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

[gynvael]

[ Partying is not what Geralt was made for, but he's been participating...sufficiently. Between those who may have forcibly pulled him to the dance floor—Julie included, possibly—and the simple fact that he knows a good chunk of the Summoned, he's actually not been lurking as much as one might expect. A little of his braid has come apart, but both his hair and his carefully chosen clothes by Julie and the others remain intact. Even the flowers are still there.

Lurking has still occurred, though. Largely around the table full of food and ale.

It's a little after the lanterns are set afloat—which, he isn't certain he believes in the magic or not, but the gesture seems harmless—that he notices an absence. He looks into a few tents before he ducks through the trees, searching. Finds the flash of pink and shimmering silver at the edge of the woods. ]

Hey. [ He steps forward, concern wrinkling his brows. It's not like her to vanish from a gathering. ] Everything all right?

[princessvegas]

[ Oh, she absolutely made him dance, if only because they'd discussed it not that long ago. It's not like Julie is an expert at this kind of dancing, so it was all just for fun.

In the shadows, she stares up at the moon, more an effort to keep herself from crying than anything else. She's frustrated that she can feel dampness under her eyes anyway. Honestly, the most upsetting part of it all, for her, is that she's still fucking crying over a world she doesn't live in and people who aren't fucking alive. She thought she was getting over it, that she wouldn't have to keep feeling like this every time.

If she doesn't think about it, it's fine. Why does she have to think about it? Why didn't she just throw the stupid lantern away? Why does it still matter to her that there's no one left in the universe who would look at that stupid fucking piece of parchment and think of her name? That everyone who ever loved her like that is a goddamn corpse rotting on a dead earth somewhere far beyond her reach? It's so fucking easy to forget that there's no one left anywhere who's known her for more than a year, and it hurts so much every time she remembers. Like she didn't exist at all until she was fished out of Thorne's well.

She hadn't expected this whole thing to set off these feelings, or she never would have come here. She doubts the vampires are stirring up these emotions.

For once, Geralt doesn't scare the living bejeezus out of Julie when he appears (she is aware he doesn't mean to do it, he just does. A man his size should not be that quiet when moving around.). She turns her head slightly when she looks back down from the sky, takes a step away from the tree. ]

Yeah, fine. I just needed a minute. Started to get a little light-headed, maybe I shoulda ate more.

[gynvael]

[ There is a sense Geralt is not buying fine. It shows in the brief silence that follows, a sweep of his gaze over her. In the end, he doesn't push. She's been through a lot. Perhaps the night has her lonely, maybe it reminds her of something back home. Maybe it's several things all at once. He isn't certain, but he's aware not everything—nor even most things—needs to be put into words.

Sometimes you simply feel like shit. ]

I failed to abscond with the steaks. But— [ He lifts a jug of wine and two goblets, head cocked: an offer for company if she wants.

Or he can leave her with the jug if she wishes to be by herself. He can't begrudge anyone the desire to drink in solitude amongst the vegetation. Fuck knows he's done it a thousand times. But in the time he's gotten to know her, he's learned how much she prefers to not be alone. Now and then, it still strikes him a little that it's his company she seems to seek, or at least not mind, in moments like these—he's never seen himself as the ideal source of companionship or comfort—but he is not so unaware that he believes his presence doesn't matter to her. He's come to understand it does. ] 

[princessvegas]

[ She knows he doesn't buy it. Knew he wouldn't even as she said it, actually. He often sees through her when she's upset, and usually she just tells him what's wrong, but this, she can't bear to put into words. It's too much, too big a weakness, and she knows what it will probably sound like if she does explain. It will sound like fishing, like she's trying to bait him, and she doesn't want him to think that. If he thinks that's what she's doing, he'll leave her, because there is nothing more unattractive than that kind of neediness.

Managing a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes, she nods, comes close enough to hold her hand out for his. ] I saw a bench a little up the way.

[ There are, in fact, small stone benches dotted throughout the edge of the forest. She's not sure whether they were brought for the party, or if maybe the werewolves sometimes hang out and talk between bouts of wolf stuff. ]

[gynvael]

[ He steps closer, takes her hand with his free one. Julie tends to tell him what's on her mind. That she isn't suggests this is something which bothers her more deeply. He's watching her a little as they walk—though eventually he looks ahead along the floral-lit paths.

He settles on one of the benches, beneath some overhanging boughs. A glowing butterfly, vibrant green and blue, flutters past. The jug of wine goes between them. It's quiet here, away from the festivities and the dancing crowd. ]

For a land shrouded in eternal darkness, I didn't expect so much light.

