[OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

[aquaveiled]

WHO: Anyone in Solvunn!
WHAT: Mingle Meet & Greet for new and old Solvunn Summoned!
WHEN: Early through Mid-August
WHERE: Primary Settlement: The Drunken Lamb and Gardsbruk Farm

[ ooc; This is an open log so feel free to jump in and make your own top-levels! You do not need to have CR with Himeka, Wanda, Nero, or Thor to stop by the farm, but you are free handwave a word of mouth to get your character there or to the tavern if needed. ]

i. The Drunken Lamb




If walls could talk, these certainly would. The Drunken Lamb, an old staple in the Primary Settlement is where many go to relax and chat after a long day's work. A cup of locally brewed ale and good conversation are a great way to pass the evening and some nights get livelier with heated arguments over local produce and game, and friendly contests over mead and cards. A few nights a week there may also be a musical performance by a bad or just an impromptu sing-along when someone gets the urge. Luckily if you're drunk enough knowing the words may not be necessary.

Don't forget to say hello to the there is an old ewe who hangs out by the front door, either outside or inside depending on the weather. Her name is Myrtle and if she spits on you it's considered good luck.

Though it is usually filled with locals, this evening has been set aside as a special gathering spot for the Summoned, old and new. A few locals will still be in attendance either out of habit or a curiosity about the commune's newest additions, but most of the patrons will be your fellow Summoned. As you enter the Tavern, you will be greeted by Wanda who hands you your very own "welcome goodie bag". (That is until the evening drags on. Later guests will find a table of bags with a sign that says "take one" because she can only handle so much.) In it you will find nice soaps from Wanda, a handwritten note that states, "Call upon Thor, the God of Thunder, and Nero, a slightly less mighty but still capable man, to move your heaviest objects about. Redeemable Once", a couple custom tea bags from Himeka, and an expertly drawn brochure explaining all you need to know about Solvunn in minimal detail, by the local acclaimed artist Nero. There is also one small slip of paper with a number on it. Be sure to keep it handy. Now you have been officially welcomed.

The atmosphere inside the tavern is warm, stone walls lit by torches and candles. Everyone is welcomed by the local tavern owner standing behind the counter. You're free to grab a drink or order dinner right away should you like. The tavern boasts some of the best mead and meat pies in the Primary Settlement. It's a great time to chat and get to know your new neighbors, but your hosts for the evening also have a few things planned.

If you want to try your hand at the tavern's beloved mead drinking contest, you are highly encouraged. Himeka has been the reigning champion for several months now, but Thor is a terrifying competitor in this own right. They will be facing off one another as well as taking on other Summoned who are also capable of making poor decisions. But worry not! If alcohol isn't your thing (or even if it is), there are a few card and dice games available for any patrons to take up and play with one another. There is also a knife throwing board on the far wall. Because you know knives and mead work well together. For the musically inclined, Wanda has created some simple instruments for anyone to give us an impromptu performance, or an instrument of choice upon request. Sing us a song, piano-man!

Towards the end of the evening, you'll find out that the number you received is actually a raffle ticket! You have a chance to win one of the following prizes...

• A gigantic wheel of cheese from the Gardsbruk farm.
  
• A bottle of ten year-aged ale, donated by the bartender.
  
• A "date" with Thor.
  
• A high-quality shawl by Wanda.
  
• A knife with a leather sheath, made from the local blacksmith

If you want to put your character in for the raffle, please reply to this comment and we will roll for winners!

ii. Gardsbruk Farm




On the roads between the Primary and Secondary Settlements sits Gardsbruk Farm. A once thriving homestead servicing the community and housing several generations of the Gardsbruk family had fallen into disarray. Left to the care of Maeve and Declan Gardsbruk, the twins had initially hesitantly allowed the help of local summoned in their efforts to restore the farm, but now they are active and grateful supporters of the Summoned in the community. In recent months the farm has been seeing a burst of activity and vitality in the surrounding farmland, finally looking more and more like it once had in generations past.

Green pastures in the height of summer are sprinkled with some brown grass during droughts, but these rarely last more than a day or two. A few crops may be planted for family use, but the main stock of this farm is sheep.

And there are sheep! You may be greeted by up to two dozen sheep when you enter the grounds, though not all of the livestock may welcome your presence. There are a few rowdy goats that are wandering about too, and a large brown goat named Eli seems to be particularly discerning of residents. Be careful you don't upset him.

But why head out to this farm at all? Well, the Gardsbruk Farm has put on something of a Farmer's Market! Though such things happen frequently in town as is the nature of the community, this one in particular shows off not just the Gardsbruk's specific wares, but that of the Summoned that have been helping them out as well. Sheep are their main livestock so there are huge piles of wool available for purchase or trade. Getting your garments ready for the coming winter is a must! And if you'd like you can learn how to shear a sheep or you can even learn to spin your own woolen thread. A few shawls, hats, and tunics are on display as well--local artisans who made garments from the Gardsbruk wool, just to show how pleasant and durable it is.

