EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

[aionmods]

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.

Comments

[coerthantorment]

It says something about Binghe's technique that he decides to just weather the blow instead of avoiding it. Estinien files that information away, but ultimately he doesn't have long to contemplate it. His opponent is just as dogged as he is.

He crosses his arms, the aura of energy around him thickening and colliding with Binghe's own qi as he strikes. He can feel the power of it sear across his arms as he blocks, building his own retaliatory burst of draconic energy in return.

"This will hurt," he hisses, leaping back as he releases energy in a surge of blue light, taking the form of twisting, serpentine shapes. Without leaving room to pause, he flows into the next move, the Nastrond, the weight of his draconic gaze burning as a second, more powerful burst of crackling blue and searing scales spirals forth.

Himeka Sui | Pleroma | OPEN

[aquaveiled]

[ ooc; Happy to do brackets or prose! This is an open prompt for everything in the Valley of the Innocence, so if you need healing or an adventure buddy she is available. ]



[ As soon as the ritual is ready, Himeka doesn't waste a moment. From the air around them a large flower seemingly made of water appears in the center of the room, swaying to an fro as if moved by a gentle breeze. She turns to Estinien who just a fulm away. ]

Estinien!

[ When she has his attention, exhausted and strained as he is, she extends an arm, taking one of his clawed hands in her own. ]

Squeeze my hand as hard as you can.

[ And he does, mayhaps automatically rather than following any explicit instructions. His claws pierce the skin of her palm and she grits her teeth through the pain. In that same moment, a wave of healing magicks flow in waves from the flower, touching all Pleroma in range.

In turn, she just smiles at him and gently squeeze his hand back. ]

Thank you.

[ And they're gone.


The valley is idyllic, a perfect place as the one last wave of a warm healing glow spreads across the group and the flower ripples and fades into the ground. Finally, for a moment, they can breathe. Himeka needs a moment herself to catch her breath, restore some aether and allow her magicks to return to their full capacity. That strange burst of energy she felt when the kenoma was finally dispelled begins to wear off as well and she can feel the effects of that and adrenaline give way to the aches and bruises she acquired over the last half an hour.

But she isn't idle for long. She can be seen moving from person to person, exhausted but eager to help and offer her healing magicks if they can be of assistance. Some wounds only time and rest will heal, but she is determined to do what she can as they acquaint themselves in their new surroundings. Somehow, they have been offered a reprieve.

Rest only does so much. It isn't long after patching herself up and others that she feels the need to explore the area around them. She is keen to move up the hills and see what lays beyond them or to take a much needed dip in the lake, and welcomes all who would join her on either. She is...fairly certain she saw a unicorn on the horizon. That was what it was, right?

Himeka may even disappear beneath the water's surface for much longer than one ought to be able to. Surely she's fine, right? ]

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien makes a wheezing sound, blood still dripping from his face and down the front of his body. Ciel last blow to his chest has left him winded and made breathing difficult, and his less than graceful landing on the stone has his legs shaking with exertion and weak at the joints. When the adrenaline is gone, he'll probably find it painful to walk.

As it is, though, he levels his gaze at Abel - the fierce red that has swallowed them while fighting is beginning to fade, returning to the cloudy gray he was born with. Oddly, though, the reptilian slits in them have remained, not that Estinien himself has any way of knowing.

He tries to take a step towards Abel, as if eager to simply walk it off and leave Ciel where she is, but he staggers and loses balance. It turns out he does need that support. He grasps Abel's shoulder with one clawed, burned hand, apparently too dazed to manage his grip strength. The lingering claws are still sharp.]

They'll not take us...

[He says it as if finishing a conversation that he only imagined, assuring Abel of something that wasn't asked. The desperate need for survival and freedom is in his eyes, all the same.]

[lachtara]

"How very astute of you." He comments dryly.

She had provided some description, so suppose it's only fair for him to part with a little information in return. "My world is broken, inhabited by those who are no more than husks of people. They continue in their weak, ignorant, and frail existence, all while ignorant of what an abomination their existence brings." How he had tried to consider them all in a different light. To no avail.

"Few remain who would try and piece the world back together. And now..." He motions out to the open water with a hand to let the silence fill in the gap. Now he is here.

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch gives him a flat look in return. At least he's not short of tenacity.

