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

[aquaveiled]

[ Alive and well. That is good news, the best news she could have hoped for it. It ebbs some of her worries that his disappearance did not mean his return and instead an unfortunate end. Though he isn't exactly returning to a pleasant situation, it's still home. Where they belong.

Seeing Thancred alone had been a boon and of itself, but this is icing on the proverbial cake. There's clear relaxation and gladness in her features at that reassurence.

Relaxation that dwindles when the topic turns back to Thorne. It's no secret what had happened at the onset of this mess, nor is Thorne trying to keep it that way, it seems. Surely they are well-aware that those who left the Kingdom still walk amongst the Summoned in front of them now?

Yet there still feels a need for discretion, something that Himeka may not be the most adept at at times, but she doesn't want to cause Thancred any unnecessary complications given his current assignment. ]

Back when all this summoning began...it was only in Thorne. But not all of us were deemed useful to the cause or maybe we would be too much trouble? Either way, we spent moons in the dungeons until an opportunity arose for our escape. A...painful opportunity.

[ Himeka swallows. Thinking of Relena still isn't easy. ]

A friend of mine, a girl named Relena had been taken without word. She'd been a cellmate of Estinien's and mine since the beginning. She was only seventeen.

[ Thancred can surely understand the sort of responsibility they felt for her well-being. Now she inclines her head once again, her voice a whisper. ]

She'd been missing for days and it was only in her escape and return to us in our cell that she...helped facilitate the escape for everyone.

[ She taps her lips again. More details with less ears around at a later time. Himeka straightens again. ]

Nearly all who were kept prisoner left and even some that were considered guests decided to leave as well.

[ There's a pause. Should she share it? Saving Thancred's mood is something she is considering, but he should know. ]

Emet-Selch was one of those.

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred takes care to remain silent as Himeka explains the situation, even as more and more questions spring up in his mind as she speaks. How Himeka, the Warrior of Light herself, could be seen as not of use and thrown into a cell is beyond him. True, she could be trouble, but it was almost always in a good way — because she was choosing to push back against something she believed to be wrong.

But she had been locked up for entire moons? What did those in charge in Thorne hope to gain from doing such a thing? It's no surprise, then, that there seem to be so many more summoned here at the summit that live in the Free Cities and Solvunn. It also begs the question of why anyone would have chosen to remain behind in Thorne — people such as Kylo Ren or Ronan.

Of course, it's the mention of a seventeen-year-old girl being taken under mysterious circumstances that rattles Thancred the most. He frowns, staring down at his hands clasped tightly in his lap. No doubt Himeka had been reminded of Ryne, seeing a girl so young locked up in a cell for no reason. Thancred desperately wants to know what had happened to this Relena when she'd gone missing, but he also doubts it's something that Himeka wants to speak of now. ]

To organize such an escape for you all — she must be quite brave. [ There's a wistfulness in his voice as he speaks the words, and Himeka won't have to guess at why. His head does tilt up at the mention of Emet-Selch, his expression turning more bitter for a beat. ]

Have you asked him why?

[ It's true that Emet-Selch, the "sorcerer of eld" himself, choosing to leave a place such as Thorne which prided itself on its magical prowess, was quite interesting. He may have decided to do so simply to follow in Himeka's footsteps and keep an eye on her. Somehow Thancred doubts that any sort of moral opposition had been the reason. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ Relena and Kay had been hard to ignore, reminding her much of Ryne and the twins. Capable and tenacious in her beliefs, someone that she felt compelled to protect and see that what she strove for could come to fruition. Relena had been a bit of Ryne and Alphinaud, while Kay had Alisaie's impulsiveness and zest. She became terribly fond of them very quickly.

And now they were gone, without a trace. Whisked back to their worlds, most likely, as one should hope. But she still feels a hole in her life here without them around, guilt-ridden as it may be.

She nods, smile sadly but fondly. ]

Much wiser than you would expect a seventeen year-old to be. She seemed the type to move nations.

[ When Relena spoke you wanted to listen to her. Himeka hopes that she's doing well.

As for Emet-Selch, well...she'd been suspicious at the time, but was more worried about Relena and getting her out of Thorne as quickly as possible at the time to really question it. Despite following them to Solvunn, he had remarkably kept his distance at the onset. ]

Not...explicitly.

[ She admits that much. ]

When he first found me down in the dungeons, it'd been like seeing a ghost. He remembered our battle...and not without his typical groaning, he did admit defeat and said he had no intentions of bringing ruin to this world. I suppose we found some sort of truce.

