aionlogs | EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

The Empty Throne Pt 2

ESCAPE

As more and more of the prisoners awaken to the Pleroma's power, it soon becomes clear that conflict is inevitable. Strength that was locked away blossoms once again, and simply waiting is no longer an option; those that remain in the cavern have made their choice, and they will not be kept there so easily.

By means that may not be immediately apparent, the Pleroma have found themselves able to cast a spell that will ensure their freedom... but only if they can last the half hour it may take to complete. Whatever this power, Xishen, the Aion orchestrator of the Kenoma's ritual, seems able to sense it. As it begins, she will appear at each of the Kenoma's sides.

"The Pleroma has taken hold of them," she says. "Stop them now, or when you see them again, it will be as your mortal enemies. If you believe in the Kenoma's promise, take a stand. The Regent is watching."

For those that heed her, it will not be hard to find the congregation of Pleroma, the first seeds of their teleportation magic taking form. What's more, the fires of their hope have been stoked by this new chance at survival, granted them a surge of energy born of the Pleroma, compensating for the poor state of their bodies. The tension comes to a head, between those that would follow the Regent's path towards a better universe, and those that would seize the wild power of the Pleroma to escape.

Whatever violence ensues, eventually it will come to an end. Despite the Kenoma's efforts, the teleportation spell will come to fruition, enveloping the Pleroma in a sea of light and warmth. The Kenoma can only watch as fractals of blinding color whisk the Pleroma away.

VALLEY OF INNOCENCE

You will find yourself at the Shrine of the Innocent, surrounded by a valley of flourishing wildflowers. As you step from the shade of the monument, you will find your arrived here just in time to enjoy a warm spring spring morning, the sound of birds and gentle breezes tickling your ears. The sun slowly drifts past the horizon, its rays reaching out to you, as if in comfort. The air itself is alight with a strange aura of peace, as if committing violence here would be a sacrilege. There are no man made structures as far as your eyes can see.

Flowers of all shapes and sizes can be found here, and so can fresh water and various fruits and berries. All of them are safe to eat, and seemingly grow in abundance. There are animals here as well, all the common types one would expect from a place like Earth, with the occasional odd addition. While you can try to hunt them, you will find yourself unable to follow through on any attempts to hurt the creatures here. In turn, they regard you as familiar, and will fearlessly wander close as they inspect these new arrivals. In the distance, you may even catch sight of what appears to be a unicorn, only for its ephemeral shape to disappear from sight just as quickly.

The Pleroma will find safety and comfort here for a time, before they recover enough to travel onward. At some point during the afternoon of the first day, they may spot the occasional humanoid figure moving in the distance; when attempting to move in their direction, they will find an assortment of clothing set out across the grass as if in offering. It will come in many sizes but in mostly plain colors, fitting a general aesthetic of 'things a fantasy peasant might wear'. There will also be some blankets, wrapped cheese, jams, jerky, and bread left alongside them.

While there are trees and brush enough to find shelter, the Pleroma will find they hardly need to while resting here. The weather will be picturesque, a comfortable temperature even at night, and there will be no disruptive rain or aggressive wind. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and even though there could stay here for days, what if the Regent's forces are on their way? Once again, they must find the strength to carry on.

THE TRIWATER

As the Pleroma vanish, those claimed by the Kenoma are left in the darkness of the throne room. The Hylician soldiers are clearly agitated by the fighting, but Xishen herself seems unflustered. She will only sigh before quietly coming to the aid of any Kenoma that still need it, providing some light healing magics and explaining that their work here is over. With the Pleroma gone, all that's left to do is to return to Achamoth.

Things move quickly from there. The camp grounds are packed up, and soon enough the Kenoma will be ushered towards the river at the edge of the forest, to board a particularly large river vessel. As the Hylician soldiers prepare to go their separate ways, you will be told that you are to take the Triwater river to the capital city of Achamoth, where you will finally meet your new master, the Regent. The vessel is big enough for all of you, and it will set off the moment everyone is boarded. Suddenly, the world of entrapment and ruins you've been living in since your arrival will be left behind, leaving you to ponder the nature of your future.

The boat itself is well equipped and comfortable for what it is. A variety of colorful hammocks are hung in the lower decks and are open to be claimed for the journey back, which will take a day or two. The Kenoma will be offered a change of clothes of a similar style to what they already have if necessary, and there are plenty of blankets and cushions available to make life in the hold more comfortable. There are dice available for games of chance as well as some mystifying decks of cards that seems to have twelve suits with five cards each, themed around the Legacies. The twelfth suit is for the Regent.