Although rather than answer, he completely ignores the question in its entirety. Answering it would be providing information pertinent to learning the craft - something a teacher would provide and elaborate on for clarity.

"You claim that you were a student prior to arriving here. What was your area of study?" He asks instead.

[epiprocta]

He's not sure if it's a good or a bad sign that the guy doesn't address his point. And he's not sure how to answer that question, either. Gen hesitates for a moment, warily staring at Emet-Selch's face to try and glean some hint from his expression.

"Just ... a student. I'm -- I was a second-year in highschool." So he says, but he's getting the sense that that's probably not what Emet-Selch was asking for. While he doesn't exactly relish talking about his 'career path' back home, there's a pause before he adds stiffly, "I would've taken over the family business in construction eventually, so I was preparing for that."

It feels ridiculous talking about all that in the context of magic, though. Probably unsubtle that Gen's trying to change tack a little when he abruptly asks, "What's your name? I gave you mine."

[expiera]

[She really did put Estinien through the wringer, but how badly hurt he truly is is noted with clinical detachment and little more. She's not bloodthirsty enough to derive any enjoyment in how well she can trounce her foes, nor is she foolish enough to think this was purely because of her. He was already weakened, fought with techniques ill-suited for their environment that could easily have done her worse, and despite the still bleeding wound at her neck, she also understood that this is not something he's in habit of doing. She forced him beyond a certain edge, and she can't readily deny this awareness to be completely unrelated to how indifferent she also feels, towards someone who quite literally ripped out her throat.

...These two ridiculously tall men with long silver white hair. Is this some sort of cosmic joke? She finds herself oddly annoyed by that observation, for some reason.

Wobbling and staggering, she nevertheless manages to pull herself up to a sitting position, back hunched but eyes sharp and entirely focused on the two men in front of her. Her present and alert gaze shifts between both figures, skimming past the brightening of colors from behind them; seems like the Pleroma's spell is nearing completion. They need to leave, especially this pair of lanky inhuman God-knows-what. But it's not like she can simply tell them that, both as a Kenoma and as someone whose wind pipes are still damaged. So she conveys it the only way she can: with a magic circle beginning to glow through her own puddle of blood she's still sitting in, and raising a palm out to channel mana she still seems capable of mustering, in spite of everything.

One last bluff.

Go.]

[epiprocta]

[ Smart of Ernesto to catch his wrist, because Gen had definitely responded to the return of that smile by starting to cock back his arm for a second punch. As it is, the feel of fingers squeezing around his forearm is enough to give him pause, just enough to listen to what Ernesto is actually saying. Not that it makes a huge difference in his selected course of action. ]

Who said I need you to change your mind? [ Gen laughs, a brief and humorless noise. ] That bitch just told us to stop you. Bet it'd work just fine if I dragged you back by force.

[ Strange how tired he feels, when this sort of shit was his bread and butter back home. Strange how it feels so much more exhausting trying to strong-arm people in listening to him here, even when they're being so docile and compliant. ... maybe it's because they're being so ridiculously cooperative that he feels so drained.

Maybe that's why he leans in, wrist straining against Ernesto's grip, as he hisses, ]

You were real eager to help me earlier, weren't you? You wanna do it again? Be a good boy and let me take you in?

[ 'Or are you going to fight back?'

Something about the vicious glint in his eyes, the way he maintains that grip at Ernesto's clothes instead of punching him with that hand, the way he deliberately leans in to mutter that threat makes it clear he kind of hopes Ernesto's going to retaliate. ]

triwaters

[expiera]

[Her little stunt near the tail end of that mess is... Definitely no resounding success, but she wouldn't call it complete failure, either. She's achieved her own objective of putting on a show, but this certainly ended up a lot messier than she anticipated. Quite literally, as she had to drag herself out of a pool of her own blood after the Pleromas all left, and just as quickly as it had turned chaotic, the cave falls dark and silent once again.

What happened next wasn't terribly exciting. Xishen seemed more exasperate than upset, which was mildly interesting in and of itself, but there was hardly any time to dwell on that. Between pulling herself back together (including cleaning up too for obvious reasons), helping the other injured, packing for the ship, and thanking the Hylician soldiers along with apologizing for the troubles, they were off. (She kept a couple of the whips though, including the one that bathed in her own blood. No one seemed to mind, so).]

