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

[ It's been a while since he's gotten punched like that; the guards had mostly been using those whips (and their boots), and it's been a long time since anyone back home's managed to land a blow like that on him. The pain smarting through his face is annoying, the copper taste of blood sharp against his lips, and all the noise coming from all around him is grating at his nerves as he warily prowls the edges of the chaos, wondering how much more he needs to play along with this ridiculous situation before that creepy bitch will leave him alone.

With how wound up he is, of course he whirls on heel to bristle the moment he notices someone coming his way. ]

... what d'you want.

[ His gaze is sharp, appraising as he looks Abel over, and he doesn't break focus even as he brings a hand up to swipe away the blood still dribbling from his nose. A note of derision rising in his voice as he gives a brief, humorless laugh. ]

Come here to tell me how disappointed you are?

[ What was it this guy had said as he left? 'Please don't disappoint me.' As if this obnoxious stranger had any right to foist more expectations on him. ]

[ It's hard keeping track of everything going on, isn't it? Too much movement, too much noise, too much commotion of every type happening in every direction. Even with how much experience he must have dealing with this much chaos, it must be a lot even for Ernesto.

Probably the only reason he might fail to notice someone sidestepping around several other skirmishes and making their way closer until it's a little too late to avoid the matter altogether. There's just the sound of booted feet gritting against the uneven ground, the flicker of movement as a hand reaches out, and the sudden grab at his shoulder is accompanied by the blunt call of, ]

Hey.

[ Having caught Ernesto's attention, Gen lets go of him quickly enough. But he doesn't back off, doesn't put any more distance between them. Stays right where he is, staring flatly at Ernesto for a moment before he adds at a low deadpan, ]

So we're supposed to stop you lot.

[ It's said listlessly, like he doesn't care, because he doesn't really. But Gen's gaze is sharp, focused, as he studies Ernesto's face. Gauging his reaction, waiting to see if he responds to even this with that same fake smile. ]

Edited 2022-03-21 00:34 (UTC)

[ You can only let sleeping dogs lay if you don't see them and accidentally tumble directly onto them? Not that he literally did in the middle of battle, but given their enclosed quarters and the absolute chaos that had been raised, it'd been hard to miss the centerpiece of the fight—and subsequently, the sight of this woman getting her throat torn out.

He's seen death and mangled bodies aplenty, but it's the first time he's ever seen someone just....stand back up after nearly being beheaded. The stunned surprise he'd been forced to tamp down back then bubbles back up to the surface, and he stare at her with a mixture of suspicion and confusion.

He does not, notably, let her see anything just yet. ]

What are you?

[ Eustace, you can't just ask a woman what she is?????? ]

[ He sees it from halfway across the cavern. That fucking novel-obsessed bookworm, the guy who punched him, that wretched asshole convening with another person. There's no way he can hear what they're talking about from this distance, but he can tell enough from even a brief glance of their posture and demeanor -- they know each other, don't they? They're working together? Whatever words they'd shared seemed to long to be a simple exchange of orders or well-wishes, at least.

And honestly, that really, really pisses him off. The fact that that piece of shit who'd acted like all he cared about in the world was some made-up story has the galls to have an ally.

It's partly that, partly the lingering pain from that punch to the face, and partly the adrenaline rush of just trying to digest everything that's happening around him that has his blood simmering hot in his veins. It's what drives him to do something he vaguely knows is stupid, but can't bring himself to care.

For Joonghyuk, it must be a little jarring, when a short while later after he's split off from Dojka once more, there's a rush of movement headed right his way. The thump of heavy footsteps, a huff of exertion, then the sharp whoosh of something cutting through the air -- Gen lunging at him without warning, swinging a still-sheathed sword at him like a baseball bat, aimed right at the side of his head. ]

[ Another encounter, another familiar face he wishes wasn't so familiar. Easier to restrain (injure, manhandle, kill) someone if there aren't any previous memories associated with them. And for all that Abel had been annoying - too chatty, too bumbling - the worst offense was that Abel had been kind. Neither he nor the rest of the remaining prisoners deserve to be restrained more than they have; unfortunately, Eustace has learned the hard way to be able to turn a blind eye to immediate transgressions in order to pin his sights on a bigger future goal.