Though the sailors controlling the vessel will mostly keep to themselves and leave the Kenoma alone, one of them will occasionally play harp music on the deck. Though they probably don't actually need help running the ship, they will let the Kenoma help them with chores and ship running tasks if they are so inclined; generally speaking, these sailors just seem like normal people, albeit a bit shy of their passengers. If you're polite to them, they may even gives you a river tour of Horos. On this ride alone, you'll get to see several magnificent bridges spanning the Triwater's width. At night, you are treated to a clear spring sky filled with stars.

As you make it closer to Achamoth, you'll notice the landscape shift, becoming mountainous and dotted with more and more military watch posts. The land becomes increasingly lifeless in a way that's hard to put your finger on, nature giving way to man-made creations of impressive architectural prowess. Soon, you will meet the person behind it all.

QUESTIONS

Can my Kenoma character fight against other Kenoma and/or help the Pleroma?
Yes, though if you do this you must describe what your character has done in a reply to the "Committed Actions" top-level below. This way, the mods can be aware of what happened and have your character treated accordingly. They are unlikely to receive immediate consequences if they don't hurt their fellow Kenoma, but their choices will follow them into Achamoth. If a Kenoma vs Kenoma conflict escalates into serious violence (attempted or successful) committed by the Kenoma rebel, Xishen will intervene and consequences will happen immediately which may restrict their actions until the next event post.

Can our characters leave the valley?
They can, yes, but really this event is just meant to cover the day or two they spend recovering before finding a more permanent place to go. You are free to have your character investigate the valley and probe the spaces beyond it, but please save any plans for large scale travel to the next event, which will be happening on April 2nd. The game will move into a 1:1 time ratio as of then.

Can our characters leave the boat?
Technically yes, but any Kenoma who wander too far will get in trouble. You are expected to report to the Regent, and behaving as if you are considering doing otherwise will not make an good impression.

Does the hope-based Pleroma boost last into the valley?
The boost to Pleroma characters will fade shortly after arriving in the valley, like coming down from a high. They'll have to recover the normal way from there.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

((OOC: More TLs will be added depending on IC encounters' outcomes later, including at least a joint one for public hostage taking ft. Hiccup with a side of public mauling and one for aftermath+boat trip. Feel free to hit me up for plotting! I'll also be happy to do closed starters o7))

I. STORM BREWING - KENOMA CAMP
[The orders are in, and they are clear. Ciel wastes no time getting ready, picking up several daggers and a couple of whips the soldiers used on all of them to force obedience - across the continent and then into these very caverns. A tool is a tool, and no professional worth their grain would hold grudges against inanimate objects. They'll make the 'act' more convincing, if anything, and she could ask nothing more.

Maybe you look reluctant, maybe you're flat out a non-combatant. She doesn't seem to be addressing anyone in particular anyway, her voice quiet and a touch stern.]

If you don't want any part in this, stay back and focus on your own safety.

[No reason or excuse necessary, but don't get in the way. It may sound like both advice and warning, and she makes no effort in clarifying.]

II. NOW ENTERING PVP ZONE
IIa. Let the whip do the talking
[The air snaps with a loud crack to announce the presence of a short-haired woman now within direct line of sight to the Pleroma's spell. She has in her hands a coiled whip, the very selfsame ones used to forcibly control every last one of them and drag them into this cave from the very beginning. Her tone is cold, and her eyes are equally uncaring.]

Step away and stop struggling. This is your only warning.

IIb. Let's skip the talking entirely
[Or should we just not bother with the formalities? A dagger is flung with pinpoint accuracy towards one of the casters clearly focused on maintaining the spell. She's not playing around, but it IS just a plain ordinary dagger, for better or worse.]

i. prayer circle

Energy flows through his body in a wash of certainty and hope. The gem that's filled the hollow of his chest feels warm. He feels capable for the first time since darkness fell over Erdrea. Eleven eyes the shifting line of their opposition and the few familiar faces he finds there with an ache of regret, but neither can those who have struggled to resist give themselves over here.

Accustomed to having a sword in hand, he's never fought purely with magic before. Others have, he can't help but notice as power manifests and flares as the clash begins in earnest. But where his heart yearns to join them, Eleven finds himself considering their means of escape. He has experience with teleportation spells and the sooner they're out of the cave, the less people are injured.