I. R&R STANDS FOR "REST" & "R...EAT"
[Ciel will only be seen in public around the ship several hours later after boarding, freshly changed into a clean set of robes without anything remotely red in the dye. It SHOULD be in the dining area, but it could also not be, such as on deck, in the common resting area, or anywhere else, really. Carrying a wooden bowl filled with sliced bread, cheese, fruits, dry meat, etc... Not much thought seems to have gone into presentation, though the different types of food are stacked into their own 'zone' in the bowl. There also seems to be enough for at LEAST two people, and she's actively chewing on something when she happens to run into another person.

Did she bump into someone accidentally? That tends to happen on the waves, just let her swallow first before politely apologizing like a normal person with proper manners would. Or is she being judged stared at? Either way, no one likes awkward silence, so the young woman with short blue hair who looks... totally fine, really, just wearing a makeshift scarf around her neck despite the mild weather because it looks nice, will be happy to open up conversation with a small smile after she's freed her mouth:]

Have you eaten? The food is fresh.

II. WHAT ARE THE ODDS
[She finds herself in the recreation area after chatting one of the sailors up, who had to leave shortly after telling her about some dice games they play aboard. It's the only reason she finds herself doing this, expression vaguely perplexed as she gives two six-sided dies an experimental toss onto the table.

One, two.

...Alright, then. Picking both up without batting an eyelash, she throws again.

Three, one.

...Hm. Again (?).

One, one.

...It's a pair, at least?]

...

[A quiet sigh. What is she doing...]

[killandrecycle]

True to her word, the girl seems to actually be listening. She does so with an expression obviously proving she doesn't really understand, but how could she? Its a much more unique situation then she had found herself in. But there is one thing she can take from what she's told.

"And I guess that's your reason for joining up with someone that wants to remake the world. I don't really get what you're saying, but from what I can imagine it sounds like a reason even I would not think is stupid. Maybe when we win, things will be remade like you want?" Its not a compliment, really, but she seems to at least acknowledge it as a good reason, while also letting a little bit of her own hopes sneak in.

[lachtara]

"My name is Emet-Selch. I am a sorcerer - as you have probably devised - and I fear any explanation beyond that may be lost in the interim." There's no point in going into great detail if it would be lost on others. If he doesn't know what 'aether' is there is no chance he knows much terminology from his world.

"What may be commonly understood is that I hope to be an ally to those on this ship, as we may share a similar goal." That much he can say with certainty.

[zauneyete]

"I suppose," he said, his tone idle. "It's novel, but... I didn't make a habit of dwelling on what was up there, but..." He looked up again for a moment, a finger drug across his own chin, thinking. "Yes, I suppose they are a unique treat."

He paused, head tipped back down, considering. His fingers drummed against the railing, considering the words from the other man. "What did you mean by shard?"

He suspected they didn't mean the... things in them, certainly, but the wording was just enough off, unrecognizable. It meant something specific, to this man.

[lockedon]

[ Congrats Ernesto for having a high HP pool to soak hits with....

Not that Eustace is thinking about such a thing right now, mind wholly focused on the opponent in front of him. His eyes and ears are on full alert, scanning for any imbalance in Ernesto's posture, any slowed movements that might indicate an old wound never fully healed or a preference for one side or another.

Another stab of regret sinks into his heart as Ernesto breathes out his reply, but he makes no move to correct the presumption. It might not even be wholly wrong in the end; just because there'd been no kill command given now doesn't mean there won't be one later. Could he kill this man if ordered to by a person he's never met?

Instead of dwelling on the answer, he follows Ernesto's movements, matching them pace for pace. Instead of swinging out with his arm again this time, he pivots and kicks out a leg with the intent of sweeping Ernesto (unromantically) off his feet. ]

[lockedon]

[ The compliment goes ignored and the silent request for freedom is met with an obvious denial, Eustace's hands tightening rather than loosening around Abel's wrists.

But the words themselves, along with their heartfelt delivery, land right where they mean to. Another thread of guilt winds itself around his heart and squeezes, a pang of sorrow echoing through his body before he tamps down on it with vicious intent, ears flattening and resentment - at their circumstances, at having to follow someone else's orders yet again - turning his voice rough.

All he's ever wanted was peace and quiet. ]

You can't cover my debts.

[ No one can. The sins he's already committed, the parts of himself he's carefully excised to try and keep the worst of his demons at bay. Like hell he's going to allow anyone else to shoulder the heavy burden he's learned to carry these past eighteen years, especially when he's the only one responsible for adding to it year after year.

