold. Or at least, showed him the true depths of cold to which the sundered remnants of Etheirys had been capable of. But the topic moves on to more important matters instead.

He does not speak immediately though. Instead he summons a blanket with a snap of his fingers and settles it loosely around his shoulder - while he could just as easily have called his customary attire into being he find that he does not quite want to so soon after Hythlodaeus' ministrations. And only once the blanket is properly settled does he speak again.]

Yes. He was but one of a number we returned to some fragment of their original selves. Although most were not nearly so... unstable, afterwards. A flaw in who he had been, perhaps.

[Emet-Selch shrugs at that. The man who had once been Amon, prior to his ascension to the seat of Fandaniel, had been the only viable candidate they had found. But none of them could have expected what would become of him in the aftermath of that same ascension.]

But you are correct. Not once did I stop. Not once did I think of anything less than the salvation of our people. Of you. As had been my duty from the moment I first took the seat of Emet-Selch. To watch over our people, and the aetherial realm both.

[lackingtalent]

Mm, perhaps so.

[He has nothing to offer but the sound of his assent. For he does not know the mindset of the sundered peoples as a whole. The extent of his observations comes to a grand total of two people- Thancred, and Himeka. One of which seemed incapable of moving on from his bitterness despite his people being the victor and the other...

Well. He'll admit that he may very well feel a touch of affectionate bias toward Himeka that blurs any rational conclusion he can make.

Even applying what he has learned of the people of Abraxas to the Sundered feels disingenuous. They could very well be different beasts as a whole. But the point. He does not know, and Emet-Selch, most certainly, does. That, and he's never had any reason to doubt his insight.]

Hades...

[His true name again. For it is just them. Yet after, he finds that his words fail him. In the face of such a terrible duty, anything he could say is hollow, meaningless. He is not a man given to mute silence. Yet neither is he one for impotent statements to serve no purpose other than to fill the air. So, he moves his glass away- reaching over to place it safely upon some little table, the contents forgotten.

And he then reaches for the other man's arm and removes his glass. Should Emet-Selch be compliant, he would find himself urged unto a reclining position, amongst the bedding that fills the entire floor space. And he would find the recently created blanket held against him by Hythlodaeus' (clothed) form as he is embraced from behind.

And ah. Yes- Hythlodaeus does know he has no right. It is different from the small mistake he had made by touching his lips to his shoulder blades earlier. That was an errant thought put into action long before his mind had caught up. Fortunately, the other had not signaled an aversion then and there.

This is different because it is considered. It is deliberate- it is an act of intimacy. Intimacy which was no longer within his right. The passage of time dictated it. The choice he had made, even before the nigh eternity that had separated them demanded it.

And worse, his heart is pounding. If Emet-Selch were feeling charitable, he would (hopefully) ignore the faint thrumming of it against the center of his shoulder blades.

And, at the crook of his neck, Hythlodaeus' voice. Finally.]

You seemed cold.

[A mistruth, most certainly. Yet one that could likely serve the both of them well.]

You will stay like this with me for a while, I hope?

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[For all the Emet-Selch might never say as much, Thancred's bitterness is justified to an extent. Especially given that he knows full well that Lahabrea would not have been the kindest of individuals to have been taken over by. But that is not something he much cares to get into so soon after having needed to speak with Fandaniel. Nor does he much care to speak of something he is sure Thancred himself is likely to bring up, should there be sufficient opportunity to.

(He knows, of course, that the man does not currently reside in Solvunn. But that is hardly an impediment to conversation, if one should be determined enough or otherwise inclined to pay attention to the network the Summoned have access to.)

Still, he has thus far found the people of Abraxas to not be particularly dissimilar to the Sundered, at least in regards to overall temperament and general habit. But if Hythlodaeus should have chosen to not judge the one based on the other, that is hardly something he will hold against him.

Nor does he so much as bat an eye at the silence that follows the second use of his true name. He has meant every word of what he had said - as is nearly always the case - but he knows, too, that there is not much that could be said of the duty he has be tasked with. Of the long millennia striving ever onward for the sake of their people, their world, their home. Nothing that would not sound like it might be a poor attempt to fill the silence between them, and so he instead he simply lets that single mention of his name stand as comment enough, as Hythlodaeus sets his glass aside.

There is still a blink, and something like the briefest of frowns - out of simple confusion, rather than anything worse - as Hythlodaeus gently removes his own glass from his hands, but apart from that Emet-Selch makes no attempt to stop Hythlodaeus. The night has been long enough, and though he would have been perfectly content to continue to enjoy the moment as it had stood, neither can he deny some curiosity as to what Hythlodaeus has in mind.