But standing there, watching a few others begin with preparations then eyeing the oppressive approach of those under the sway of darkness, Eleven's hands fold together to channel the warm touch of familiar power spreading through his chest. Peace steals through his mind, and with it a holy will to ward off the dark. He smiles to himself and bows his head.

This time, I'm going to hold back the dark.

Runic light weaves a band around the ritual space. Eleven stands at the center of it, hands clasped and losing awareness of his surroundings.

ii. paradise

The beauty of the valley brings tears to his eyes. Light gleams pure and unhindered through the hills over a spread of life more riotous and abundant than anything he's seen in recent memory.

All at once, the energy that had bolstered him leaves his limbs and Eleven drops into the lush grass of the flower field, blades tickling at the underside of his palms. He sits back on his knees and breathes. The air is sweet with earth and flowers and utterly tantalizing.

"Goddess, tell me this isn't a dream."

Eleven's trying to protect the ritual casters with a Holy Protection spell as detailed in the plotting post here.

[ Only Closed prompts this go-around, but if you'd like Silco to ineffectually attack your characters, please hit me up either on my plotting post or at plurk on

hundreds, and I'm happy to start something! If you're kenoma, just HMU if you'd like to do something with the aftermath -- or any other in-faction PVP -- as well! I'm down for pretty much anything! ]

[ Much earlier, he'd thought there was a possibility of conversion from one of the individuals he'd spoken with. Hubert had been... resistant, yes. Something held him back, some needling instinct, or something, this "her" he'd mentioned. Silco had listened, the information whittled down and stored away, but in the end, it had never happened. The man hadn't been able or willing to take that final step.

Silco was not...the most likely to give everything that he was over to someone like this mysterious "regent". However, he had seen the power that Aion wielded, and Silco wanted it. Badly. For the moment, if they wanted people like him to hunt down people who were trying to escape? Sure, he could do that. Powerless though he was, but he'd grown up in the undercity, and that meant he had at least a competency with violence. When he dropped back down into the dim cavern at the Aion's request, a knife procured from the soldiers, he knew who to find.

Hubert had been holding to the sides, the dank and dark spaces of the cave -- places that felt so much more like the mines he'd grown up in. He stalked along the corners, searching, his single glowing eye a bright red -- like a beacon in the dark. It never blinked, never moved, always open, a bright pinprick of intensity in the dim light. When Silco found Hubert, he slid up to him, holding the dagger idly, like a toy, tossed it up, caught it. Was it an implied threat? He'd deny it, but the way he looked over to him, a curl of a smile on his face was enough of an answer, if Hubert wondered that himself. ]

Last chance. [ He prompted, his tone idle, a little disappointed. ] I'd hate to see someone like you fall so far due to your own stubbornness.

(come on) it's never too early

[ the Pleroma seem to have one thing in common, which makes sense— they're all very very stubborn. Childe takes a deep breath and exhales harshly through his nose as he brings the back of his hand up to wipe at the grime and sweat on his face.

There's no grim expiration here: he looks like he's on cloud nine. This is really the happiest he's been since arriving, and the unbridled joy he seems to get out of this chaos is more than likely a red flag to anyone in their right mind. They can also probably tell that he doesn't really care about winning or losing, just that he's out for a fight and one that he has no desire to default on once he's started, even if doing so could stop the Pleroma from escaping. He's literal chaos, and that's all he's good for here.

Some Pleroma may realize he's not actually a threat to their escape unless he manages to take out literally every single one of them first, so they may want to focus on any other Kenoma that might actually be bothering to be strategic about stopping them.

That doesn't mean this Harbinger is going to wait for one to approach him— just like he hasn't in all the other fights he's entered so far. ]

Let me guess, you are going to make a big fuss over getting out of here, too, aren't you? [ Cid doesn't have a weapon, but he seems capable in being able to use his fists to protect himself and the other Pleroma.

That means he's a worthwhile opponent, regardless. Whether Childe is going to drop his own weapons (two hydro blades) to engage is questionable, though. ]

** end: via ( Matt Jamison )

i need the kick badly

[ Matt's interference is completely and absolutely unexpected, not just because he's a Kenoma, but because he is bold enough to try and take one of Childe's weapons. Color him impressed—in that deranged sort of way that has him absolutely willing to go beyond shaking this guy off.

