( open )

[ushiri]

Who: Kyle & open
What: Catch-all log. Open and closed starters in the comments!
Where: Castle Thorne, Nott, Horizon
When: Late November through December
Warnings: Kyle's general opt-out. Will add additional warnings if necessary.

☽ ☽ ☽

Comments

horizon; open

[ushiri]

[ The temple seems to have settled compared to what it was like last month, no more earthquakes or odd humming. The air here is still spring-summer warm despite the changes in weather in the real world, and some of the garden outside has expanded: along with the apple trees are now strawberry bushes, and even the odd jalapeño plant can be found. The statues that flank the structure are immense and maybe intimidating, but there's something innately welcoming about this place. The one who this domain belongs to doesn't mind peaceful visitors.

The books along the walls are beginning to fill too. Many of them are now texts on magic and texts on Thornean history, copies (or memories) of the ones found in the castle library. Others are still blank, or written in a language no one here but Kahlil speaks.

Tucked away between books a strange mirror can be found that offers no reflection.

The iron tree at the center of the circular structure is the same, though. Candles keep the area lit, the glass dome at the top revealing a starry night sky most of the time, despite the sunlight outside. If he's in his domain Kahlil can most often be found here, kneeling at the base of the tree. He'll greet anyone who enters, and offer them a lightly rose-flavored tea with honey, or wryly suggest that he can also conjure a slushee if they want something more flavorful. ]

[wewillwewill]

[ Elidibus has found himself privately enjoying the small surprises one finds wandering between Domains in Horizon in a way he didn't think he would. It's not when an aesthetic seems familiar with recently restored memories or the simple act of something lovingly created out of nothing but thought and the malleable nature of the plane.

It's where he finds something new. Like nearly every Domain is a pocket of adventure waiting to be explored. He remembers those rare opportunities his work and duties allowed him a chance to have tiny adventures when he was much, much younger. It was a little disconcerting to find he had the capacity to feel this way now.

It didn't seem to be something he could stop. So he accepted it (and perhaps deep down was even relieved by it) and went about exploring during his visits.

As was often the case when it came to most other Domains, Elidibus made sure to manipulate his appearance so he was roughly the same height and appearance as his Abraxan self; silver haired and youthful, vibrant blue eyes with irises that have a light glow. White robes and a red mask with a deceptively simple design that hangs against his chest. It's easier to interact with others this way.

On entering the interior of the temple and finding the Domain's owner is in residence today, the former Ascian pauses. The offer is given due contemplation. ]

Pray explain what a 'slushee' is.

[ It can't hurt to ask, he decides. ]

[ushiri]

[ The mask is interesting. Most people in Horizon look and dress the way they do in the real world, and he can't think of one that obscures their features. Anywhere else he might find that reason to use extra caution. Here, within his domain, he's more lax. They are on his holy ground, and Kahlil controls this space.

At the question he raises his eyebrows, then points to one of the cushions at the base of the iron tree. ]

Something different. And sweet. [ He crouches down next to the tea set and touches the tin tray. The steaming ceramic mugs are replaced by tall, plastic cups. One is red for cherry, one pink for strawberry banana, and one blue for... he's not sure. Whatever blue tastes like.

He nods toward the stranger. ]

Come. Sit and try one.

Blue Raspberry, the ultimate mystery.

[wewillwewill]

[ The mask is down at least, hanging at his chest as though it were attached to a cord and waiting to be used. Many might think it's because it's the polite thing to do and it's true enough. But it has a bit more meaning than that in Horizon.

Elidibus is extremely reluctant to set aside something that's served as the core of his identity for so long. But that is neither here nor there. Something more profound is happening in front of him.

Not the conjury of other drinks (the memory of such things perhaps? Given where they are...) but the entire concept of the slushee itself. An eyebrow lifts as he steps forward to study the choices. ]

It is certainly different.

[ From tea absolutely. And he doesn't recall seeing anything quite like it. ]

Given the vibrant colors and its simplicity, I believe it is a drink meant to delight children.

[ He doesn't seem offended to be offered something meant for children. Elidibus seems to be voicing his initial observations. After another moment's consideration, he goes for the pink one. Red might be safe, blue is questionable. Pink seems just enough adventure.

