EVENT #9: NOCWICH - IC POST

[abraxasmods]

Event #9 - Nocwich

go to the OOC event info and plotting post or the the IC wrap-up post

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Throughout August, each faction is in a constant bustle. Between upping their borders' defenses and the arrival of Nocwich's emissaries, there's been no shortage of activity.

On AUGUST 15, a few days before the portals open, the Summoned will receive invitations delivered to their doors. Inside the wax-sealed envelope, they will find:

◎ A handwritten letter addressed to them by name. The letter formally welcomes each person to the grand opening of Oleuni Square, the first neutral territory formed in Nocwich between Ikorr and Luna. If you happened to donate your blood last month, a small thank you will be included, as well.

◎ A unique enchanted pendant that will allow the wearer to enter the portal. You must have this pendant to come and go from Nocwich.

◎ A card bearing their Arcanum. On the back is a painted pink crystal with the letter E. Exchange this with Lady Elin to have your fortune told. Those newly Summoned in August will have an additional handwritten note that says, Your time has not yet come. Answers may arrive upon the next full moon.

◎ Two invitation cards: one to LUNAR POND and one to the NIGHTBLOOM. Use this to enter the ceremony you choose on the night of the full moon.

Arriving at the Portals

When AUGUST 20 approaches, there will be carriages or mages with teleportation spells ready to take everyone to the portal location depending on the faction.

In the FREE CITIES, the trip will take 1 hour each way by carriage. As a result, it's suggested you make plans to stay a few days at one of Nocwich's fine inns unless you want to make the trip daily. Of course, if you don't plan on returning to Nocwich more than once or twice, the trip may not be too troublesome.

In THORNE, portals will be available just outside the castle in a more secluded area around the back.

In SOLVUNN, a short walk will take you to a shrine in the woods where a portal has been activated nearby. If you're coming from the Tertiary or Secondary Settlement, you may need to make a slightly longer trip to get there.

Oleuni Square

Newly formed as a pact between Ikorr and Luna, Oleuni Square was designed as a welcoming neutral space for anyone to visit.

While the werewolves and vampires do not intermingle much throughout the week, this is nonetheless the first time they've ever shared a space. A bit of tension can be felt here and there, but for the most part, those who are part of this event have agreed to put aside their differences to put forth their best selves for the Summoned.

Both the vampires and werewolves are curious about the Summoning process. They'll ask the Summoned about it if the topic arises, though they won't be pushy. It seems they just want to know: is it really possible to bring forth someone from another world? Someone of the faction's choosing?

About the Vampires

Unlike what some legends and myths state, the vampires of Ikorr are a species unto themselves. A vampire cannot turn or change a human into one of its own. Physically, all vampires possess visible fangs. Their eyes can change color depending on their age into a glowing orange, red, green, or blue and their pupils may even vanish entirely. They are extraordinarily long-lived provided they remain out of the sun. Entering the sun ages them rapidly and brief exposure can take decades or even centuries off of their lives.

They are fairly secretive, fearing the destruction of their kind. Much of their written knowledge is guarded in heavily secured libraries and vaults. It is not currently known if they can procreate. It is entirely possible that the vampires in Ikorr are those who have been there from the very beginning and that there have been no new vampires for an extremely long time. Rumor has it that a vampire child is considered a rare miracle and is greatly celebrated when one arrives. Regardless, there appear to be no vampire children present anywhere in Nocwich, at least not where the Summoned can see.

Vampires require blood to survive and claim they no longer feed on unwilling humans. This would appear to be true, as very few humans enter Nocwich as it is. Further, the vampires seem to have found a way to closely replicate the taste of human blood using animal blood and a combination of enchantments and herbs. It isn't perfect, and those with a special sense of smell or who are familiar with real human blood will recognize the subtle difference. According to the vampires, they don't experience unusual blood cravings. It's simply a necessary part of their diet. Nonetheless, there are rumors that sometimes those who are seen entering Ikorr do not leave, though these seem to be tall tales more than anything. That said, Nocwich is a city like any other and has a variety of predators and criminals in its midst. Danger can befall anyone.

About the Werewolves

Similar to the vampires, the werewolves of Luna are also a species unto themselves. They do not pass on a curse nor were they ever cursed or once human. The full moon enhances their transformation process, but many werewolves have learned to control their shifting ability and can choose to change at will regardless of the lunar cycle. While they don't explicitly need to live in darkness, many are now used to this lifestyle and prefer it. Being in daylight can dull or trouble their senses. It also carries the risk of damaging their pelts, something they guard carefully as it's their only means of shifting into their wolf form.

Those who reside in Solvunn might notice familiar motifs in runes, clothing, tools, and even architecture. This is because some of the original settlers of Solvunn were once werewolves from Nocwich. Over time, the werewolf aspect of their lineage has largely faded, but some traditions remain including their preference for oral history and storytelling, as well as their more rustic lifestyle. Once in a while, some werewolves might travel to Solvunn to attend a special solstice celebration. They won't announce themselves as werewolves and blend in well, so they're easy to miss. They'll often take livestock with them when they leave.

Unlike the vampires, the occasional werewolf child can be seen, though not as many as one might expect. The werewolves are tightlipped about it for the most part, but some do speak of the moonlit years, a time when their numbers were thriving. It's unclear what's happened if anything, but the werewolves as a whole are extraordinarily protective of their young ones.