Matt is going to feel a rather sudden push and feeling of slipping as he's suddenly hit with a wall of conjured water, it's intention to knock him further off balance and send him to the ground on his back unceremoniously. Childe's grin is downright terrifying, and the relative softness of his voice makes it even moreso— especially with the lilt of glee towards the end. ]

I like people with guts, you know, especially when I can spill them, too~.

** end《tent.》: interruption ( Caitlyn Kiramman )

I'm ready to go

[ Matt has been given a mostly free pass for his interruption— Caitlyn will not be.

It's been a long time since someone has shot him with a gun since most of Teyvat doesn't have the technology besides his own country, but there are things out in Teyvat's wilderness that have the equivalent technology he's fight against all the same. Which means he's not completely flabbergasted to be shot at (just mostly because where did someone get a gun?!)

Childe's attention jerks immediately up when he feels the seer of a bullet hit his upper arm. It's not enough to make his arm useless, but that's because of his training rather than her being a bad shot. Even so, it stings and burns enough that he isn't going to ignore the one responsible for it.

It's a good excuse to let Matt go without it being entirely obvious he never was going to go through with most of his threats, anyway. First things first, though, he needs to locate the sniper. ]

I guess you can stay hiding, but, if you decide to fire again to try and finish what you started, I'll definitely find you. I wonder which you'll go for?

[ one bullet wasn't enough, but the sniper could definitely still render his arm useless with another shot or two at most if their aim is that precise each time. ]

** end: interruption ( Himeka Sui )

Edited 2022-03-20 23:48 (UTC)

i can't help it

[ Another long range player?

Well, a new fact is now for sure concerning this group: they're all a hell of a lot better at teamwork than his side is on top of being extremely resilient and stubborn.

Unlike Caitlyn, though, Himeka is extremely obvious as the one that fired on him to protect her fellow Pleroma. Which makes it quite easy to turn his attention to facing off with her as his new focus, instead. ]

Mmm, if you wanted my attention, you could have just asked for it the normal way.

But... you know, you remind me of someone really special to me that's on your side, too. She's a worthwhile match, so I hope it's not impolite to be now expecting the same of you.

[ he can't use a bow anymore thanks to Caitlyn's sharp-shots, but he still has more than enough strength and control to use his melee weapons against an opponent.

He feels he can get into Himeka's space rather easily. Magic takes time, he knows. Usually mages can't take much physical damage themselves. The real question is if she has defenses to keep her from getting uninterrupted like Zhongli does—whether her own or someone else backing her up. ]

** end: Himeka: 1, Childe: 0

Edited 2022-03-20 00:20 (UTC)

i guess it's a habit

[ Childe lands himself on his feet off to the side of the epicenter of the fighting and the Pleroma's circle, hissing in some pain. His clothes aren't on fire, but they're singed and smoking some along with the splatters of dirt and blood (both his own and others.) Himeka had managed to truly surprise him—in a good way, of course (strong opponents address always good surprises)— but it had forced him to retreat as he had been unwilling to enter his delusion form for the extra boost he would have needed to try and come out on top.

So, he lost fair and square and, while it doesn't bother him on a mental level, it still hurts like a bitch. He's used to the elements being worked offensively since he uses two himself, but there's nothing quite like being directly hit with raw magic that reminds you how hot flames are, how nerve-destroying lighting is when it strikes, and how goddamn heavy, cold and extra brutal water is when frozen solid all the way through.

It's not that he's planning to bow out just yet, but he could use a breather and a few seconds to himself to gain his bearings and refocus. It's probably time for him to decide if he's going to actually let them all escape or not. That requires him actually having to stop and think about his encounters, though, and if any of them have given him convincing enough reason for their cause.

Now is as good a time as any. ]

** end: "LET ME DO IT, HOWL," Childe screams as he's dragged away. a mean girls bitch slap fight ensues. with powers.

[ It's really unfortunate to have to face one of the few people here he hasn't come to immediately dislike. Even if he'd always known that the likelihood of such a thing happening would be high once he accepted the shadows swirling inside him, it's still a different feeling - a disappointing feeling - to have to come to terms with it in reality and not just in theory.

His grip tightens around the hilt of his dagger as he takes a slow step forward, eyes and ears trained on Ernesto as he watches for any sign of a fight, or flight. ]

Orders are orders.