Since the offer was to sit and enjoy, he finds himself a place near Kahlil to settle before tapping the side of the cup- a curious substance itself- and then trying to sip the contents.

Queue the thoughtful contemplation of someone who has never in over ten thousand years been exposed to artificial strawberry and banana mixed together over a slush and dyed pink. The response comes after a brief adjustment period and another sip. ]

Are refreshments such as this common on your star?

i totally misread that his mask was off, ugh sorry!!

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil sits as the stranger does, watching with interest as he makes his observations and selections. He settles cross-legged and picks the red drink, taking a small sip himself. At the comment about children he adds with amusement: ]

And adults, nostalgic or intoxicated. [ Or both.

At least he shouldn't quite get a sugar rush or brain freeze. So the drink is mostly safe for everyone, except maybe those who might have the memory of being afflicted by either way. Horizon sometimes seems as reliant on creativity as it is affected by memory, or lack of it...

Star. He's heard one other person refer to worlds that way. He wonders if they must come from the same place, but keeps the question to himself. ]

In certain kinds of shops. There's actually one next door. [ He nods vaguely to the east. ] Have you seen a gas station before?

Not to worry at all! <3

[wewillwewill]

[ Elidibus appears to have no problem sitting on the floor and also settles, though he keeps his legs stretched out loosely. It's for the best, wearing robes as he is. ]

I see.

[ Maybe not. But it does give a hint that Khalil hails from a society that isn't completely extreme about the expected behavior of adults. Elidibus samples the drink again and yes. The pace and amount he takes in makes it almost guaranteed the slush would be practically melted before he gets halfway. ]

Hm.

[ Once the question is posed, Elidibus closes his eyes and begins to reflect on it. The disadvantage to having his memories restored is that there's a lot to unpack. But while the words gas and station are familiar and even the concept of them being used together can have some derived context, the former Ascian shakes his head. ]

I can think of ways that phrase would be used, but I do not think they match what you're trying to describe. [ There is a brief glance to what direction is nodded at. He has yet to have been that way. ] Could you describe it for me?

[ushiri]

[ There's an odd formality to his speech, the combination of that and his questions is something Kahlil can't help finding a little endearing after his own experience being a stranger in a strange world. ]

It's a place where you can fill up your automobile with fuel, and go inside a little shop to buy supplies or treats. [ A pause, then the next natural question is whether he would even be familiar with cars. ]

Here.

[ Kahlil holds his hand out and in his palm appears a small toy car, a yellow corvette Hot Wheels made of what feels like metal. This he offers to the stranger as well. ]

[wewillwewill]

Ah, yes.

[ It seems the description is sufficient. Despite the somewhat archaic way of speaking, the stranger seems to know what cars are. And more importantly what they need to run. ]

So it's the term used for places one may refuel their vehicles. I'm familiar with the concept.

[ The offering of the Hot Wheels toy is also accepted with grace and studied with interest. He does privately wonder if this is another example of bright colors and exaggerated traits for children. For now he doesn't ask, choosing instead to introduce himself. ]

I am Elidibus. I was summoned by the elders of Solvunn a few moons prior.

castle thorne and nott; open

[ushiri]

[ The new Summoned appeared unexpectedly. He's noticed quite a few of them trying to navigate the library. He can be found here at a table in the back, pulling some of the books he found most useful for the many questions he had on arrival: histories of Thorne and the many, many fairy tales that serve in their place, maps of the continent, a couple of simple books on magic. If someone looks particularly confused he'll approach them to see if he might assist.

Or maybe point them to Istredd and Jack who know this place best.

In the meantime he can be found half falling asleep over particularly odd, dusty tomes of magic spells. His arcanic lessons with Yennefer are getting him a little more familiar with the ancient Thornean language that had interested him some time ago.