[ Shining feline tails that reflect the moonlight, floating lanterns, a dozen glowing insects and antlers—he hadn't been certain what to expect when he first stepped through those portals, but what he's seen from Nocwich has surprised him a bit. It's not a place he'd mind returning to, given the chance. ]

[princessvegas]

[ She tries to distract herself from her own thoughts as they stroll, focuses instead on the warmth of his hand, on the various flowers and fireflies that dart around them. It really is a beautiful place, and it's been pretty nice to get out of the fucking desert. It's not quite Aquila, but it's a completely worthy vacation choice. But humans aren't made to go this long without sunlight, either, and she's actually somewhat glad to be returning to Cadens in the morning.

Still, she does snort. ] For you, maybe. It's lighter than I expected, but it's still dark as anythin' for me, Mr. Witcher eyes.

[ She pours both glasses with a teasing smile. Leaning back on the bench, she angles herself slightly toward him, elbow propped on top of the seat. ]

Do you like it here?

[gynvael]

[ His lips lift a hint. All right. Yeah. He's actually no idea how dark it is for the others. Last time he experienced night without his usual vision was a while ago, in Thorne, and he truthfully hates it. Feels like he's lost his sight altogether.

He turns to face her. ] Mm. Parts are familiar. The werewolves, mostly. [ If they didn't turn into literal wolves, they'd be not much different than his people. He misses them. The Witchers. Being here drives that home a bit sharper than usual. There's the smallest wistful pause before he moves past. ] You? Procuring clothes aside.

[ He's only gently poking. What else is Jaskier's coin for? He's purchased little other than food, but it isn't from any hesitation using Jaskier's money. There simply isn't much he needs or wants. Spending time with Julie and the others away from Cadens is enough. He's grown tired of the constant presence of the army. ]

[princessvegas]

Keep makin' fun, I won't show you what one of the werewolf ladies sold me. I guess they don't care much for heavy fabric over their pelts. [ Is she saying that she found a werewolf lingerie shop? Maybe. There could be any number of things in the many shopping bags she's been piling in the corner of their room. But she's smirking over the rim of her glass.

She glances around, at all of the strange, luminescent flora. Honestly, she's not sure if she likes it so much as likes having a break from Cadens, likes seeing her friends from different factions, likes exploring a new place. The lack of sunlight really is a bit difficult -- even now, she's only sure that it's really night because the moon is visible. But she can already tell that her internal clock is all out of whack. ]

It's real pretty, and everyone is super nice, but the dark makes it hard. I probably wouldn't stay another whole week, but maybe a few days here and there'd be okay. [ She also gets the feeling that this whole experience has been... sanitized for them. Designed to make them feel a very specific way about Nocwich. It could just be a desire to present themselves at their best, but she doesn't trust any of the natives to this world. If they're going to try to poach Summoned, or worse, try their own hand at it -- ] I mean, it's not really designed for me, is it? This whole place is meant for people who aren't human. Of course it's sorta hard to feel comfortable.

[gynvael]

Since you put it that way. [ He smiles back, small. There's still something on her mind, he's sure, but she seems distracted enough. He lets himself be the same, pushes aside what looms back in Cadens, between the military's movements and the ever-present signs of stirrings. One night indulging in pretty lit ponds and an abundance of food will be fine. Not as though they can do anything about these nations' ambitions.

Half the reason the factions sent them here, he imagines. A distraction.

He lifts his cup to his lips. A few days of extended night doesn't bother him much; he's travelled far enough north where it happens on occasion, though the sun is never fully absent to this degree. But longer? Like her, he needs daylight eventually. He makes a thoughtful sound. ] At least the rest of the human world leaves them be.

[ More than he can say for how things would go on the Continent. Though for how long, he isn't sure. Winds can shift quickly. ]

[princessvegas]

Months and months ago, back in Nott, I was tryin' to find any books about their magic that I could. There's not many, since they teach their kids so young, and almost all the books are written for little kids. Stories about animals who blow shit up from their temper, or who send things flyin' out the window 'cause they're careless. [ Sounds familiar. ] But I found this one book in a shop, and I only read it 'cause the illustrations were so pretty. It was about flowers and plants in the Feywilds, and the very start of the book was sayin' that no one who enters the Feywilds make it back out. The faeries kill humans who wander in. Enough that there's legends and fairytales about people who survived at all. So the humans in this world learned not to fuck with other... races? Species? Whatever. I guess they decided better safe than sorry.