[ It's not an excuse so much as it is an explanation, though not a very good one at that. He doesn't expect understanding and certainly doesn't expect sympathy of any kind. Any goodwill they might have brokered together is gone now, left in the past as far as he's concerned. ]

I take it you're not coming?

i guess it's for fun

Aha, this has been great fun and all, but the clock is running out and none of you have given me anything convincing enough to actually let you all go. So, I'm going to need to actually put a stop to this now.

[ Meaning Childe's's actually know finally intending to go for Abel. It was all fun, surely (even where he got his ass kicked in places,) but that doesn't mean the Pleroma deserved to get out of here successfully.

In fact, Childe's determined that the most convincing individuals thus far for having Childe favor their escape have been arguments from, not one, but two under the Kenoma flag.

Not promising at all.

It's pretty obvious Childe is no longer at the top of his game here (physically he's covered in blood, grime, and sweat, his clothes are additionally burned in places from high heat magic, and one is his arms is particularly bloody and looking a bit overpayed in terms of functionality,) but he still seems quite happy with everything as it's gone. Winning and losing is a part of fighting, and if you never lose, it means you won't get stronger. He welcomes defeat and The proof there's still so much more power to gain in his conquests.

The thing is that Childe loses battles, not wars. That's why if the Pleroma can't successfully deflect him via some kind of reasoning that changes his mind, they simply can't be allowed to leave. So ,even though he is much much easier to take down now, this Kenoma is still a force to be reckoned with and one that has no second thoughts about plowing through to the center of the "event" to end this farce of an escape chance.

Surely, they already know the only reason they'll escape, should it happen, is because they've been allowed to. ]

Care to do the polite thing and get out of my way, or do I have hurt you, too?

** end: a puppy savior shall arrive ( Lumine )

it's just what I do

Aibou, it hurts me that you're getting in the way of all my fun, you know. I haven't killed anyone. I've been really good! Yet, you're still insisting on ruining it for me?

[ Yeah, he was really bullying the hell out of Ernesto just then, but he wasn't going to kill him, either. Puppies can be kicked a little when they step out of line, but they'll always get hugs and treats in the end, even from a Harbinger!

It's just as well, if he's honest, though. In the end, he was going to go after her. The only reason he didn't do so sooner is because he has to save the best for last. Also, he knows for a fact (whereas he could only guess with Estinien) that a fight with Lumine would have been the only fight he was allowed. She would definitely have run out the clock, potentially even beaten him before it, as well. She isn't in top condition, but Childe hadn't been returned to top health upon joining the Kenoma, himself, so the advantage wasn't to be overestimated, regardless.

The look in his eyes as he stares at her is definitely not his usual calm and controlled self in a battle. He seems quite calm, of course, but it's in that unsettling obsessive way he gets and there's no off-button anywhere to be seen. Even when they've gone all out against each other in the Golden House and other sparring, Childe seemed to understand limits and when he'd lost.

Here, although they haven't exchanged blows yet, is debatable. It's arguably already a loss for him considering his condition vs hers now, but he doesn't seem to be acknowledging it for whatever reason. Maybe he's too hyped up, or maybe that black sludge he never purged like she did is fucking with his head in the extra wrong kind of way— something Childe, of all people, doesn't need any assistance with. ]

Normally, I would forgive you, but you don't look like you're here to fight with me now that you've stepped in. I really don't like you intervening here at all. [ He steps closer towards her, his grip on his hydro lance tightening as violet starts to swirl and electrify into it its brilliant blue structure. Foul Legacy is not an option in his condition, but using his delusion even though it causes him more pain and is generally not a good idea right now? Absolutely acceptable, especially if Lumine dares to not take him as a serious opponent. He doesn't know exactly how he can tell, but something about the way she looks at him and the way she holds herself is different than their usual clashes. It works him enough to be preemptively accusatory of her intentions. ]

[ Disappointment is right, though their reasons for feeling disappointed are different. While Ernesto doesn't judge Eustace at all for his choice to join the Kenoma, it's a little different when that choice goes so far as to hunt down those who continued to resist. A decision doesn't stop with just one choice made, and Eustace could still opt not to go after them right now...

But he isn't. Weirdly enough, Ernesto does understand why Eustace is saying what he is right now, but it doesn't make it any more pleasant. Just as unpleasant for both of them is the way that Ernesto's foot slides back to put himself into a more defensive stance.