He can be seen walking through corridors near the South Wing, usually with a package in hand. Sometimes that leads him into the castle city proper, and sometimes he heads to the portals that lead to Nott. If you're looking for a tour of either city, he can oblige, so long as the guards allow you through. ]

( OOC: Feel free to start a thread post the introduction/exchanging of names if you like, or hmu via PM if you'd like something more specific in any of these areas! )

yennefer;

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil has kept his word since their first meeting, showing up to each of their sessions on time. Somehow he managed to power his way through the books she originally gave him, and through these two months - barring the interruption of the omens, he's managed to make progress. Whenever a rune or phrase in Ancient Thornean turns up in a spell, he copies it down with a little scribble about the spell its used for.

He fails a lot in those first weeks of practical spellwork. But he's stubborn and quick-witted, and his penchant for language means he's undeterred.

Unfortunately, he quickly learns what he expected about his original motive for learning: the wards and protections around the castle are far too complicated for him to figure out how to dispel on his own. This, though, he keeps to himself.

He's managed to perfect a simple protection spell, at least. A single use casting that mitigates some of the physical damage done to the one protected. It drains him horribly, though, and he ends up napping after nearly every class.

This time he finds her after she's done with her last class of the day. He knocks on the open door to announce himself. In one hand is a bottle of blackberry mead. He tilts his head to the side, raising an eyebrow. ]

A thank you, for all the lessons. [ He lifts the bottle with a wry grin. ] To share, if you have a moment to spare - and drinking with students isn't against your rules.

[ He's always been friendly in their interactions, carefully reading her mood. ]

[vixening]

[ he has kept his word, just as yennefer has kept her's. and while there aren't many who would deem her a nice teacher, for as long as her students can push through her sharp tone and impatience, they will learn. and kahil is a perfect example - the small smile she'd given after he'd finally cast his first successful protection spell, the fact she will always manage to find the time for his lessons, no matter how packed her schedule becomes. stubbornness and determination are the most important aspects that he will need to keep, and he seems just the type to do well.

plus - he's not nearly as infuriating as a lot of other students yennefer has dealt with. she might even go as far as to call him a halfway decent student to have around. and they have spent some time together over the last couple of months, enough that she's been able to pick up on his penchant for languages, enough that she'd been able to pick out certain directions for his studies that might be more specified to what he actually wants to learn. his obsession with wards has piqued her interest, but not enough for yennefer to actually ask after it.

either way, when he finds her in her classroom after the last of her lecture students have cleared out for the day, she doesn't immediately send him away. it's not until her eyes fall to the bottle in his hand that her demeanor relaxes a bit. ]

Do you always attempt to bribe your instructors? [ she does wave for him to step the rest of the way inside. ] And no- it definitely is not. I take it you brought glasses? [ aka, yes, she does have a few moments. but that is subject to change, if he takes too long to bring her the bottle. ]

[ushiri]

[ Strangely, that first comment seems to strike a nerve. An odd twitch in his expression, and something a little mellowed in his voice even though his tone is meant to be lightly teasing: ]

Only the instructors I that I like. [ With permission given he doesn't waste any time striding to the nearest table with seats, setting down the bottle first and sliding it toward her. From a small pack on his shoulder he takes two inexpensive mugs he borrowed from elsewhere. They'll be returned later.

He slides himself onto a seat, waiting politely for her to pour her own drink before filling his own. ]

Understand that I don't mean this as an insult - but sometimes you look like you could use a break.

[ Between all the classes she teaches, and whatever else might be weighing on her mind. It's similar for almost all of them, he thinks, living in a place where they are almost constantly watched. Guest could easily become prisoner given the wrong thing spoken to the wrong person. ]

[vixening]

[ yennefer does notice the twitch, though she doesn't yet bring herself to pry into it. instead, just watching as he sets the bottle and mugs down and slides into the nearest table. for all that she tends to keep up an air of authority during the majority of her lessons and lectures, this wouldn't have been the first time that kyle has seen her lean a little away from that into something that could, arguably, be considered more 'her'.

once she has some of the wine she takes a sip and leans back against the next closest desk, letting herself exhale once before turning to attention back to him, one of her brows raised. ]

Do I? [ there's a slight challenge in the question as she takes another sip, shaking her head and exhaling. ] I can only hold so much patience for students who don't want to listen. [ she very obviously means her lecture students, aka the local thorneans, even if she won't specify as much. ]

[ushiri]

[ Although he can't ever be accused of lacking confidence, he's always deferred to her in their classes. It's ingrained to him, as much as he might chafe against it, to defer to certain types of authority. It's also his way of trying to show respect. In his own world, a woman wouldn't hold so much power. Within the church, the highest ranking female members were the sisters and nuns of Umbhra'ibaye, who oversaw the creation of the holy oracles. Even when the Payshmura was still in power, he rarely met them, and more often than not he saw them from the other side of the Gray Space. Truthfully, he preferred not being around them. They all may as well have been the one who cut Rousma.