The Marketplace

Making up the majority of the Square, the Marketplace consists of a series of outdoor stalls and a few actual shops. Whatever you can think of can be found here, from jewelry to clothing to food and wine. There are fancier eateries where one can order a meal and cheap street vendors. Much of what's available is of fairly high quality. Nocwich has put their best forward and only those who would make a good impression have been allowed to set up in the Square.

The list below is not all-encompassing, but it'll give you a sense of what you'll find.

Sights & Sounds

◎ THE MAIN STAGE. An outdoor stage will feature a variety of musical performances, dances, and plays. There is no need to buy tickets or reserve a seat. Simply come and go as you please, though it's of course polite not to leave in the middle of a performance. Refreshments can be purchased at nearby stalls.

◎ GAMBLING DEN. While there are a few under-the-table wagers being made all over, the main gambling den is run by the vampires. Complimentary tokens will cover the first few rounds. You'll need to purchase more if you want to keep playing seriously. Nocwich is no different than any place, though, and chances are you'll find that the house always wins in the end. Still, if you know when to stop you might find yourself with a little extra spending money!

◎ SHOPS & STALLS. In addition to the wares brought over last month, visitors will find an even greater selection of wine, meat, jewelry, herbs and flowers unique to the land, and special elixirs that offer different effects from cures to recreation. Some of the ingredients in these items may contain werewolf hair, vampire blood, or other unknowns. There doesn't appear to be much by way of regulations in Nocwich, so take extra care. Nothing will cause major harm, but you might end up with a more potent piece of candy than you were expecting...especially if it looks green and faintly glowing.

◎ HOT SPRINGS. Hot springs are used among the werewolves to ease their aching muscles before and after a transformation. A hot spring is available near the edge of the water for anyone to visit at any time. A few torches have been lit for the sake of their visitors. Do note, however, that the werewolves have little modesty and expect the same of those who join them. If you insist on keeping a few scraps of clothing, you'll be looked at strangely.

◎ SPAS. Near the hot springs, spa treatments will be available. Hot stones, massages, and aromatic herbs are all options for you to try. There will also be wine and herbal teas served while you're relaxing. You may experience this alone or you can go in pairs.

◎ TATTOOS. Due to their quick-healing nature, tattoos are popular among both the werewolves and the vampires. A couple of tattoo shops are available, where anyone can get a tattoo of any kind. For an extra fee, the ink can be imbued with the sap of a special flower that gives the design a faint glow under the moonlight.

◎ YARN & WOVEN ITEMS. Werewolves shed a great amount. A few enterprising individuals have spun the fur into yarn to make knitted shawls, gloves, blankets, and socks. The resulting wool is surprisingly soft and keeps the wearer warm without overheating them. It's also highly absorbent and quick to dry, making it an ideal washcloth.

Lady Elin's Divinations

To the east of the square sits Lady Elin's fortune-telling tent. It's modest and plain, without any of the flashy trimmings the other seers have. The only thing advertising her business is a single wooden sign. She possesses no equipment beyond a single crystal embedded into a round disc and a few candles. Those who are sensitive to magic will be able to sense the hum of power from her. Whoever she is, she appears to be the real deal - or at least has a significant amount of magic compared to others of her kind.

Curiously, any of the Summoned who pass her by will receive a look, almost as though she recognizes you or senses something familiar in you. As the Summoned, you are the only ones whom Lady Elin will actively encourage to get a reading. She may even insist on it if you hesitate. She does not seem interested in performing readings for anyone else. Her presence is calming and she's soft-spoken, if serious. While she will not explicitly say such, it's as if she has something she wants to tell each of the Summoned - something she can only reveal through a reading.

To get a reading, all anyone has to do is hand her the tarot card received in the envelope.

Comment here to receive a personalized reading. Should they have any further questions, Lady Elin will tell them their time is up and the crystal has no more answers to offer.

Be sure to request a reading before AUGUST 25th at 11:59 PM ET! This is to help us make sure all the readings are given and wrapped on time.

Hunting Woods

The Hunting Woods are dark and haunting. Anyone is welcome, but the guardians of the woods make it clear that you enter at your own risk. Other predators hunt alongside you and may see you as competition or even prey. Any form of lighting is not allowed as it chases away the wildlife.

As most of the Summoned are expected not to be carrying large hunting weapons with them, the guardians will lend fine-crafted weapons for those who wish to hunt. These weapons are of the same quality their hunters use. You can choose between a crossbow, a bow and arrow, or a spear.

Have trouble in the dark? There are options for those who can't see without firelight: merchants sell eye drops that will enhance the user's sight in the dark for a few hours. There are also goggle-like glasses that serve the same purpose for anyone who doesn't trust putting things in their eyes, though these run the risk of breaking in a fight. Whatever you decide, just take care in these woods. They are not for the unskilled nor the amateur hunter.

Much of the flora and fauna in the Hunting Woods have adapted to the dark. Ferns grow low to the ground, flowers bloom under the moonlight, and there is a large variety of mushrooms. Some are edible, but many are not - so don't eat what you shouldn't. For an idea of what creatures you can find in these woods, check the Nocwich section of the Bestiary. (Thank you everyone for your contributions!)

Night of the Moon

On AUGUST 26, the moon will shine bright and round in the sky. During this time, the Summoned will be invited to one of two ceremonies: Lunar Pond and the Nightbloom Ballroom.

Lunar Pond promises a beautiful and elegant moonlit night with the werewolves of Luna and offers participants the chance to earn a blessing that will strengthen their hearts. The Nightbloom, meanwhile, promises an evening of luxury with the vampires of Ikorr and the chance to witness what the vampires call the Blooming. It is said all those who are fortunate enough to see this event will find their path lit more brightly than others.