He doesn't like his odds here, but he doesn't exactly have much room for flight, and he's not about to surrender. ]

I haven't yet, and the offer being made hasn't gotten any more appealing since it was first made.

[ He takes a deep breath, eyes still on the daggers. ]

If you're willing to put those down for a second, I'd be happy to lie to your boss and say you fought valiantly to bring us all back.

[ Assuming he ever had a chance to talk to Eustace's boss. If he has his way, he won't. ]

u n b e l i e v a b l e

Childe clenches his teeth, hissing out an exhale slowly while silently stewing over his final exchange with Lumine.

He's not too thrilled with Xishen's response to the escape, either (although the actual escaping part doesn't bother him at all, he's well and fine— prefers it, even,). It's as he expected, though—so why was he expecting another kind of response from the elder Aion?

Was such a diversion really worth it? That seems to be exactly what it all was to him, as someone who has done such stunts himself before. Childe can pull the wool over the eyes of the Tsaritsa, though. She's an archon, but she's not omnipotent in vision. The Regent feels completely different in that manner, however. Perhaps he's wrong, though, and they are that much more alike than he previously thought? Perhaps the Regent won't care about this even if they know everything that happened in the end, but then why did they need to bother doing anything, to begin with?

Was it a test for the Kenoma?

All these thoughts swirl in Childe's mind as he sits rather than makes any attempt to assist in breaking down camp or whatnot. These are the types of orders he could stand to give a shit about but absolutely doesn't. He's not in the best shape (Ciel is worse off, however, technically, but she seems to move a hell of a easier like it's no big deal—he's envious) and now that he's somewhat calmed down, it's either be distracted by pain or by him going back on his word to Lumine by pushing her into the spell's escape radius while avoiding it himself.

Did he do the right thing? (if he went along in the end, that would make her an obvious target as a weakness to him, right?)

Does he even care if he did the right thing? (that's stupid, the traveler isn't his weakness. nothing here is his weakness. )

Everything hurts enough that right now it's not an answer he can find in himself.

[ It's pretty clear to everyone that the Pleroma are outgunned in this particular fight. While the skills among the two groups might be a little more evenly spread, only one side was actually supplied with real weaponry here, which is a real problem for a soldier who has a good sword arm, but not a whole hell of a lot of magic going for him.

Childe looks beat to hell, but Ernesto still isn't loving his odds against any of the Kenoma opponents that he's about to tangle with. At the same time, he can't exactly allow them to plow through and get to Abel and the others working on their ticket out of this mess.

So Ernesto stands firm, smiling uneasily as he watches the very frustrated looking man in front of him. ]

Can't do that, unfortunately. Maybe we could reach some kind of agreement where I keep staying in your way, but you also don't hurt me? I'll admit, that would be the best outcome for me.

I. escape → for pleromas

[ Stop right where you are - there's a extremely tight hug around one of your arms. You might just be in the starts of your escape attempt, or maybe you're literally just chilling around the prayer circle before Misa tries her very best to tug you away. Her hold is adamant, but in the end, she's a normal girl - she can easily be thrown off with enough effort. ]

Mmrgh, hold on a second!! [ She's digging her heels into the dirt as deeply as she can, throwing her weight in the opposite direction that you're currently going. Even if her antics are not a lethal obstacle, they're an annoying one. ] Don't you know what's gonna happen to you if you run away...?

II. recovery → for kenomas

[ You would think after spending the better part of several days absolutely suffering that she would have a higher pain tolerance in this situation? Well, she doesn't. Sure, the sickness had been bad, but it felt almost like a neutral party had imposed it upon her. Getting attacked directly by someone else is a different kind of hurt....

She's being incredibly dramatic while holding her injured arm, trying to slow the bloodloss as much as she can - and she's giving the World's Biggest Sniffle™ while she wanders around moping after all the Pleromas have actually escaped. There are a few other miscellaneous injuries, but it seems she's avoided being dealt any truly crushing blows. Those who can give first aid and administer healing magic seem busy with people who are actually injured, so she's left to complain to anyone who's nearby, already beginning to cry again: ]

Doesn't anyone have any bandages around here...? This sucks...

[ yeah it's giving this ]

III. the triwaters → for kenomas

[ Misa can be found sitting up on some ledge in the upper decks, kicking her feet and enjoying the gentle breeze and the soft sound of the harps. On the surface, she doesn't seem distressed or conflicted at all about the state of things, the battle they just had, nor the mystery of what awaits them at their destination. Actually, she looks pretty happy simply being in relative comfort. ]

Getting seasick?