With Yennefer now, he meets the challenge with a slight eyebrow raise of his own, holding his mug in one hand. He's reaching what he thinks is the end of his time and ability to learn more Abraxan magic. It hasn't gotten him exactly where he wanted, but it's been useful. He's grateful to her for the time she's taken with him, though knowing this is coming to an end means he can risk agitating her with questions he might've kept to himself earlier on: ]

Why do you do it, then?

[vixening]

[ if he has any part of him that is likely to defer to authority, it would make sense that would come forth in his dealings with yennefer. as she is one to chafe against any other kind of authority when able, she also exudes quite a bit of it herself. it is part of the reason she's been able to go as long as she has without her secret getting out - she tends to act like she is the grand sorceress that all the tales build her up to be, it would be hard to question her otherwise.

but it is true - yennefer has noticed it herself. that he is reaching a kind of plateau with his studies. whether she recognizes that means he is planning on stepping back away from their classes or not doesn't really matter all that much to her. she knows his capabilities now, knows that he isn't the type to fall victim to thornean propaganda, knows that he has a basic understanding of the way magic works here, and-

( don't even tell her that she's starting to care about the teaching aspect, that she keeps way too many notes on the summoned students of hers. she will absolutely fight you on it. ) ]

What? [ which is only because she doesn't really... understand why he's asking. ] Why do I what? Give lessons?

[ushiri]

[ He tips his head in acknowledgement: that, yes. ]

You're one of the most well known and highly regarded Summoned here. Why not ask for a posting somewhere else? [ He shrugs, taking a drink of his wine and frowning at the mug. ] Why not even outside of the castle. Somewhere like Borrel, or Hayle?

[ There is keen interest there that he does his best to hide. He's been to Borrel, Nott, but not Hayle. ]

[vixening]

[ it’s a valid enough question, and rather than shrugging it off from the start which she might have done, yennefer actually does tilt her head a bit, considering. she takes a sip of the wine before she answers, and when she speaks, her tone is casual, thoughtful. ]

Borrell is an alright city, I suppose, but anywhere run primarily by armed guards and forces tends to be a bit…boring. And I don’t much care for the coast. Now Hayle would be an option, usually, but academics to that degree tend to have their heads too far up their own asses to be much help to anyone.

[ to her credit, they aren’t explicit lies, rather they aren’t her main reasons. rather, she doesn’t know how safe she’d be in hayle, given the temperatures towards the queen, and borrell is too far from the singularity, would make her too dependent on portals, on others who would remain. and that all doesn’t take into account the people that she would swear did not make a difference in her decision, but absolutely would.

yennefer shrugs, like it doesn’t bother her as much as it probably should. ]

Additionally, if the Summoned continue to be brought here through Ambrose’s hand…

rhy;

[ushiri]

[ Things have been okay, surprisingly, with Rhy. There have been mutual assurances between the both of them that what occurred was something desired, not forced - even if the initial push had been an outside source. It was good, and he felt good - and it seemed as though Rhy did as well.

Kahlil hasn't had much intention of pursuing Rhy more seriously. He knows the man has quite a few admirers and lovers - for better or worse Kahlil knows himself to be the jealous type in these matters. But there's still flirting, and something open-ended left on the metaphorical table.

He could never have this in Basawar.