To attend one or the other, simply gather in the middle of the Square when the time comes and step through the appropriate portal. The Square will be closed while the ceremonies are happening. If you do not wish you attend, you must return home. It is not possible to remain in the Square or in Nocwich. Otherwise, choose the portal to Ikorr or Luna and enjoy your time! Carriages will be waiting after the portals to take guests the rest of the way to their destination.

At Lunar Pond

Hidden within some dense forests, Lunar Pond is more than just a pond. The vast wooded area is lit with delicate flowers and fireflies that pulse gently with life. Due to the thickness of the trees, the moonlight reflects the brightest off of the pond, giving it an ethereal glow. Additional glowing flowers have been placed around the forest to make a path for the visiting Summoned, like blooming lanterns. Carved wooden benches and tables have been placed around the area for seating, as well as natural tree stumps, boulders, and logs.

A large space for dancing has been cleared out, and music will be going all night. The werewolves favor folk sounds and wood instruments not unlike what's common to Solvunn. There's nothing formal about the dancing, as the point is to enjoy yourself. Set partners are rare. Most of the locals will dance in large groups or switch partners regularly within the space of a single song, making the experience a bit chaotic to watch. As the night wears on, it's not unusual for the dancing grounds to get a little rowdy - though in a friendly, celebratory way.

REFRESHMENTS
In the middle of the clearing is a large buffet table. Refreshments include a variety of raw meat and fish delicacies similar to tartare, ceviche, and carpaccio. The hosts will assure anyone who seems nervous that these are entirely safe for human consumption.

For those not convinced, there's also a variety of roasted poultry, steaks, delicately steamed and smoked fish, barbecued eels, and pies. Dishes of root vegetables and mushrooms such as tarts, soups, and stews are also available, along with a fine selection of mead and wine. Sharing a meal is important to the werewolves, and the amount of food and drink available demonstrates this. This doesn't mean the food lacks care, though. Presentation is equally important, and each plate or bowl is displayed with the appropriate garnish and decorations.

MOON LANTERNS
Upon entry, each person will be given a small lightweight lantern made of unusual reflective material and a piece of parchment. Write down the name of someone important to you - someone present in your life right now in this world - and place it inside the lantern. There are also paints and ink available if you wish to decorate the outside of the lantern. It isn't required, but personalizing your lantern in some way is encouraged.

Once completed, the lanterns will be set aside within a carefully watched tent for the decorations to dry. It would appear the werewolves take guarding the lanterns seriously, and no one will be allowed to enter the tent.

BLIND TASTING
Ever adventurous, the werewolves have set up a blind tasting tent. All the food and drink here are unlabeled and enchanted with a spell that makes it difficult to see what it is.

Enjoy dining alone? Too bad, because this requires a partner. If you don't want to choose a partner, the werewolves will choose for you. You'll be asked to choose your partner's meal based on what you can vaguely discern from the blurry and obscured view of the available dishes and drink, and they'll do the same for you. You might get something you enjoy, it might be horrific. The adventure is the point so these dishes won't be mundane, and are likely to contain something a bit strange, whether that's extreme spice, an unusual animal part, or an untested vegetable. While the cooks are attempting to make an edible yet experimental dish, their idea of edible might not be the same as yours...so although nothing will be dangerous or make you ill, the taste can be another matter.

Of course, you can give up and tap out at any time. Those who commit to clearing their plate, however, will be rewarded with bragging rights and an embellished drinking horn.

THE TRANSFORMATION
Partway into the night, attending guests will be invited to the clearing before the pond and given the lantern you made earlier. Here, a small group of werewolves will take their place in the center. Each werewolf is covered only in their pelt, a thick coat of fur that wraps around their body. As the moon shines upon them, the pelt begins to stretch and mold over their bodies like a second skin that melds into their form. Their limbs elongate, bones snapping and skin splitting. Within just a few short minutes, several large wolves now stand before the audience.

Take your lantern and follow the transformed wolves to the edge of the pond. Here, you can set the lantern on the water. As it floats, the full moon will light it up. If you pay attention, you might feel a warmth inside you - and the person whose name you wrote might feel the same, too, even if they're not with you at the ceremony. The werewolves refer to this as the moon's blessing, a promise of protection for the days to come.

At the Nightbloom

Rising through the fog in Ikorr, the Nightbloom is a grand castle that boasts an exquisite grand ballroom within its vast walls. Dancing is a given - and although elegant, it is certainly not stiff. The dance floor quickly becomes a whirlwind of swirling fabric from the vampires' natural grace and speed. Plenty of plush couches have been set aside for attendees to rest their feet, have a drink, and chat.

On either side, two curved staircases lead to the upper floor where guests can explore a collection of prized sculptures, paintings, and other art pieces. Some of the art is broken or worn, some are in pristine condition, and others still may even register as quite ugly depending on your taste. Nonetheless, every piece holds a lot of history and the vampires consider every artwork an important part of their past. None of the art is labeled, and most of the locals are reluctant to share too much about their history. Most questions will be answered with a coy, Art is how you see it.

REFRESHMENTS
Favoring elaborate flower arrangements, the long dining tables are neatly set with candles and refreshments. As the vampires largely subsist on blood, eating for them is less about sustenance and more about the experience. There's no shortage of food, but each item is delicate, meant to be eaten in one bite. The variety is unmatched. Some of the ingredients have been imported from elsewhere in Abraxas: fruits and herbs that couldn't possibly grow without sunlight.

