EVENT #7: THE SIGHT

[abraxasmods]

Event #7 - The Sight

go to the OOC event info and plotting post

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The night before APRIL 18, your dreams are disrupted by a vivid image of the same eclipse that occurred last month. The black sun seems to be an endless void in the sky, growing ever darker - until it suddenly opens into an eye that stares straight at you.

When you wake up, much of your night seems a blur except for the vivid dream of that eye. Whether you find it unsettling or try to ignore it, the image is something you cannot get out of your mind. If you ask, you will discover that none of the locals of your faction saw another eclipse. Speak with your fellow Summoned, however, and you may learn that while there was no eclipse that formed over the world, you were not the only one who had this dream.

Of course, dreams don't need to mean anything. You can't feel or see any immediate effects, and nearly everyone around you is going about their day as usual. Maybe you should do the same.

The Awakening

It might happen that very morning or a day or two later. You could be discussing the dream with a fellow Summoned or perhaps you simply brush shoulders with them as you walk by. Whatever it is, as soon as you make brief physical contact, one of you is struck with a sharp pain in your temple that grows into a terrible headache. It's disorienting and painful as the world around you shifts to someplace you may or may not recognize. Like an old film reel, you watch the events of the past play out before you: the past of the other Summmoned. It might be something they would rather hide, a moment of failure or despair, or something they are immensely proud of and brings them great joy - or even a jumble of several images over the course of a person's life. But you see it as if it were real and right in front of you all the same. When you come to, you'll likely find yourself on the ground or bent over, possibly with one or more people around you to see if you're okay. It'll take you a bit to gather your bearings, and the subsequent pounding in your head could last from minutes to hours.

Or, maybe you aren't the one who receives the vision. Instead, as you watch, another Summoned might grasp their head and crumble in front of you. They may go silent or groan in pain. They'll be impossible to shake out of their stupor until it's over. If you ask what happened, they may be inclined to tell you the truth - that you, you were what happened to them.

Or, if your Arcana signs happen to line up in a specific way, you'll see each other in the shared memory itself. You may also find that for certain Summoned, you can help soothe the effects, calm their emotions, or help draw them out of the memory before it consumes them for too long. It's not entirely clear what determines which effect, but one thing is for certain - within each memory, every Summoned as they appear in the past seems to wear the mark of their Arcana somewhere on their person.

For some, they might experience this only once. For others, they might experience it multiple times: with the same person, with several other Summoned, or with a different memory each time. Over the next 7 days, you'll find the Summoned around you are all receiving a glimpse into each other's past, as if the Singularity has awoken an eye within each of you.

Flee for the safety of the Horizon if you want, but you'll find that in there, it's much the same. In fact, inside the Horizon, the other Summoned don't even need to be anywhere near you - just existing in the Horizon space itself together will be enough to possibly set off a headache-inducing vision.

The Factions

What has occurred between the Summoned will not go unnoticed within the factions. While it's difficult to say how faction officials have picked up what's happening, it'll be obvious they do know.

In THORNE, characters will be asked to remain in the castle walls until further notice. Characters will not be allowed to leave the castle grounds, not even to go into the surrounding city, and anyone who is already outside will be requested to not leave again as soon as they return. If asked, they will be told it's for their own safety, given the Singularity is behaving unpredictably and the Summoned have a unique connection to it. Soothing potions and healers are on hand to offer assistance, if anyone is particularly suffering from ill effects.

In the FREE CITIES, characters will find the army by the outposts show more activity than usual. A higher number of guards will patrol the streets throughout the event, particularly in areas frequented by the Summoned. Anyone who publicly and visibly experiences the effects of the memory share (pain, doubling over, etc.) will be offered assistance by the guards. They are generally there to help, but they are also there to maintain order and ensure anyone behaving erratically due to this incident is properly contained. This might include confinement for a day or two if anyone is especially posing a risk, but no one will be punished except in the most extreme cases, as the locals are aware this is not within the control of the Summoned.

In SOLVUNN, the locals will be watching what's happening with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. Host families and neighbors will be on hand to help with charms meant to offer protection, as well as general care and assistance (soup, blankets, and so on) if your character seems to be especially under the weather or afflicted by the event. Towards the end of the event, more elders and mages will be out and about to check up on the Summoned to make sure they're doing okay. If asked, the mages will say they aren't sure what's going on, but that they are currently divining with the gods and hope to have a definitive answer soon in the upcoming days.