Tonight he invites Rhy out with him to a tavern in the castle city. The place is a little nicer than his usual gossip-gathering haunts, and he actually allows himself to drink a little than he might if he were alone. The mood has been somber amongst the natives as of late and people are still wary of the Summoned, but there's still pockets like this where people don't stare at them when they take a table in a corner and order some wine. Reminders of the burned harvests and tainted waters are here in the shortened menu lists. The mood is good, at least. There's a troupe playing instruments in a corner, and a few inebriated folks are attempting to dance. ]

I wish they'd move a little farther from the fire... [ Kahlil says with a wince and a wry look as he takes a drink from his glass, enjoying the warmth in his belly - and the handsome company. ]

[londonbound]

[ Of course, Rhy can't refuse an invitation like this. Truth be told, despite putting on his best appearances for the newly Summoned and trying his hardest to make them feel welcome, he has been feeling rather out of sorts ever since being trapped on that awful beach for what felt like weeks by himself inside the Horizon. He's always been a social creature, but lately, being alone has been harder than ever. A crowded place like this with familiar company is comforting.

He's had a bit to drink already, feeling pleasantly warm and a little bit buzzed. Rhy follows Kyle's gaze to the would-be dancers and laughs softly. ]

We could dance near the fire instead. To protect them. A public service, you see.

[ushiri]

Oh yes, obviously. [ The younger man's soft laughter has him grinning as he takes another drink - glad to hear the sound of it again. Rhy's been shouldering a lot these past months, more than his fair share. And what happened to him in the Horizon - it wasn't like the strange labyrinth and haphazard towers Kahlil and the others experienced. At least they weren't alone in those.

The question still is: why did it happen to Rhy?

That's not on his mind right now, though. Kahlil cocks his head to one side, leaning in a little closer. ]

Oddly enough, they didn't hold very many dances at the monastery. Think you can take the lead?

[ It's a slip. He hasn't mentioned much about his past, nothing about where he was raised or by whom. He doesn't notice. ]

[londonbound]

[ Rhy laughs again, easy and warm, then downs the rest of his drink to place the empty cup with a decisive thump on the table. He slips out of his seat and, with a flourish, offers his hand to Kyle. ]

Happily.

[ As soon as his companion takes his hand, Rhy will pull him up out of his chair and toward the makeshift dancefloor.

On the way, he just has one question: ]

What's a monastery, and what do they have against dancing?

[ushiri]

[ There's the briefest of hesitations. Kneejerk, but it passes quickly and with a playfully seductive grin he takes Rhy's hand to be pulled toward the dancefloor. No one pays them any mind, just like all the times before. He's getting better at this, he thinks.

The question has him raising both eyebrows, surprised. It's the first time there's been a language gap, and it's with a word he wasn't expecting. For a split second he wonders if he's being teased, but then he answers: ]

Ah, like a temple? A holy place. [ He turns to face Rhy, placing his free hand on his shoulder. ] Did I forget to mention I was a priest?

[ Considering he's told only a handful of people, yes. ]

[londonbound]

Ah, I see. [ Rhy pulls him closer, into a simple dance without clear steps. His other hand rests on Kahlil's waist. ]

And clearly you must've because this is the first I'm hearing of it.

[ He steps them forward, then back, swaying in rhythm. Apparently, priest at least is a word he knows. ]

Though you said you're not much of a healer.

[ushiri]

[ The song is a lively one. It's easy enough to fall into rhythm. Kahlil wasn't trained in dancing, but he's been trained in other ways that make his movements graceful. ]

I'm terrible at it, but maybe I should learn that too one day. [ Another grin, and he teases: ] You're a complete mystery, though

[ Has Rhy ever told him anything about his home? All he really knows is that Kell is he brother, the red-headed man with the strange eye. The pair of them couldn't be any more different in personality. ]

[londonbound]

[ Rhy only really brought it up because those two things -- the concept of a priest and a healer -- are so intertwined in his mind; he immediately assumed that Kyle must have received some training of that type to be a priest, but the miscommunication isn't clear, and so he just accepts it. Maybe in his world it's not based on such talents. Rhy doesn't press further, finding himself faced with questions of his own.

He laughs once, short and quiet, not entirely mirthful. His fingers curl in the hem of Kahlil's shirt, bunching it up above his hip before realizing what he's doing and letting go. ]

I kind of like the sound of that. There's something sexy about a mystery, right?

[ But it's not really a secret, not most of it. He doesn't tease Kahlil long. ]

You can ask me whatever you wish. Where shall I start?