More important than the food, though, are the drinks. The blood-infused wines and cocktails are the most popular of among the vampires, though there are non-blood varieties for those who wish to stick with something more familiar. You can serve yourself or ask one of the attendants to make you a drink of your choosing. Mead and ales are also available, but in smaller quantities and with less variety.

THE FLOWER
In the center of a guarded room sits a large flowering plant. From the plant are smaller blossoms, all of which are budded and not yet in full bloom. At a glance, despite its size and ethereal blue hue, it seems unimpressive with its petals tightly closed. Nonetheless, an aura of magic hums from it, a gentle sensation.

As a Summoned, you'll be invited upon entry to take one of the smaller blossoms and to keep it with them. Approaching the flower, you'll find yourself drawn to one bloom in particular, for reasons that can't be explained. That will be the blossom to take. Slip it into your pocket or wear it in your hair. It doesn't appear to matter what you do with it, the flower can't be crushed and it won't wilt...though its petals remain tightly closed for now.

DANCING LESSONS
Find yourself a partner and step into one of the side rooms if you want to have a lesson in a unique form of ballroom dancing. That is to say, you will be floating a few short feet off the ground once inside the enchanted room, giving the entire experience a weightless feel. The instructor is an encouraging and soft-spoken gentleman who will guide each person through each step no matter their skill level. He's exceptionally patient, willing to work with the most difficult of students, and overall enjoys his craft thoroughly.

Feel free to change partners between lessons if you wish, and take on whichever role you like - or try both leader and follower. Be careful: if you're too stiff or lose your footing, you run the risk of sinking through the enchantment and hitting the floor. It won't be far enough to injure and the floors have been cushioned, but your ego might be bruised.

Those who succeed in completing at least one full dance without tumbling to the ground will receive a jeweled music box.

THE BLOOMING
Partway through the night, all attending guests will be invited to the room where the flower sits. Those who took a bloom will be asked to bring it out and hold it. Slowly, the frosted glass ceiling above begins to fade, growing clear and allowing the moonlight to stream through directly onto the flower. As it does, the bud begins to open, revealing glowing orange petals that fill the room with a soft light.

You'll find at the same time, the blossom in your hand begins to unfurl and bloom, too. Its glow is smaller but no less bright, and a rush of warmth will fill you. The Blooming lasts only a few brief minutes. Then the large flower will close again - but not the blossoms. While their glow will fade, their petals remain open and vibrant. Be sure to keep this flower safe.

FOREWARNING

Nothing ever stays quiet for long. Near the end of the full moon ceremonies, officials from each faction will reach out to their Summoned who are in Nocwich.

In NOCWICH at the ceremonies only, two couriers will make a delivery shortly after the main event finishes (either the wolf transformations in Luna or the Blooming in Ikorr). They will discreetly slip it to your character, and will not linger to answer any questions. Once all deliveries are made, the couriers will seemingly melt into the crowd and vanish.

Those who are not attending the ceremonies will not receive the package. Unfortunately, there is no time to search for those who are not in Nocwich, so faction leaders have concentrated their efforts on the ceremonies where the majority of the Summoned are expected to be.

The Assignment

If you're chosen as a delegate, the below won't apply to you. Your scenario will be outlined under The Delegates.

Each person will receive a package containing a small note and a particular item. Along with detailed instructions on how to carry out your assigned task, the note will inform you of the following things:

◎ A potential threat to faction officials in Nocwich has been found. This threat may include one of the Summoned delegates of the same faction. The nature of this threat is unknown, so preventive measures for defense are being taken. This task is not meant to cause harm to another directly, only to protect.

◎ As the threat is believed to be coming from a rival faction, discretion is of utmost importance. It is strongly recommended that the Summoned do not discuss it with anyone outside of their own faction, or with anyone in Nocwich.

◎ Faction leaders will take care of the Nocwich leadership. The Summoned are asked not to spread panic and to keep this information to themselves, as the factions firmly believe that this threat is only to anyone of great importance belonging to one of the three factions. They are quite sure that the citizens of Nocwich and regular visitors are completely safe, citing that their information source is highly credible.

◎ The Summoned will be informed that assisting is their choice, as the faction leaders understand this carries a risk not everyone wants to accept. Those who don't wish to be involved are asked to place the item they are given in the envelope and return it afterwards to their faction.

Once the note has been read, the ink upon it will dissolve, leaving behind an unremarkable piece of blank parchment.

As if that weren't enough, you'll also only have one hour to do what you need to, as well as perform any sabotage or assistance, since the full moon ceremonies will soon draw to a close. Once the ceremonies end, you'll be herded into the returning carriages and nothing more can be done. Act quickly, especially since completing the task requires at least 15 minutes of preparation first. And remember: choosing not to act is still a choice, and it'll influence what happens next. To truly abstain, you'll need to not be involved in the ceremony at all.

Work together if you must, share resources or spells and skills - time is of the essence.

Thorne

The Summoned from Thorne will receive a tarot card that is blank at first. The image must be fully revealed by heating the card's surface, then waiting 15 minutes for the design to appear and the ink to dry. The card needs to be placed facedown somewhere (ideally hidden, such as under a book or a seat cushion), so it's critical that the full 15 minutes pass or the image will smear. There must be no rips, burns, or other blemishes anywhere on the card. It is up to you to find the appropriate heat source to do so, discreetly.