He adds to it now without hesitation, one hand pulling away for just long enough that he can curl his fingers together and aim a punch directly at Abel's right temple with the intent of knocking him unconscious.

i'm so pained typing this, send help ]

[goldendeceiver]

[ Maybe it would be better if Ernesto were to roll over and let Gen do what he wants then. If a cooperative nature is taking it out of Gen this much, then maybe it would behoove Ernesto to act like he's ready to cooperate to that level.

The thing is that there is a pretty definite line when it comes to Ernesto's generosity. If there wasn't, then he wouldn't have started smiling again in the first place, well aware that it annoys the hell out of the kid. His grip on Gen's wrist doesn't ease at all as he struggles to hold that fist back. He's not all that eager for a second blow to the face, and he's also not eager to be a "good boy".

He'll have to get used to these rude dog jokes pretty quickly it seems. ]

Sorry to admit it, but I'm only but so helpful.

[ But no, he's not particularly interested in exchanging blows with Gen either. What he will do is raise up a leg now, trying to get his knee between himself and Gen, so he can use it to try and push Gen off of him, or at the very least put a little distance between them. It's not a particularly aggressive move, even if it's technically retaliatory.

It's also got to be a little annoying how well Ernesto keeps that air of "unbothered" up as Gen tries his best to provoke him though. ]

[galdorleod]

[ Howl blinks. He looks back to the circle, then again at the boy. ]

I can see that. [ he frowns and puts one hand on his hips. ] You needn't worry about me, lad... I'd be happier to see you stay near the others, if you intend to leave with them.

can someone please give lottie a hug

[lockedon]

[ Who's the one that needs comforting here, Eustace or Lottie.

With tears and snot covering half her face, Eustace is pretty sure this girl needs a hand way more than he does. She looks to be an ordinary civilian unlucky enough to be dragged into this mess, as far as he can tell. Unfortunate, but her bad luck isn't enough to garner more than a small shred of pity for her and certainly not enough to tip him into acting kindly towards her, at least not immediately. ]

Clean yourself up first.

[ Seasons may change and so will universes, but Eustace remains a rude bitch until the end of time.

On the bright side, there's no bite to his words, only a weary acceptance. He's too exhausted from repeatedly getting trounced to trade verbal daggers back and forth, and he doesn't actually wish this woman harm. ]

Are you hurt?

[ He can't see any noticeable injuries on her person, but exhaustion has blurred the edges of his vision and it's possible he's missed something less obvious. ]

[galdorleod]

"Do you really believe I'd be so careless?" Howl asks, playfully feigning insult. It is a good point, though, so he follows Emet-Selch without any protest, still carrying his Shard above his palm.

"Have you tried taking yours out?" he asks, glancing at the taller man sidelong. "It does feel a bit strange, I'll be honest. Earlier this morning, when the breeze was stronger, I swear I could feel it blowing against the stone's surface."

[inutilis]

[ the bite of a clawed hand into his shoulder is an afterthought; for now, the state Estinien is in is far more concerning a worry, and Abel gives a light noise of protest as the elezen wobbles, nearly loses his footing beside him. the priest is quick to sling an arm around Estinien's back, goading the taller man to lean into him for whatever equilibrium he might need to keep himself upright.

...it feels-- terrible. it feels genuinely terrible to think about leaving CielElesia in such a state, to think of departing without tending to her obviously grievous injuries, but-- when Abel casts a glance over his shoulder, preparing to call out for assistance from one of her allies...

he's met with the sight of CielElesia sat upright, a cold flame burning bright in her eyes despite the haze of blood loss and pain. she is, without a doubt, clinging to her life despite the wound that should - for all intents and purposes - be fatal. Abel does not know how, but in this moment, in this predicament they're in--

he will consider it a blessing, as cruel as that might be. if she truly possesses a life that cannot end, then... perhaps such a 'gift' might be considered a 'curse' by one who wields its power. all the same...

--it's enough, for now. he forces himself to swallow his uneasiness and concern for her; he has a feeling she would find those sentiments useless, regardless. she will live, even if he cannot explain the method of her vitality-- now, he has to give his attentions to the man whose wounds are rapidly threatening to steal his consciousness from him. so, with a gritting of his jaw... Abel makes the painful choice to leave her behind.