If you're looking for snacks and you're not lactose intolerant (or feeling adventurous), then you needn't look further than the array of cheeses made from the farm's sheep, goats, and single bovine resident named Agatha. If you ask Nero nicely he may introduce you to his favorite roommate. If you want something to snack on right now, there are a number of rustic hand and whole-pies available for purchase, made by Himeka. They come in savory meat, cheese, and root vegetable varieties as well as more sweet honey and seasonal fruit pies. She may throw in something extra if you praise her cooking but she wants your honest opinion.

Of course with all the goats roaming about, this wouldn't be complete without goat yoga! Yes, goat yoga. Wanda will be leading those who are interested in a series of different stretches that she saw once on YouTube that will inevitably be interrupted by baby goats who would rather sit on you. Some sheep may get in on the action as well.

For those who are less inclined to finding peace of mind and want to hit something, a sparring ring has been marked off closer to the fields. Thor will be watching (and judging) participants as they face off one another in friendly bouts of hand to hand wrestling or with wooden swords and sticks. No magical powers allowed here! Though Eli may look like he wants in on the action. Be careful.

As the day turns into evening, the market itself will close down as a large bonfire is lit. Everyone still on the farm will be welcome to gather around, share hot ciders and ale, as well as roast some tasty treats on sticks. Food is always better on a stick. A time to wind down, share stories, and thank everyone for joining and being a part of what Solvunn has to offer.

You know. Other than all the weird gods and cult stuff.

Comments

[wewillwewill]

Her shock, unfeigned and not rehearsed, is enough to tell Elidibus many things. Himeka does not recognize him as he is now. So like Emet-Selch, she is from some point... earlier. It might start to vex him that this world so blithely grabs his star's saviors- of one form or another- had he not already have been aware of malleable time could be.

And it was something he could do little about, besides.

After a moment's reflection, where the former Ascian closes his eyes to choose his next action carefully, Elidibus finally answers. Once more his gaze is on Himeka.

"Yes. In the flesh, it seems." Elidibus knows the irony of his words well. But he speaks them anyway and after, lifts his own mug- still juice at this point of time with a meal on its way to the table- and takes a drink.

"I heard you were one of those responsible for this gathering?" he continues, as though something akin to a bombshell had not just landed directly upon the au ra seated at his table.

[aquaveiled]

In his flesh is the real question. His propensity to body hop is well-known at this point, though there is a part of her that is grateful he's not wearing Ardbert's face this time around.

"...Is this your flesh, then?" She might as well ask. Though she has her own tendency to fall silent at times, Himeka has rarely been one to mince words when she does speak up.

"Erm...yes, my friends and I." Well, no sense in denying it. Their names and likenesses were plastered all over the brochures. "I've hosted a few of these before, but this is the best turnout yet."

[wewillwewill]

In answer, Elidibus tilts his head to one side. He doesn't chide her for making that her first question though. He had, after all, provoked the reaction with his phrasing. Instead he's musing the answer to Himeka's question. And... other matters on which he decides to remain silent.

"As far as I'm able to ascertain, I have been returned to my mortal flesh." But with many things Elidibus speaks on, his tone is hinged with a hint of contingency. "Until I recover from the effects of the Summoning, I will not be able to say for sure."

There are probably no mirrors in the Drunken Lamb- at least not nearby. But he's had ample time to study himself as much as he could. Now that he's answered the question, the former Ascian has one of his own.

"My appearance aside, you've yet to answer my question. I pray you'll indulge me the nature of our last encounter." It appears it hadn't just been a rhetoric and there need not be more said on the matter of the gathering, at least for now.

[aquaveiled]

[ ooc; Sorry for the late reply! I had to take a bit of an emergency hiatus but I am back now if you want to continue. If not, I totally understand! ]

His mortal flesh? Ah, so this is what he looked like before he became an effervescent being who could take on other's faces for convenience's sake. It's been over a year since her visit to that shade of Amaurot but for so many years prior the Ascians were painted as these otherwordly malevolent forces. Rather than just people.

And he looks so young. Like he should start calling her "ma'am" or something.

"Well, that should come with time..."

Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus seem fine so she can't imagine it would be any different for Elidibus.

(Gods, there's three of them now. Thancred is going to have a literal cow.)

"Mmm..."

Their last encounter. How to put this...

"You assumed another form and we battled on the First." A beat. "And I won."

You died.

[wewillwewill]

[ooc: I would love to continue! Sorry it took so long to get back.]

"So it's been said," Elidibus answers with a nod. Time will tell and there's not much that can be done until it is proven true. Though he realizes it's likely not a lie with so many people affirming it.

Young though he appears, there's no indication Elidibus is about to refer to the Warrior of Light as if she were his elder. In fact, he seems more interested in another sip from the pint that came with his meal. At this point it's still non-alcoholic or at least so low as to be nonexistant. The mixture is quite refreshing.

Once Himeka answers the question he'd wanted knowledge of, the former Ascian places the mug down and tilts his head. His expression is one of momentary reflection.

"Yes, you and the Crystal Exarch overcame me. The last of the Unsundered."

Of course he hadn't technically died then. But his essence was being slowly returned to the Star and it would not have been long. But there was more to the tale, even if it doesn't appear the Warrior of Light has lived it.