To interfere, you can deface the card before making the placement. Defacing the card involves drawing on it, smearing the image, or otherwise ruining it in some manner while ensuring the card itself remains intact. Those who are familiar with Abraxan magic will understand that defacing a tarot card can nullify or subvert a spell or enchantment.

Free Cities

The Summoned from the Free Cities will receive a tiny bug designed to resemble an insect common to Nocwich. The device will arrive with its wings open, revealing the cogs inside. These cogs need to be wound with a small tool (a pin or a needle) five times, no more no less. It will take 15 minutes for the device to finish preparing, at which point the wings will snap shut and you may cast it into the air with a gentle toss. Casting it before the wings close will cause the device to shut off too soon and plummet before it can be of any use. It is up to you to find the appropriate tool to do so, discreetly.

To interfere, you can ensure the device fails to work by winding it the incorrect number of times, removing one of the cogs, cutting one of the wires, getting it wet, or otherwise jamming the bug in some way while ensuring its physical body remains largely intact.

Solvunn

The Summoned from Solvunn will receive a delicate seed the size of a walnut. This seed is dry and must be soaked in clean water for at least 15 minutes until a small sprout forms on the seed, then planted in some earth. This can be anywhere, such as in a potted plant or under a tree outside. The seed must be fully covered and it must show signs of a tiny green sprout before it's planted. It is up to you to collect the appropriate water source, discreetly.

To interfere, you can ensure the seed will not properly grow by cracking the seed, charring it, soaking it in a liquid other than water, removing the sprout, or otherwise ruining the seed somehow without destroying it altogether.

Players will have until August 26 at 11:59 PM ET to let us the final outcome of their character's assignment, as this will affect how the event wraps up.

You do not need to finish any threads by then. Only two things are required for submission:
1. You must have a thread started of your character attending one of the ceremonies
2. You must decide what your character's final outcome status will be and mark it down for us

How your character reaches their final outcome is up to you and you can play out as much or as little interference, conflict, or drama for flavor as you like leading up to it. Once your outcome is submitted and the deadline has passed, please do not change it ICly or OOCly.

If your character is ICly attending the ceremony but you do not submit their assignment outcome by the deadline, it will default to decline.

Once you are ready, fill out and submit the form here.

The Delegates

If you were chosen as a delegate, you'll have already left for your meeting before the courier arrives at the ceremony. As a result, you won't receive the same package and your path will be a bit different.

To get to the meeting spot, a large and official-looking building, you'll be taken through a portal into an unknown city square rather than traveling directly to the meeting. If asked, you'll be told this is for security reasons. A carriage will await all three delegates at the square, which will then take them to another set of portals - where they'll finally reach their respective destinations of either Ikorr or Luna.

A separate IC log has been provided for delegates. Please go there for further details and to meet with your chosen representative.

The Outcome

As the carriages return to Oleuni Square, all seems well. The market is beginning to open back up as citizens return from the ceremony, merchants are setting up their wares, and there's no visible danger in sight. Intriguingly, Lady Elin is nowhere to be found, her things packed and the sign no longer on the table. It appears she does not plan on returning, or perhaps knows what lies ahead before anyone else.

Sure enough, the rumors start to surface: a fire, smoke coming out of one of the buildings in Ikorr. Or is it Luna? Both? Maybe it isn't a fire. Maybe someone was stabbed, actually. Or there was an accident involving a carriage. With how rumors work, it's impossible to tell what's true or not...but something is afoot.

Before anyone can investigate too closely, word comes that for security reasons, the event is shutting down a few hours early. Visitors are asked to conclude their business as quick as possible and then return home through the portals.

You'll find out exactly what happened during the event wrap-up on AUGUST 31! The outcome and which factions are involved will depend on the choices characters make.

Comments

Nadine Cross | The Stand | The World

[nadine_he_loves]

Marketplace

This place is incredible. Nadine can't say she hasn't been curious, since last month. The more she learns about this world, the more it's something right out of a book she might have read as a teenager.

The marketplace catches her attention first off. So many things, many of which aren't found back in Cadens. Including medicinals. She lingers at the elixir stalls, asking a few questions and inspecting bottles, pouring over them with a professional's interest.

She has to buy some to take home. Purely in the interest of healing. Even if she can't replicate them - yet - they'll be good to have on hand. With that in mind, she begins filling a satchel, dropping a large bag of coins on the countertop of the stall. It's a great many bottles, but clearly she can afford it.

Hunting Grounds

Nadine has been most interested to meet with and speak to werewolves. She has no idea what her ability to transform means, and thought maybe she'd find something out here. She hasn't, but the locals of Luna have been friendly and mildly curious. And, in a way, encouraging.

And so here she is, her clothes bundled up and strapped to her back - a trick she's learned so as not to lose them while four legged - and the golden antler necklace she always wears around her furry neck. In her lupine form, she retains her human mind. But everything else is purely wolf. It's been suggested she try and get in touch with her wolfish instincts - if she has any. Even if she doesn't, it's a good suggestion. Who knows when this form will be useful? Now that she's mastered the transformation aspect, why not try and master being a wolf?

Whether or not this exercise is a success, Nadine doesn't care. The woods are haunting and beautiful, particularly seen through a wolf's eyes. She's cautious at first, staying close to the entrance to the grounds, a long haired white wolf with a bundle of clothes on its back and a golden necklace sniffing at the ground and swiveling her ears to really listen...

Hot Springs

For the first time, Nadine isn't daunted by the communal hot springs. She's always been loathe to disrobe in public - not out of any shame over nudity, though that's a small part of it. She simply had no desire for anyone to see what was on her thigh that didn't have to.