[ She calls down from where she's perched, a vague smile on her lips. It's an innocent question; you could look sad over the shit they all endured, you could be Actually seasick, or look completely normal, and she'll ask this question all the same, simply wanting to start a conversation. And get a read of the room of her fellow companions in world changing, of course. ]

IV. wildcard + closed starters

( feel free to wildcard me with anything! i'm also more than happy to do closed starters for specific things like pvps and stuff, so please do check out my plotting comment if you're interested and we can plan something out!! 💞 )

[Hubert has not been participating in the fighting as readily as some. He prefers to engage only when strictly necessary, and most of it is not. He's been lucky that he's managed to avoid having to defend himself for the most part.

But this man, Childe--though Hubert doesn't know his name--is a problem. Hubert's seen him engage would-be escapees several times now; it's clear he'll have to be removed if the rest want to flee the premises unhindered. Hubert can't fathom why anyone would want to prevent their fellows from escaping--surely none of them actually want to be here--but it doesn't matter. What matters is that he is, and Hubert finds himself with an opportunity to remove him from the equation.

The theatrical part of him wants to reach for his dark magic, if only to indulge in having it back at his fingertips. It feels unexpectedly good to be able to tap into that power again. But it's too flashy, too easy to avoid if something tips Childe off, and speed and surprise are what are required here. He fingers Ciel's discarded knife instead.

Hubert would go for a slit throat, but the angle Childe is at makes it tricky, so a simple stab to the back will have to do, deep enough that he can reach the heart. Hopefully Childe won't shrug it off as easily as Xishen.

It's simple enough to creep up while Childe is catching his breath; all Hubert requires is a few seconds of distraction.]

[ she's pretty sure ernesto isn't getting hugs of any sort, unless it's the murderous kind.

truth be told, lumine could've simply stepped into the teleporter like the several of the group without looking back. they could probably already be somewhere safe, somewhere far away, somewhere out of reach by the regent and his men. but she lingers and remains unmoving in front of him for two reasons: one, to ensure that no one gets left behind, that none of the pleroma suffers further at the hands of the soldiers and the kenoma; and two ... ]

It isn't as if you've ever given me a choice on the matter.

[ in any of the fights they've had, he's never given her any quarter whatsoever to refuse, bullying his way into her attention. something about his way of showing that he appreciates her fighting spirit—or whatever bullshit he spouts about that.

still, it looks like we're right about one thing each, at least: that she'll be able to get out, and that he won't be with her when she does.

she's expected this, seen him fight his hardest to keep their group from leaving. perhaps there's something that xishen had said, maybe something he's heard from the soldiers; it could also just be his thirst for battle. whatever changed his mind, well, that's not hers to figure out anymore. childe is fickle, unpredictable. he's something she doesn't always understand, even with how straightforward he is. and he's made his choice, despite his unspoken promise to her; she's just making hers.

she can feel exhaustion seeping deep into her bones, the cuts and injuries she's managed to acquire from fighting finally stinging. still, her sword reappears in her hand in a spray of gold; even in his current condition, it'll bring her a world of pain if she underestimates childe. ]

Are we really doing this right now?

[Him again.

Hubert could almost admire his stubbornness--it reminds him a bit of himself, which is not the most flattering comparison--but in this moment it's mostly annoying. Hubert isn't really in the business of repeating himself, and he'd already made it quite clear in their last conversation where it is he stands. But here he is again.

This time, though, Hubert feels... quite a bit better. Not quite energized, but there's motivation coursing through him somehow when before there was only exhaustion. He even feels like he might be able to draw upon his magic again, and wouldn't that be interesting to try.

He doesn't get up at Silco's approach, but he does make eye contact and smirk. It's a far cry from his position the last time they spoke.]

Someone like me? How flattering. Tell me, what is it you think you know about me?

[ There's still time yet before an escape can even be made, but Ernesto is doing his best to hold down the fort, so to speak. Considering he's trying to buy some time for the ones opening up their portal, he did expect for some of the Kenoma to try and stop him. Just...

Well, this is a surprisingly ineffectual method he hadn't been expecting.

The initial pull does make him stumble a step, but Ernesto is much bigger than Misa is. He quickly regains his footing, and plants himself firmly in spot. While he isn't trying to jerk his arm free yet, he's also not letting her tug him along to wherever it is she wants him to go.