[ She's not an expert. She literally read part of one book once, and she's just relaying information. But it makes sense to her, that if the humans kept getting killed, they'd eventually develop a sense of self-preservation out of it. Vampires and werewolves certainly seem more dangerous than faeries, at least to someone who didn't know they were real before last year. But then again, what does she know?

Her foot swings slowly in the air, where she's crossed her legs, and she looks pensive. ] Maybe only the humans are obsessed with the Singularity. If the vampires and werewolves and faeries ain't worried about gettin' control of it, the humans would be dumb as fuck to bother 'em and drag 'em into it. Not that humans ain't dumb as fuck, but it would be a special new level of stupid.

[gynvael]

[ Hm. Jaskier's told him a bit of the Feywilds—because of course Jaskier finds the notion enticing, even before his own magic with plants arose—but other than that, Geralt knows little of it. The stories remind him of the dryads. Few who enter leave. Or at least very few are able to leave unchanged.

Part of him likes to believe Nocwich exists peacefully in the same world because the humans see no reason to wish them harm. A childish thought; remnants of a fleeting fancy that maybe his people could've found themselves as untouched as the werewolves if things had been...different. But he knows more likely Julie is right. It is out of fear. Same bullshit that drives everyone until the end of time. ]

Let's hope it stays that way. [ He left one sphere consumed by war and bloodshed. He's tired of it. Still, he isn't keen on dwelling on what dark roads lie ahead. What comes will come. ] Would hate to lose access to all this fine wine and cryptic oracles.

[ Not that he knows what the fuck his means. He wishes he could say he doesn't believe in prophecy and paths not yet walked, but, well. He's learned that lesson, hasn't he? ]

[princessvegas]

Well, I wouldn't expect the first we'd see of Nocwich is bein' peaceful unless they were real intent on keepin' it that way. Not when it's so much easier to just stay hidden away. [ There is an unspoken undercurrent in her tone, that maybe it's not about peace or trade so much as getting access to the Summoned themselves. But that is something she can't deal with right now, something she doesn't think any of them can deal with. The Summoned are already being pulled in a dozen directions at once, almost none of which they want to go in. They don't need another voice in the mix.

She snorts as she takes another sip. ] Mm, 'cept I can't stop worryin' about gettin' a mouthful of blood every time I get a new bottle. [ THIS IS A REAL ANXIETY SHE DIDN'T KNOW SHE HAD. ]

What'd you make of your fortune?

[gynvael]

[ Part of him wonders if Nocwich might soon regret opening up their doors to the Summoned. He hasn't got it in him to worry about the politics of it all, though. Even if he's aware he can't step away from it the way he'd prefer.

In any case. Geralt looks down at the wine in his hand. That is also not a fear he's realized others might have. He's simply...been able to smell the blood. And whatever oddities go into the food and drink. ]

I'll sniff it for you next time. [ Beneficial Witcher features.

He gives a shrug, his answer dry. ] Blood and sacrifice. The usual. Yours?

[princessvegas]

[ She pauses for a moment, remembering what the fortuneteller said. While Julie can acknowledge the fun of psychics and clairvoyants and whatever else, it's not something she ever took particularly seriously. But the Lady Elin had felt different, enough that even now, Julie's skin raises in goosebumps. The magic coming off her had been almost impossibly strong, like being near the Singularity.

Taking a deep breath, Julie sips her wine with her eyes cast down. Her voice is quieter than it had been. ]

Um, she said she saw a crowd and purple flames. "Old words and -- " [ She falters a bit here, because the next part was what made her blood run cold. If Julie didn't have some kind of freakishly intimate connection with the Singularity, it probably wouldn't have phased her. But knowing what she knows, what she can do and hear that no one else can... ] "Old words and dangerous magicks." So.

[ She reaches for the jug even as she's actively gulping down the rest of her glass. ]

[gynvael]

[ His expectation is that she'd be dismissive of her fortune, or perhaps ambivalent at best. He knows, if not for his own experiences, he would feel the same. And even so, he's not put much stock in it. Too full of obscure horseshit.

But her expression changes. He leans forward, studying her. Julie has told him before her magic feels different, but she's always seemed keen on its growth, not afraid of it. He hasn't found cause for concern as a result. It isn't as though he's ever seen her lose control.

Though possibly, his perception of how much one can truly lose control over their Chaos has been skewed by Ciri. ]

What do you think it means?