But now a tattoo surrounds the cursed brand, camouflaging it nicely. So with only a bit of hesitation, she strips down and slips into the water without her usual wrap or undergarments. Her white hair - much longer than when she'd first come here - is piled and pinned around her horns on top of her head.

This is fine. Being naked in public with strangers is fine. She can handle this.

Maybe.

Lunar Pond

For the formal ceremony, Nadine has gone all out. It's rare she indulges in something so extravagant or eye catching, but she felt tonight calls for it. She's on the arm of one of the delegates, after all. Who is also sporting feathers on his outfit, giving them a complimenting theme.

She's eager to take part in all that's offered. After spending time here in Nocwich, she's found she quite likes the werewolves. Even the blind tasting catches her attention, after she's painted a lantern and set it with the others. What's the worst that could happen?

The dance floor gets her attention, too, though she's not usually prone to dance in public. Tonight's special, and even though it's a bit of a learning curve working around her extremely full skirt, and she'll accept an invitation from anyone to dance.

But it's the ceremony she's most interested in, following the throng to the pond with her lantern held reverently in both hands.

Wildcard

[OOC: Anything else, go for it! Nadine will be checking everything out that she can!]

hot springs;

[castle]

He'd come for a quick wash, aware of the stench all over his body from his time on the hunting grounds, also credited to the torcainse blood that had clung to his skin after that last, troublesome kill. As much as he's used to being coated in blood after some kind of hunt (which isn't typically animals), he knows there isn't going to be any kind of hot shower waiting for him back at the inn, which means he'll take what he can get.

The space he comes to is a bit quieter, empty of any company for the time being. Frank pulls off his dirty clothes until he's left with nothing on his body, save for a scattered but expansive collection of scars, varied by knife marks and bullet wounds, before he dips into the water.

He's scrubbing at dried blood marks along his arm when the woman arrives, his eyes peering to her only briefly before he diverts his gaze away again out of courtesy for her privacy.

"I'll, uh, be out of your hair soon," he mutters to her, assuming she'd prefer some time in the spring without a crowd.

[nadine_he_loves]

"It's fine."

Sort of. Nadine is quick to submerge herself to her shoulders - it all gets a little more awkward when the only other people using the springs are strangers. But at least it's a polite stranger. They can both be politely awkward about the whole situation.

"This kind of set up is surprisingly common in this world."

The baths at the castle back in Thorne, when she'd first been summoned, had been the same. And the baths at the Summit. It's just expected at this point. And she's come a long way since back then, when she'd have Lloyd stand guard for her to ensure privacy.

"The whole society isn't big on modesty, I guess. You kind of get used to it. Or I assume...still getting there."

[castle]

It isn't that he's necessarily shy and he definitely isn't quick to get flustered, as things like nudity aren't quite enough to get him nervous, but it's still not exactly something normal to do around strangers, especially around women he doesn't know. He doesn't have any intentions on letting his eyes linger but the awareness of that still adds that sliver of awkwardness.

Enough of his attention remains on his own body though, coated with dry blood that doesn't belong to him, using his own fingers to brush along his arms.

"Haven't really been around here long enough to know. Kind of tend to keep away from crowds, so the whole ... shared bathing thing's a first."

[nadine_he_loves]

"One of the newer arrivals? Where were you summoned to?"

Funny, how after more than a year certain terms and phrases seem easy and natural. The way of this world gets under the skin and sinks in.

And she may as well make conversation. It seems more awkward and uncomfortable to just ignore one another pointedly. They're both adults, they're both just here because they need a bath - one of them more than the other, admittedly. Nadine's own venture to the hunting grounds had been in her animal form, and there had been less hunting and more herding and retrieving.

Market

[thearchangel]

"What do you think?"

He'd recognized Nadine over at the market. Her hair was kind of an easy mark - not in a bad way. It was just identifiable. So, of course, he's going to say hello. Just because you weren't the most social bug (is it bug? Some kind of bug? He'll get human idioms someday), didn't mean you didn't say hello to allies and friends.

The question, this time, is brought to us by the shawl stuck to his head. Wrapped around his crest, actually. He'd ended up buying it once it got caught. And just left it there for the moment.

"Wasn't sure if it was my color."

[nadine_he_loves]

Nadine turns at the familiar voice, used to Garrus enough by now that her expression is simply one of friendly recognition. And then she laughs, but it's amiable.

"You know....I think you can pull it off."

It can't be easy for him, she reflects. Nothing in this world is built for him. It had been hard enough adjusting as a human, it has to be that much harder for Garrus. But he seems to be doing alright, at least from what she can tell.

"Add a fancy pin and you could wear it to one of the formal events."

[thearchangel]

No, it's really not all that simple. It's a lot to adjust to. But on the other hand, it's not the first time he's been on a mission somewhere designed for humans. His tours on the Normandy, for example. Especially the first and second - even more so the second, with how much Cerberus was pulling the strings.

"You think?"

There's humor in his voice, regardless, his expression amused. "Good to know. I've got no idea what I'm supposed to wear to this thing."

[nadine_he_loves]

"Neither do I, really. Formal, but...I don't know what the local fashions are. It seems...diverse."

If the racks in the market are anything to go by. Nadine hasn't even started looking seriously, she hasn't been up to it. It's a lot, and fashion isn't her thing. She's well aware of this fact.

"But we're foreigners, so maybe we get a pass on fashion faux pas."