Has someone told her, Elidibus wonders to himself. Hythlodaeus may know something. But the future will not be put to words by the silver-haired man. At the least not now. But there's a truth he can speak about without revealing much.

"One way or another, the Summoning has pulled me from duty's end." Those two words there. There's a certain feeling of finality to them that appears to mean more than simply finishing a task. Perhaps it is the fleeting reflection that crosses the youthful features.

"No matter. Whether it is a chance brought on through the machination of other forces, or I am still needed to fulfill my duty as Elidibus, I will discover in due time."

The goal of that duty may have changed. It's likely he knows well the purpose he's been summoned for by the people of Solvunn; a tool. A weapon. A trump card like all the others called.

But for those of his kin that have also been called by the powers of Abraxas, he would still be Elidibus.

[aquaveiled]

He seems to take the acknowledgment much easier than Emet-Selch had, but she supposes that much should be expected. Emet-Selch had gladly used the opportunity to throw back how troublesome the whole ordeal had been, like she hadn't gauged out half his being with pure light. But...well, after one lives for an eternity she imagines the nuances of Endings of things must have a different feeling.

Elidibus doesn't seem upset, so she'll take that as a good sign. As much as she disagrees with their tactics regarding all the rejoinings, she has no intention of making enemies of the Ascians--former Ascians?--here if she can.

She could tell him what she believes those duties may be, what her own experiences are in Solvunn. Hells, she could offer an ultimatum and demand that he stay out of trouble for the benefit of all. That is the duty she should take on. But instead, Himeka ventures a question--

"...Then it doesn't bother you?" She cradles her own pint. "That you have to redirect your attentions here."

[wewillwewill]

It's perhaps a blessing he no longer wears Ardbert's features. There's no distant look from features that should be... not. Something passes across Elidibus's features but doesn't linger. It was almost that same cold behavior he'd expressed in those final days, when the cracks of his calm demeanor had been showing more keenly in the company of the Warrior of Light, the one that had killed his brethren.

But memories war with other memories. Enemy. Ally. Familiar reminiscent of a friend. He supposes they are neither and none, here on Abraxas.

Elidibus sighs.

"I know little as it is. I merely wished to dream until I returned to the Star. But if there is some duty I must fulfill here, I will do so to my utmost ability."

Not that he would say it in such detail, but that sense of duty probably has little to do with whatever great work Solvunn's leaders have in mind for him.

Himeka may not have voiced any ultimatum, but she receives a response on the topic she might have brought up regardless.

"Abraxas is not a broken reflection of our Star. Thus where it is concerned, we need not stand against one another as enemies. But I will hold no objections if you believe otherwise."

Memories or no, it's not as if he doesn't have lingering feelings on the matter that still need to be sorted out.

[aquaveiled]

To dream until he returned to the Star. Was it really so simple? She had thought to ask Y'shtola more than once what it was like--the lifestream. Did it feel like coming home? Did it feel like anything? How long would it take to lose ones sense of self? Could you reunite with old friends, old loves until you dissipated entirely to the sea of unlife?

A scary thought at times. It isn't so much a finality but an end to one existence. The knowledge that a previous one may hold more importance than the one someone may work so hard at now is something she struggles with. (Do you live in that shadow? As an imitation? A disappointment?) Or is it merely a new opportunity for greater and grander adventures?

Such things are left to wonder at another time. What the Ascians see to that is likely a little different. To live so long...would it seem a respite?

Himeka falls silent again, thoughts getting ahead of her until he answers the truce she didn't offer. She looks up, blinking once, brows raised. It is something of the status quo with Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus--at least on her part, she knows that Thancred and Urianger worry for her with former foe(s) so close--but to have another of the Unsundered and so recently slain amongst them will be unsettling to say the least.

Yet, Elidibus seems to be on the same page. And given how well things have gone with Emet-Selch, she accepts the terms rather easily. (Too easily?)

Himeka nods, then shakes her head, then nods again.

"I've no desire to cross swords with you again. Or, well, swords and canes..." Literally rather than metaphorically. "If anything, we could use all the help we can get to try and find a way to solve this star's problems and then head back. If that suits your new sense of duty."

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus's perspective is probably very alien to most mortals. It is true he lived so long as an Ascian. But his kin, were a people possessed a certain mindset used to such far reaching lifespans. Though granted his was probably still extraordinary. He would not go so far as to compare his view on life and death to a modern mortal of his world. Nor would he expect them to understand even if he explained.

But yes for him it had been relatively simple as that.

"It's difficult to say at this time where my purpose lies," Elidibus muses. The response truly does seem thoughtful as if he were giving it a moment's more reflection before actually answering Himeka. The blue eyes lock on the au ra's features. His mouth curves with a faint smile. It may still be distant, but the astute might notice there's something more than a shell driven by some forgotten purpose.

"While I do not possess any interest in fighting these mortals' war for them, if there is truly a problem with this star that blocks our way home, then I will work toward finding a resolution to it."

Elidibus could have simply returned to the well and many might wonder why he didn't. But the former Ascian is very much aware that was no guarantee of returning home. And now he knows some of his brethren are present. The silver-haired man is going nowhere soon.