[ Is that what's been bothering her all night? The fortune? ]

[princessvegas]

[ She shakes her head as she swallows, simultaneously pouring herself another glass with a liberal hand. ] No idea, but it don't sound good. I mean, first I can fuckin' talk to it, and now some creepy magical fortuneteller says my shit is dangerous? And the way she looked at me...

[ She trails off, taking another large gulp. It's not easy to say why she finds it all so off-putting; there's obvious intersection of her unique ability, of the fact that she has been told multiple times now that her magic is extremely powerful, and now this fortune. But almost worse was the way Lady Elin's eyes had searched Julie's face, like she couldn't believe who she was seeing. How the feeling of magic seeping off the woman felt thick enough to choke.

What it all means.

For a moment, there's a powerful desire to go to the Singularity at this very second. Like it can heal her. ]

Just all of it together. I don't like it.

[gynvael]

[ He frowns, searching her face. ]

Julie. [ He places his hand on hers. ] All chaos is dangerous. That doesn't mean you are.

[ There's no point in giving voice to his own concerns. About the Singularity. Between Julie and Ciri—he doesn't know where it might lead, how its magic interacts with theirs. Its pull is obviously stronger for some than others.

But he means what he says. Magic is magic. There are mages on the Continent who can sink ships in a day. There's Ciri, who can apparently shatter the Singularity at any moment. It has no bearing on who someone is. Or what path they will end up walking. ]

[princessvegas]

[ For a beat, she's quiet, looking at the back of his hand, the veins and movement of the tendons. Then she turns her own and laces her fingers through his, holds on just a bit tighter than she means to. Her head tilts to one side, and she can't make herself look him directly in the eye. ]

But it was me that made her say it. She looked at me and said there was a crowd, and purple flames, and that it's dangerous.

[ Julie is not used to a world that takes destiny and prophecy with any kind of seriousness. For her, those are quaint concepts from fairytales, from long-dead societies who were proven wrong again and again. Over the past year, she has been grappling with the idea that maybe those things are real, that endings are not something determined by your own actions and a higher power judging them as good or bad. And if it's real, and there is something dark or dangerous about her that she can't stop, can't control... then what does that make her?

Wanda had said she was destined to be the Scarlet Witch, to do unfathomable damage regardless of what she really wanted. It was written in a book thousands of years before Wanda existed. Julie doesn't want to be damned into a similar role, in a world she'll never be a real part of, for a reason she doesn't understand.

Maybe that's why everyone who loved you died, the voice in the back of her head hisses, the one that never goes away no matter how hard she tries to silence it. You're dangerous. Who would want to bless you?

She hates that Geralt can hear her heart beat faster with the pain, no matter how much a poker face she keeps up. ]

[gynvael]

[ The thing is, he can't tell her without a doubt that it means nothing. He knows better, about prophecies and the shadows that can follow. Perhaps an edge of truth lies in the seer's words, even if at the end of the day, Geralt believes it still comes down to the choices you make. The world can only lay your path for you. It can't tell you what to do while you're on it.

That's not something he thinks you can simply impart upon someone. It takes time, a kind of coming to terms, to make peace with the idea that certain things are chosen for you long before you ever realized. From childhood, from birth, from bloodlines that span generations. That this doesn't make it impossible to carve your own road.

But he does know one thing he's certain of. ]

You aren't dangerous to me. [ He ducks down to try to catch her gaze. Her heart pounds in the quiet forest, and more than some mystic fortune, that worries him. That she'll grow to fear her magic, afraid of herself, the way Ciri once did. ] And you won't be. I trust you.

[princessvegas]

[ It would probably be easier for her to accept if she could simply have some kind of simple or at least benign prophecy. Julie spent nearly her entire life understanding that she would never be someone important or world-changing, and her own desire had merely been simple wealth or fame. Nothing revolutionary, just the life that was so often handed to people in her world by birth alone. Then, over the course of less than two years (or is it three, now?), she found everything she'd ever known to be not just wrong, but comically so, making almost every new discovery something shaky and frightening and treacherous.

Almost every new discovery.

Which is possibly why mild panic lights up her eyes, abruptly shocks her into meeting his gaze. Her fingers dig into the back of his hand. ]

I would never hurt you. [ The thought had never even crossed her mind, that she could be dangerous to him. Something in her brain had simply filtered him out of whatever havoc or damage she might be destined to cause, like a blind spot. ] Geralt, I -- there's nothin' that could ever make me want to hurt you.

[gynvael]

I know. [ He does. He doesn't mean to alarm her with the thought. Only that it's—

He isn't certain he can explain; it might not even be entirely conscious. He simply does not factor in the world at large. Maybe she will be capable of great devastation. Maybe like Ciri, she will fell men with a scream and tear down walls. And it won't matter in the end. It won't change how he sees her.