And there's plenty else to focus on in the market.

Hot Springs

[doubledead]

What an interesting piece of culture!

The werewolves of this world, while not as scary as he expected, made up for it with their hospitality! Jack couldn't remember the last time he took a good hot soak. It doesn't really occur to him to be bashful because after all, he is a skeleton. He's bones and bones only! So when he dips a toe into the water near Nadine, he leans over to greet her before carefully wading in.

"Good evening! Oh, that is hot! Ouch!" Jack was a little afraid of becoming bone broth. He sent the living woman a wave as he settled in. "So nice of the werewolves to invite us out here isn't it?"

[nadine_he_loves]

This shouldn't be that surprising. Nadine is in a werewolf hot spring, at a cultural event put on by communities of vampires and werewolves. She knows an alien. A skeleton rolling up for a bath shouldn't be anything that strange at this point.

And yet...

"Uh...yeah." Well, apparently he's not a local of some kind. That makes it a little weirder. Is there some dimension where people are just skeletons? Or just some dimension with a race of skeletons...

Nope, she doesn't want to think about that right now.

"Yeah, everyone's been very hospitable so far. And I guess this kind of thing is really rare, they don't normally invite people to visit."

[doubledead]

"The werewolves where I'm from like to keep to themselves too," Jack would comment as he looked out over the surface of the water.

The way the orange torch light reflected off of it was such a nice end to the day. If he ever got back home, he would have to borrow this idea and share it. Everyone in Halloween Town together for a relaxing bath. Wouldn't that be nice!

He turns to face her and for a moment it almost seems as though he's staring--and he is a little. He's looking at her horns trying to understand exactly what she was. But his question wouldn't be that--it would be something more important. "Have you heard of Halloween?"

Never a day off the job for the Pumpkin King.

[nadine_he_loves]

"Oh?"

Where does this guy come from? Nadine only finds herself with more questions. It's like Garrus all over again. Maybe he'll elaborate further, through conversation.

And then she has to blink and make sure she heard right.

"Uh, yeah. I know Halloween. My friend threw a big party for it, in the Horizon last year. We have it back in our world."

Not everyone does. It's not a bad question, just one that seems to come out of nowhere. Maybe he'd been getting some comments from other Summoned...

wolfin time.

[gynvael]

Given that the werewolves are one half of Nocwich's population, Geralt should've expected to see some actual wolves in these woods. Somehow, it still startles him when a flash of sleek white fur darts between the trees. A testament to the strange wildlife in these parts that the sight of a common wolf is surprising.

He follows, curious. His steps are quiet, not wanting to disturb, just. Observe. He's seen werewolves. Killed a few. Most of the ones he encounters are far gone, the kind that cannot be saved. Those are the ones often discovered by the village. Any that blend in well, hidden and living their lives...they aren't the ones he meets. They'd hardly make themselves known to a Witcher.

As he draws closer, though, the bundle of clothes catches his attention. The shine of a gold necklace under the moonlight. And the scent embedded in the fabrics: familiar, overlaid with the smell of earth and wolf fur.

Wait.

Geralt steps out from behind the trees in the wolf's path. Is that—? "Nadine?"

[nadine_he_loves]

It's funny, how senses are different in this form. Nadine hears and smells better. She finds herself able to identify Geralt before she's looked up to see him - though he does have a distinct voice that's easy to recognize, animal ears or not. Still. It's different, like this. His scent is sharper and clearer, his voice somehow heavier and stronger.

She turns to him with a wolfish grin, tail cutting back and forth like that of a happy dog's. Without human vocal chords, she's reduced to communicating through body language and gestures. It tends to work, though. Jaskier usually has little trouble understanding her when she's this shape. And she knows enough canine body language to get general points across.

Tail still wagging, she trots over to Geralt to greet him. It doesn't occur to her that he's had no warning as to this ability of hers. She assumes Jaskier or Julie mentioned it at some point.

[gynvael]

Jaskier did mention it. Geralt just assumed, at the time, that Jaskier was fucking drunk when he told him Nadine had turned into a wolf and started wrestling his miniature pet gryphon.

He's reflecting on that conversation right now. A slow realization drifts over him. Jaskier had in fact meant every word of what he said back then.

What the fuck.

After a pause, Geralt pats her a little awkwardly on the back in greeting while her tail swings back and forth. It. Doesn't feel right to pat her on the head. She isn't actually a wolf. His friend turns into a bird, Nadine turns into a wolf. He supposes that's fitting.

"You're hunting?"

[nadine_he_loves]

The pat on the back has Nadine swiveling her ears - everyone else has no reservations about patting or scratching her on the top of the head. It's the natural place to pet something furry and four legged. But that's Geralt.

And now comes the tricky part, trying to communicate without being able to speak. Some ideas and concepts were too difficult to express through body language and acting it out.

But there is a third option, and Nadine lowers her nose to the soft ground to awkwardly scratch two words into the dirt.

JUST TRACK

Hopefully that gets the point across that she's practicing tracking and scenting things out. Getting used to utilizing her senses and capabilities in this form.

Marketplace

[postocular]

Once he actually gets himself to Oleuni Square, there are too many things trying to divide his attention. While he doesn't really have any money to speak of, it's fun to browse around all the shops and stalls. It feels so different than the open markets that Solvunn has where bartering seems to be the currency of the realm.

He can't help but be curious about absolutely everything, so no merchant goes unexplored. As he's looking over a row of multi-colored elixirs for.. he's not exactly sure what, he happens to glance over and spot a familiar head of blonde hair. Carl smiles, setting down the bottle, and approaches her instead.