None of the factions appear to be doing much more than keep a watchful eye on the situation - but as the week comes to a close, officials will start making a decision as to what they want to do and how to handle the Summoned who have demonstrated this unforeseen connection to the Singularity.

Comments

[leitstern]

Indeed. But I advise you not to travel down that path.

[Jasper does not smile the way Hendrik might, his eyes narrowing in recollection of a man he struggles to comprehend. He could speak of being abandoned since before his master intruded into their lives. But he cannot fathom how to move on past the idea his thoughts had been guided along that path. So he chooses to advise and do what Carnelian cannot, trapped on Erdrea as he is.]

Regret is not a pleasant emotion.

[standvastig]

As I am reminded constantly.

[There was a point, sitting in the dark and wondering if King Carnelian would actually wake up after what happened in the heart of Yggdrasil, that he wondered if he was in fact cursed. Being a survivor of three fallen kingdoms was not a title that anyone should bear, and here he was with it in his middle age.]

That is why I said there is probably not much else to say. It is in the past.

[leitstern]

[The rather open statement hangs on the air. The look on his face as he leans forward shows his skepticism.]

Is it truly? Did you not wish to speak about the past?

[He says nothing for a moment and sighs in resignation. It seems he shall have to speak about the past, after all.]

You know it would be easier for us both if we were to forget about it. I thought the same, back when I followed Mordegon. Ergo why I doubt it should do either of us any good.

[standvastig]

I did not say anything about forgetting it.

[Hendrik glances in Jasper's direction before again turning his eyes to the gardens at large.]

I cannot fix things that happened in the past, but I can learn from it. This is one of those cases where I ... struggle to find much else to say. It was perhaps naive of me to think that our friendship would not change.

And then it did. Into nothing.

[That was how it had felt on his end, at least. Like a piece of fabric gouged out of a fading tapestry.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper lets Hendrik express his feelings, turning his eyes towards the marble floor, before turning them again towards the fountain. He listens to its water trickle and splash. He inhales in, out, in time with the flow. It is relaxing but only in the moment.]

Do you not think if it changed from something into nothing that it can change into something else? There are plenty of years ahead of us, you know.

[He realises what he said only after words have left his mouth. Time has soothed some wounds but it cannot solve the problem of his death. How might they ever plan to return home?]

[standvastig]

[The oddly hopeful words from Jasper capture Hendrik's attention, leading to him glancing over with a small smile. It doesn't fade as he averts his eyes again.]

I suppose it could. A few months ago, I did not think I would be able to stand being in your presence again.

[Not without actively trying to kill him.]

I will try not to rely on my assumptions of you going forward. We were very different people back then.

[leitstern]

[Hendrik turns his way, his small smile going unnoticed. Serenity fills the air and he notices a feeling of peace. It is fragile but better than what existed two, three months ago. His lips twitch and he feels the urge to smile - but the solemn mood of their discussion prompts him to frown in thought.]

Indeed.

[It takes him some time to settle in the mindset of speaking. Like Hendrik said, he did not think he would be able to tolerate his presence.]

[standvastig]

[As silence descends between them, Hendrik reflects on their shared past and his own words. They were very different in their youth, even into their young adulthood. But perhaps it was the threat of the "Darkspawn" that changed him so much.]

I remember being far more talkative. The both of us.

[leitstern]

[What can he say about that? He has always been willing to speak his mind - but with Hendrik he had been willing to speak as a friend.]

I do remember you wearing your heart upon your sleeve.

[Awkward. He wrinkles his nose. It serves as a beginning at least.]

The first time I saw you, at the castle, you were in quite the state.

[standvastig]

[Hendrik makes a face as he's reminded of those very early years. Even if it was understandable for his age, he spent a lot of time crying.]

It must have been memorable, for you to remember even now.

[leitstern]

[Jasper smiles to himself; a small twist of his lips. He remembers feeling alone and how it stopped within months.]

Why on earth would it not be? You cried every night.

[standvastig]

[There is a groan from Hendrik as Jasper states it aloud, and he shakes his head to himself. There might be some embarrassment going unaddressed here.]

Children cry. I recall you doing your own share of crying.

[Though Jasper was more likely of the two of them to explode when they fought.]

[leitstern]

You did more so.

[There is a childish argument in his defiance. The enjoyment of that part of their relationship that never seems to change. But also a need to avoid speaking about those fateful days over winter.]

I do not think I continued long as you.

[standvastig]

I would be surprised if you did.