What she may or may not do, that isn't where his concerns lie. He's only worried about what could happen to her. Not merely for what she's found, but for what the world might want of it. Of her.

But not everyone believes as he does when it comes to destruction foretold. ]

Just be careful. Of who hears. [ His other hand cups her cheek. ] If you need me—you can always come to me.

[princessvegas]

[ The thing is, Julie knows herself fairly well. She is aware that she can be petty and cruel and rash; the fact that she might be linked to dangerous or negative things is not unimaginable to her. She doesn't want that anymore, she has tried very hard since getting to Cadens to just be a better person, but it doesn't change what she knows she is capable of when she is hurt or angry.

She has tried to kill people. She has engaged with evil. She has turned on people she professed to care for. These weren't things she did against her will. Julie knows that she has been this way for a long time.

But for some reason, she can't imagine turning all that wrath on Geralt. She can see everyone else she knows in visions of potential destruction, but not him. Even if he were to abandon her (Not if, when. You know he will. Just like everyone else does.), she thinks, she wouldn't be able to hurt him.

That makes her chest ache, too. ]

I will. [ She nods, leans her head into his hand. The only people who know are him, Ciri, and the three who with originally with her when she discovered it. She was almost caught there, once, but she's positive she talked her way out of it. ] I just -- I need you to know. That no matter what, I would never hurt you on purpose.

[gynvael]

[ For a moment, he's quiet. He can't place at first why her words sit strangely within him. Not in an unpleasant sense. It's just—unexpected. Only after some time does it strike him no one's ever tried to assure him of this before. It's always been the other way around: him explaining that he isn't here to harm anyone, that they needn't be afraid of him. (When he cares to explain; most days, he doesn't.)

He still isn't used to people who look at him as though he can be hurt. ]

I believe you. [ He doesn't say it lightly when he tells her he trusts her. More than that, he knows she trusts him, too. It's important. He's well aware he isn't easy to be around, isn't easy to understand. But he's come to realize she feels safe with him. It means something to him that she does.

He tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. ] What do you say we return? Make the most of the wine?

[ Party's nearly over. They may as well see it through together. An incident or so aside, it's been a decent trip. No reason to let one ominous foretelling shadow the night. Plenty of time afterwards to dwell on things. ]

[princessvegas]

[ If it helps him any, even she doesn't look entirely at ease with what she's said. Not because of him, not really -- she's simply never felt like that before. Julie has always learned to hold a sort of detachment for others, particularly lovers, that lets her dispose of them when they are no longer serving her needs, that lets her coo sweet nothings into their ears at the same time she's slipping poison into their glass. People can't hurt you if you hurt them first. With the possible exception of her own parents (and probably not even them, not fully), there has just never been anyone else that broke through that defense mechanism.

And that makes her uncomfortable too, because she realizes it means that she doesn't have control over what happens. He will always have a dagger to her neck, and he doesn't even know it. And no matter how much she wants to believe that he wouldn't cut her, the voice inside knows better. (He'll get tired of you. You know that. Him and everyone else. They'll forget you exist. Your only destiny is to be alone.)

Her eyes cast down into her goblet, where she can see a dark, shimmering reflection of herself. She has put so much effort into tonight, for both herself and the others. Her makeup sparkles back at her almost tauntingly in the wine. The vise around her guts tightens again.

Clearing her throat, she shakes her head a little. ] I'm okay. I -- I think I'll just stay here for a little while. [ She looks back up at him and plasters a tight smile on. ] You go have fun.

[gynvael]

[ His brows wrinkle, like he's trying to decipher her thoughts. She so rarely doesn't tell him what's on her mind, he knows it runs deep when she chooses not to say. There are things they don't talk about—the precise nature of their relationship, for one—but for Geralt, it isn't necessary. Not really. She's important to him, in a way that's more than them or what they've found together. It's about her. He cares about her. He always will, whether she's with him or her path diverges.

Maybe that's simply how he is. He's never known how to shake the people who become a part of his life. Once he's let them in, they stay. Even years, decades, later.

He shifts his weight, lowering his hand and settling in beside her. He glances back out at the glowing trees. His voice is soft. ] You know I hate fun.

[ It was only an offer to accompany her back to the festivities. If she prefers to stay here, he hardly minds doing so alongside her. He refills her glass—and unless she tells him to leave, it's where he plans to remain. ]