[ If she were honest a part of her hadn't wanted to end him, but it's the same choice she'd make again and again when it came down to it. His despair did not outweigh the lives that lived now that would be lost should his plans move forward. Himeka can empathize, but she won't forget. ]

I think he just followed me. Here, at least, our goals are aligned. If our stars are in jeopardy then he won't want to see the Source destroyed either.

[funbreaker]

[ The type to move nations. In that sense Thancred cannot help but think of Alphinaud as well, who had been too ambitious for his own good at first. He'd learned the lesson of what came of that the hard way, and ever since he's carried himself like a person well beyond his years. Thancred's proud to consider him a friend, and he knows Himeka feels the same.

The talk of Emet-Selch is far less to his taste, but this is all information he is better off knowing. It is good news that Himeka had been able to forge a truce with the Ascian, and yet Thancred finds himself bothered by it all the same.

Himeka brings up that Emet-Selch would not want to see the Source destroyed, and Thancred barely holds back a scoff as he turns his head to gaze off into the faraway crowds. ]

Keep in mind that is only because we assume if the Source was destroyed by the Singularity, it would not be on his terms. It would not be a Rejoining.

[ If not for that, Thancred can only assume that Emet-Selch would be more than happy to pick up where he left off before the Scions had stepped in his way. He squeezes one hand into a fist, then releases it with a breath. There's no point in shoving all of his anger onto Himeka.

Once he's wrested control of himself, he glances back to her, his expression imploring. ]

Don't let him draw too close. That's all I ask. [ Himeka is the sort who will put herself in another's shoes all too easily, and the Echo allows her to do that quite literally. Thancred knows that she feels for Emet-Selch's plight, despite her decision to oppose him when all was said and done. He'd rather she not forget what the Ascian is capable of, even when he is presenting a nice front. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ She knows that he says it not just because it's what he believes, but because he wants her not to forget. Himeka has a habit of giving people the benefit of the doubt, and though it took quite a while for Emet-Selch to finally break through her suspicions after his introduction, he had won her over. For a time.

Himeka would be lying if she said she hasn't eased into some sort of truce. When they first moved to Solvunn she had been more worried about her friends, but remembering that Emet-Selch was around wasn't far from her mind. Yet, bit by bit, he just became part of the community and less her problem. She reminds herself she needs to keep tabs, that though he said he poses no threat or ill-will towards her now, that his goals are ultimately opposed to their own.

She knows. Not all can be forgotten, even when he has made himself begrudgingly helpful. ]

Protecting the Source will always come first. As she is now.

[ She finally says, offering what she hopes is a reassuring smile to Thancred. ]

I promise, Thancred.

[funbreaker]

[ That much Thancred never doubted. For all the history, both remembered and not, that exists between Himeka and Emet-Selch, her priorities ultimately lie with protecting their star. She had not let her feelings get in the way of that when she'd been left with no other option than to cut Emet-Selch down.

The promise is more than enough, and Thancred nods firmly, accepting it.

There is much, much more that they need to discuss, and yet they have been sitting here for some time. Neither one of them is the type to stay idle, and so Thancred pushes up to his feet and turns to Himeka, offering his hand as a courtesy. ]

While there's plenty more I suspect we both need to share, what say we go take a look at what this summit has to offer for now? We'll have time to cover the rest soon enough.

[ And in a more private setting, he hopes.

What Himeka loves most is the joy of exploration, and while this will be that on a smaller scale, Thancred would not deny her that pleasure. He sends her the warmest of smiles. ]

And let me reiterate how much you are a sight for sore eyes.

fin!

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka takes his hand with a smile, standing back up with a happy swish of her tail. Though she's been suspicious about the true intentions of this Summit meeting, she would be lying if she said she wasn't keen about taking in as much as possible. The Free Cities, especially, are a foreign land to her despite the fact that they have so many Summoned. ]

I've heard they set up a tavern of sorts.

[ Yes, that is her first priority. ]

Let's meet there for lunch? My treat, if they require coin.

[ She's not loaded by any means, but Himeka has enough to buy food for pleasure these days. She keeps herself busy with odd jobs all around the commune. ]

Believe me...my eyes are much more sore.

[ So many moons, but after the loss of Estinien and the others...it's a guilty comfort she'll allow herself this time.

Because this is Thancred. ]