Estinien needs help. now.

he turns without any further hesitation, guiding the bloodied man toward the ritual circle and the hum of energies reaching their pinnacle, quietly imploring the dragoon to hold on. just a bit longer-- and this dark, miserable cavern will hopefully be long behind them.

and if there is a quiet shiver, some brief, momentary impression only one of his legacy might perceive - something grateful, some firm if harried plea to be alright, then... suppose that is all he can offer in farewell. ]

[lachtara]

"Perhaps." There's too much unknown about the situation to say that for sure right now, but the Kenoma had whispered of such promising things. It is a lead to pursue. Nothing more.

"Full glad am I to hear that you find value in it. It is much easier to have allies who see eye to eye." His tone is neither flat nor chastising. Although taking her at her word is far from his intention - he is not so naive - he would nurture the concept of teamwork where he could.

[galdorleod]

[ As Howl watches him, wondering what thoughts much be behind such an insistent gesture, he feels a pang of pity. If the mute still wants to leave, after everything Howl knows he's been through down here, there probably isn't anything Howl can say to change his mind. It'd be impressive if it weren't so sad. ]

You heard what the witch said. Didn't you? [ Howl's expression softens into empty neutrality. As he speaks, his eyes look even more lifeless and glass-like as usual. ] If you and the others leave, we'll be mortal enemies from thereon. I don't have... no, I won't act on any orders requiring me to see you as such, but...

[ He can't say the same for the others — such as the people currently threatening to kill them for attempting to leave. ]

I know you felt it. The destruction of the places we came from. Does that not matter? Can't you see how pointless running away will be?

[galdorleod]

Corrupting? Is that how he saw it? Howl shook his head, unable to see for himself that this characterization was completely correct. The Kenoma is wrapped tightly around his being for the moment; the sense of hopeless it instills was Howl's only possible reality.

"I've seen no sign of any intent on their part to harm the remainder of you," Howl quickly answered, defending himself as much as the people he'd aligned himself with. "I believe we'd all prefer they'd gone about convincing us of the right path in a different way, but... How is escaping going to help? Do you even know where you're going?"

eustace is RIGHT there?

[oomfies]

[ Jeez.. Does she look that bad? Lottie pauses, brings both hands together because boy does that make her feel even worse than she already started off with. So much that she falters a little bit, shoulders slouching and curling in on herself.

Seasons may change and so will universes, but Lottie remains a passive whiny little baby in all of them, so much that she actually debates on leaving the situation entirely because she wasn't prepared for her only act of kindness to be rebutted so quickly. But she doesn't turn around, not quite yet, anyway, because he asks her a question that gives her an idea of just how exhausted he is. ]

No, I'm not.. I'm just - [ Perpetually on the verge of a panic attack, definitely made a fool of herself in front of the leaders, here. ] I'm not in a good place, right now!

[goldendeceiver]

[ In many ways Ernesto was one of the luckier ones to have fought in the True Bolivarian army, because he managed to spend his time there without receiving any debilitating injury that would give Eustace that chance he's looking for. He's had his fair share of wounds in his lifetime, and a plethora of small scars here and there to show for it, but nothing particularly serious.

It means that Eustace isn't going to get that lucky break in Ernesto's movement he hopes for. Hell, if anything he's ducking and dodging in a way that suggests he's not as unaccustomed to this as his reluctance to fight might suggest.

But he's not some kind of infallible fighting god, and a smart and well timed move can get him even if he doesn't want it to. The kick takes him down, and all Ernesto has time to do is start to roll as he falls, landing with a harsh grunt on his shoulder, instead of cracking his head on the cavern floor. ]

[lifespanned]

[ Her eyes go wide watching the skin knit itself together— honestly, she finds this all kind of gross and freaky, and only the pleasant sensation that the healing brings keeps him from making a (disruptive) fuss about how weird it all is. Her expression still looks a little... well, shaken up. ]

W-Woah, so you can really do something like that... ahaha...

[ Her natural reaction to things that are out of her league or that she can't understand is to try to laugh it off, and go into self denial that it's strange at all. For some reason, being healed by someone with magical powers is making this entire day all very real for her. ]

I don't know what I was gonna do if you hadn't come along. It really feels fine now...

[ As if to test it, she opens and closes her hand, turning over her arm this way and that to see if any other mysterious side effect appeared as a result of the healing. ]

Have you always been able to do that?