"Need help?"

[nadine_he_loves]

"Hey!"

Nadine turns with a smile, looking both the same and different here in the real world. She dressed like an Abraxan, in tiered skirts and cotton bodice and leather vest. And her hair isn't hiding her horns. Beyond that, she's the same as the woman Carl met in the Horizon.

She'd wondered if he'd be here. Hoped. She supposes it's partially selfish. There's something about him that reminds her so much of Joe.

"I would not say no. They have all kinds of potions and tonics that I've never seen before, I have to stop myself from buying one of each."

[postocular]

She definitely looks different than the last time he saw her, but a t-shirt and a pair of jeans aren't really practical in Abraxas, apparently. Or common. He's got on a hand-me-down number that the son of a local family grew out of. Pretty easy to find them when you're a beanpole. Carl grins at her and points to her pearlescent horns.

"Those are new. They look nice." New to him, at least. He has no problem standing by so he can take her bag when she's ready. "What's stopping you?"

[nadine_he_loves]

"Hmm? Oh!" One of Nadine's hands goes up to touch her fingertips to one of the horns. "Thanks, yeah, these...happened here, they don't always show up in the Horizon. Sometimes the magic in this world does weird things like that, changes us a little or gives us an ability."

The other things she can do are much more useful than a pair of decorative horns, but she sees them as a mark. A permanent little tie to demonic forces. Like a scar, and one not so easily hidden with a tattoo.

"And what's stopping me is money and lack of about a dozen more hands. There's a lot of things I've never seen before. And I don't know any apothecary in Cadens that stocks stuff from here...."

It would really give her a leg up, if she could stock up well.

forgive me for being the latest fool in the world (lunar pond)

[cointosser]

It is not mere coincidence that Jaskier's wardrobe seemingly has corresponding elements with his lover's. No, nothing Jaskier has ever put in his wardrobe is mere coincidence. He approached her early with the idea of some matching bits and bobs in their clothes, and he was more than eager to see Nadine dress up for something truly formal. Not because he was selfish and wanted to see it (though that's mostly it), but because he's been watching her enjoy it, more and more, as time goes on. (Or, more accurately, as he and Julie both bully her into it.)

So when he approaches her, it's with a smile and softly shining eyes, his furred collar perfectly fluffed around his neck, planted with oil-slick gryphon feathers (generously donated by Mog) between the fluffs of fur.

The wolf in charge of the lanterns had made a promise she would feel something from his writing her name on it -- and that she would be protected. He only hopes that's true.]

Even the sweetest of notes could not give dare to touch the truth of your beauty during this night, Nadine. [He gives her an overly formal bow, and when he lifts up, offering his hand, there's a glowing flower there for her to take, the stem having tangled itself into something resembling a bracelet. A corsage. Several smaller flowers join it, mimicking the glow of the flowers around the lunar pond.] How are you feeling? I left a lantern for you, and the wolf there said... well, he implied it would feel rather nice. Though who knows if it does anything at all?

No worries!

[nadine_he_loves]

[Even though they've been together months, Jaskier is still able to bring a girlish flush to her cheeks with his words. There's something so poetically romantic in the way he talks, even normally, but turned to romantic compliments...she's not sure she'll ever quite get used to it.

Nor the sweet and clever ways he uses his magic. God. How did she ever end up finding him? In the grand scheme of existence, it seems almost impossible. They're from two different worlds, only able to be together by virtue of both of them being taken to a third world altogether... It defies all logic.

But here they are. Together, against so very many odds.]

Thank you. You're looking very handsome. You always do.

[But particularly so, tonight, in his finery.]

And I feel...really good tonight, honestly. Better than I have in a long, long time, I think. I don't know if it's magic or what, but...everything feels like it's okay. Like there's nothing to be worried about. I'm just happy to be here, and happy to be with you.

tfw you try to prose and lose it halfway through

[cointosser]

[He gives a little nod as if to say "thank you" and "I know" at the same time. (He's only being honest.) Besides, his thanks is in bending down to kiss her cheek enough, he thinks. Kissing the light blush painting her cheeks.

It suits her well. All that pale white, and then a rush of blood to paint it pink.]

I'm very glad to hear it. Truly. [Beyond words, really. It's... this is a very special time. A special moment. Her name floating away on a lantern, the warmth he felt afterwards. How she looks like a duchess here. How her shoulders are a bit straighter.] And honestly, I feel the same. [He smooths his hand down the fur collar of his coat.] I'm a tad nervous, of course, but I do feel like... tonight will make a difference. For the better. Not only because of me, of course, but this whole meeting of the minds. [He smiles, offering to take her hand.] And being here, with you. It's the closest we've come to a proper banquet.

[nadine_he_loves]

I've never been to anything so fancy.

[She isn't certain anything like this even existed in her world. Formal affairs, of course. All those fancy galas that rich people went to. But they were still mundane affairs, confined by the limits of the world Nadine came from.

It's one of those fairy tale moments. A magical night with her...well, not exactly prince, but she vaguely recalls Jaskier is actually some sort of fancy-pants nobility. Close enough. She still feels like Drew Barrymore at the ball.

Taking his hand, she gives it an affectionate squeeze.]

And I think you're right. You're doing a lot of good, Jaskier. And I mean more than just this ambassador position. You've done so much for Cadens and the Free Cities, you care so much. It's an incredible thing. I hope you know that you never cease to amaze me.