[When he really thinks about it, Jasper was very good at hiding things even back then.]

Most of those years are something of a haze at this point.

[He can probably pinpoint memorable incidents, but not so much lessons and practice that took up their day-to-day lives.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper recalls incidents, small and large, in a matter of seconds. Their lessons have faded into his subconscious but some events are easy to remember. Like getting stuck on the church roof - and whose idea it was to scale the ropeways to get up there.]

Most but not all. You were very fond of following in my wake, so I recall.

[standvastig]

[That little reminder brings to mind something else about their early childhood.]

I was determined to beat you. In anything. In everything.

[Not that it happened. He didn't start beating Jasper until he started benefiting from puberty, and that was only in physical activities.]

It was something to do, even before we were friends. Counting how many times you would beat me.

[leitstern]

At six years old it hardly mattered.

[Distant years mean nothing. Today is what matters. The present and not the future, not that he expects a future back home. It is a nostalgic conversation but he speaks with caution and regret. His voice is cold and analytical, not full of fondness and optimism.]

Come the age when we became men, you would always beat me.

[standvastig]

In physical combat.

[It is a verbal shrug, though he should probably be more cautious in regard to Jasper's feelings. But he feels it's worth mentioning.]

If we had been fighting all-out, I have little doubt you would beat me.

[leitstern]

[The words offer comfort but with his past they ring false. There is a flash of hurt and discomfort on his face before it is submerged by cold neutrality. The discomfort of bearing his superior height and weight upon one knee, wings covering his body as his demonic hand slams the floor.]

On the contrary, you defeated me. You cannot bear that as an excuse.

[Honestly, the Luminary and his companions had not mattered at all. It had never been personal with them far as he was concerned - until Hendrik began journeying with them at least.]

[standvastig]

[Hendrik frowns at Jasper's words, but does not -- cannot -- think of them as lies. After all, he isn't the one who has apparently passed away at the hands of the other.]

It is not an excuse. I do not think you are giving yourself the credit you deserve.

[He flexes his fingers, looking at his gloved hands thoughtfully. He thinks of his palms underneath them, worn with calluses from years of practice.]

I knew, even when we were young, that there was no way that I could beat your mind. That the only way I could be your equal was by being physically stronger.

[It even reflected in his mindset. He could not think of being anything other than a soldier, a knight.]

Your versatility is an amazing strength, Jasper. You could have held any position in the castle. You know terrain advantages and monster types and just ... so much more than myself.

[What is he getting at here?]

That you think I am defeating you when you are putting yourself at a disadvantage by facing me head on rings very wrong to me.

[leitstern]

Hendrik, you think you realise what I am capable of. Do not mistake this for contempt but you know nothing.

[The doubts clouding his head turn towards the darkness. He turns over his hands, looking at nails that should be claws, ivory skin that should be purple and resemble leather.

He had sold his soul for power and Hendrik has not borne witness to his reward. Yet.]

There is plenty you cannot know about me. It would be better if you stopped assuming I am the talented man you knew in the past.

[standvastig]

[Jasper's denial awakens Hendrik's combative heart, his fists and jaw clenching as if he intends to physically confront the other man.

But those thoughts are abruptly dashed by his last words, like being doused by cold water. Stop assuming. Right. Of course.

Even when he had said it himself, he fell right back into assuming things.

And so he goes quiet, the passion that had been in his voice bleeding away.]

As you say.

[It isn't an apology this time. But he will mind himself in the future.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper sits back and leans against the bench, gratitude clearing his confused agitation. The tension in his nerves begins subsiding and he sighs in relief. Their arguments had made him feel alive but now they only bring misery. Working to avoid it, he tilts his head towards the sky. Bright and without a speck of rain or a bolt of lightning.

His voice sounds like it is cirling the clouds.]

Do you suppose we might spar again one day?

[standvastig]

[Hendrik says nothing to the question for a long moment, finding it a strange one to even ask given the turn in conversation. He isn't precisely reluctant, but his desire to do anything of the like has cooled (as if doused by cold water).

So when he finally speaks, it is with a noncommittal tone.]

If that is something you wish to do.

[leitstern]

One day, perhaps. When we are both ready.

[His answer takes an equal amount of time, his mind searching for a future as his gaze watches the clouds. One day, perhaps, when more feelings have been shared. He moves his closest hand and lifts it as though seeking a companion, only to drop it at the last. But the thought continues playing upon his face.]