Perhaps it's that surprise that has him moving surprisingly easily at Hythlodaeus' gentle touch. Perhaps it's something more; an echo of memories long past. But he does not resist, and does not deny the embrace, when it comes. How can he, when he has missed not just Hythlodaeus but this closeness? When he has felt that loss each and every day of his millennia-long duty? And though he cannot speak to whether or not it's still Hythlodaeus' right to offer it, neither can he deny the way some of the tension eases out of his frame at that simple touch.

Even if he will not speak of it, nor the way it is nearly a comfort to have Hythlodaeus' breath ghosting over the crook of his neck.]

Winter's chill lingers yet.

[He offers a brief shrug, as best he can with them in the position they are. Though he knows it for a misdirection, he is still cold. Otherwise he would not have thought to create a blanket as he had.]

For a while.

[Regardless of where they should happen to stand with regards to what had once been, he has not grown so rude as to pull away. Not now, when the arms around him are the ones he has missed the most.]

[lackingtalent]

[The sundered world's peoples, for this moment at least, are not that relevant. Not even by means of comparison. Not to him at least. Not when every iota of his attention is focused upon detecting any movement or of any shift that might signal aversion- or, knowing Hades beyond his seat, any begrudging sort of acceptance.

For lesser things- when the world was whole, fair- he enjoyed the begrudging kind like no other. There was a joy, an immeasurable joy, in seeing this dear man attempt to rein in his utter exasperation at this or that. Seeing him tut and grumble, roll his eyes, and be regardless drawn into situations he thought ridiculous- That joy was only surpassed by the rare occasion his composure failed and one of a very great number of long-bitten back, hopelessly, needlessly dramatic tirades spilled out alike a flood.

Yet this is not then. Their world is gone. And there was nothing fair about this one- or any alike it. This situation is nothing like that. And so he waits. He listens, he watches. And he is prepared to move should any indication of discomfort be shown. Yet he detects nothing. Nothing save for a small breath.

The only thing to be carried along with it is tension as it leaves him. He feels looser, just slightly. While Emet-Selch has been nothing but courteously pliant with him, the small amount of relief is visible in the other's soul. ...That, as well as a faint line, only one, smoothing out along his brow.

And so, emboldened, he presses his forehead against the other's shoulder, an accompaniment to the strong but brief squeeze that comes from him next. And as he lies there:]

Another failing of the mages of this world, I presume. These tents were billed as being of the perfect temperature for anyone's taste.

[A barefaced lie. He's perfectly fine. He is clothed, most certainly. Yet even were he shameless enough to uncover himself, he'd imagine he would still be perfectly content with the temperature of the air around them. He smiles, lightly- just to himself. For he is sure that Emet does not see him.]

I'd always imagined your aversion to the cold was something to do with your body. Yet even this one suffers so.

[He did not know the intricacies behind the synthetic vessels that served as the other man's skin. So he trails off, just briefly, his thoughts turning to a life he believes this skin might have led.]

...

[Enough of that. He continues- his arm separating from him and moving along where one of the other's arms splays out. Fingertips lightly touch the center of his wrist, feather-light against strong tendons and bone, before moving into a reasonably soft palm. The pads of his other hand's fingers glance the back of the other's neck- nestling gently into the nape of it- where his hairline starts. Curling. Uncurling. Slowly.]

...Even this one suffers the same peculiarity. Either you are extraordinarily unlucky, or I've had it quite wrong all along.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

I'm certain they did their best.

[He means it too, for all that he is well aware it no doubt comes off as damning them with faint praise. But even for that it is the truth - albeit the truth presented in such way as to preserve the lie the two of them have clad their actions in - even with some of his clothes removed Emet-Selch is not so cold as require anything else to maintain a comfortable temperature. And yet... he doesn't wish to so much as suggest that he's unwilling to remain as they are. Nor to suggest that Hythlodaeus' presence is unwelcome, when it's the furthest thing from unwelcome that could be possible.

Better still, Hythlodaeus offers another topic of conversation, and one that he is perfectly glad to turn to besides.]

This form is a replica of a man I encountered in Garlemald - ah, the northernmost reaches of the largest of the Source's continents. A land of mountains, and ruinous cold, where the natives struggled to find a foothold. A man who would have been used to - and to an extent adapted to - a colder climate.

[He remains largely still as he speaks, let Hythlodaeus's fingers explore down across his his arm and wrist to the palm of his own hand, and up into his hair. Which - as it should turn out - is very well-kept, for all that he had been largely disinclined to go to significant effort, prior to the world being Sundered.]

But regardless of what he might have been accustomed to - and what might transfer through the borrowing of his form - I still dislike cold.

[Which may, perhaps, raise the question of just what he'd been doing in the coldest reaches of the continent, but for now, Emet-Selch opts to not directly address that question.]