His ears flatten against his head, even as he smiles down at her. ]

Not really, but I do know what happens if I decide to stay.

[ Well, he doesn't fully know what happens, but he has a pretty good idea. ]

You.

[ gabranth has no weapon to point, nor has he conjured any magic to brandish menacingly in childe's direction. what he does have is a commanding tone of voice, and a renewed sense of purpose — and the surge of pleroma-aided strength certainly helps, as well. ]

You will approach no further. [ he speaks, of course, of the ritual-casting casters at his back. had childe actually meant to approach, or is gabranth simply posturing against anyone who draws remotely near? ] Step back.

[ that question, and whatever the answer may be, matters little in gabranth's mind; all there is, for him, is to draw down. his fists are already raised as he adopts a fighting stance, and the air around them seems to shimmer with a burning orange glow, as though empowered even further by the pleroma's energy. ]

Whether you do so by your own accord, or whether you do so by my hand... It matters naught to me. [ he speaks without bluster or confidence; only the cold assurance of a judge magister delivering orders remains. ] Step back.

Not so long ago, Moiraine had thought the worst was about to happen. She'd been ill all week, with fever and chills and unease and something bordering on delirium -- but she'd never felt as if she was about to die, not until a sudden bout of nausea had taken her and she'd been uncontrollably, violently sick.

It's only after that she realizes that what had left her body was the last of the Kenoma, that she feels light and calm and immeasurably better -- the fever has broken, the despair has fled, and in its place comes warmth and peace and hope. With that, too, she realizes that yet another thing that has been tormenting her all this time is gone. Whatever shield had been woven to prevent her from touching the Source has broken; she feels the One Power once again within her reach, embraces saidar with the ease of long practice, and allows herself to indulge in the pure, incalculable relief of it. She feels whole.

It's a feeling she's still riding when Childe approaches her. Moiraine is not a combatant by nature, as such; that's work for the Green Ajah, not the Blue. If Lan were here, he'd be putting himself in harm's way for her without a second thought. But he isn't, and it's hardly as if Moiraine is incapable of defending herself. Far from it, really.

The Third Oath will not, however, allow her to make the first move -- not that she would, even were she not so bound. But neither is she interested in the slightest in standing aside so he can get to Abel. Moiraine's mouth sets, and her chin lifts.

"I am not." Good at taking demands, she means -- or orders -- except from an extraordinarily short list of people, none of whom are here. "And I fear you won't find me easy to move."

There are a number of weaves she can use -- Air to obstruct or bind, Fire to scorch, Earth to bludgeon. If they were outdoors, Air and Fire to call lightning from the sky, but they're not, and she doesn't think she'll need it regardless. Misty threads of white light begin to materialize, wind around her, encircle her arms and her wrists, but she still doesn't move to attack him. If he strikes at her, she can weave anything she needs in a matter of seconds.

It's a pretty bold pronouncement, all things considered, but the (admittedly dramatic) turn of phrase doesn't phase Eustace in the slightest, nor does it stop his slow but steady forward movement. This man might have a good half a head on him and an internal fury to match his size, but he's sparred with the likes of Zeta and Vaseraga before and come out relatively intact.

Of course, this is a different landscape with an unknown opponent. In contrast to Estinien's restless movements, Eustace's own are controlled, each movement precise. He doesn't know anything about this new opponent save for what he can glean from a quick external check. But if he keeps his wits about him, he should be able to stall the man long enough for someone else to step in.

"I've faced worse flames before," he replies back calmly, fingers tightening around the hilt of his daggers. "You'll have to try harder than that."

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Page 2 of 42

EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

ciel | kenoma

confrontations catch-all

Eleven | Pleroma

no subject

Silco | Kenoma

Closed for Hubert

{ PVP } cid garlond

{ PVP-K } matt jamison

{ PVP } caitlyn kiramman

{ PVP } himeka sui

{ PVP } hubert von vestra (+ howl )

finally crawls to this a day later

{ PVP } ernesto salas

{ PVP } lumine

no worries, I would not have managed a tag back yesterday anyway

{ CLOSED } emet-selch

no subject

misa amane | kenoma

no subject

no subject

no subject

I. escape

pvp! pvp! pvp! pvp! pvp!

sorry about these teal deers (i'm not sorry)

tags into this before i pass the fuck out