His footfalls are heavy as he presses forward, undeterred by Abel's words. There's no happiness on his face at the prospect of having to detain Abel (or anyone really), only a grim resignation at the impending scuffle that's about to occur. ]

You won't die if you surrender now.

[ How.....................comforting. ]

i. pvp arc

[ ooc: i'll be tagging around for this because fighting logs, man, fighting logs. otherwise, i'll put up closed starters with those i've made plans with. if you and your character want to fight a tiny little girl, hmu via pm or discord and i'll be happy to hash things out and set something up. ]

ii. valley arc

[ guess who found the random and very decent rations littering this really nice, really peaceful valley while also picking out and pocketing berries and fruits?

lumine's sitting on the shore of that pond/lake/body of water thing, staring moodily at its surface. she'd tried catching fish too, the damp hem of her skirt a testament to that attempt, but failed, the fish seemingly quickly to escape her clutches. either she's gotten rusty, or they've been blessed by whatever god or deity exists in this valley. so much for attempting to recreate a recipe from teyvat.

if you've managed to stumble into her, she'll offer you a sandwich. yes, a cheese and jerky sandwich that she's managed to haphazardly put together while stewing and simmering in silence. one can even find her slicing up the cheese and bread with her sword ... hey, it's practically a luxury after the stuff that's been fed to them for the past week or so, so she's trying to make the best out of it. ]

Want one?

[ no, the sword she's used to cut the bread and cheese doesn't have people's blood on it. ]

[ look. look.

friendly fire sometimes happens. even she's been a victim of such, though very rarely nowadays now that her twin brother has decided to up and leave her on her own journey. and in the chaos of all the fighting, it can't be helped that lumine, currently out of it with her senses picking up everything that's happening all around her, decides to throw a punch, fist covered in arcing purple electro energy, at the closest, kenoma-seeming person she catches a glimpse of. she doesn't even notice that he's also on their side, preventing the soldiers from getting past their line.

she promises to apologise profusely after this—but not before she manages to land a hit on him ok.

is it her fault that he looks brooding and very, totally kenoma-like? no ... okay, maybe yes. but to be fair, it's getting difficult figuring out who's who in all this madness, even with her attunement. ]

Keep to your side!

[ Given that Eustace is also operating on fumes right now, he stumbles a little as a heavy weight slams into him, nearly toppling over before one hand shoots out to press against a nearby tree trunk.

But, notably, he doesn't shove Gen away, opting instead to dig his heels further into the ground so he can stabilize the both of them. They've all gotten more than their fair share of violence and rough-housing today; there's no point in inciting even more violence, especially not of the petty in-house type.

Well, at least not physically. Verbally though? ]

You look like shit.

[ Pot, meet kettle. ]

[ there's something about him that just doesn't feel right.

something she can't put a finger on, whether it's his seeming nonchalance or his apparent disinterest in actual fighting, but it's something that she can't shake off, even as she stands in his way. and lumine isn't one to dismiss her senses, especially in a crucial fight like this that could make or break their escape. whatever that bad feeling is, she simply has to cut it away with her sword.

her blade appears in her hand in a flash of gold, purple electro energy running and arcing across its edge and surface. ]

I'm sorry, but I can't let you pass.

[ tired is the understatement of the year—no, the century, even. and she's never been this tired since ... since a time she doesn't even remember anymore. though she supposes it isn't just physical exhaustion that plagues her, her muscles sore, her energy low and there's this sharp, stabbing pain on her side that's quite possibly a broken rib or two after bodily engaging a whale thrown at her. an invisible, crushing weight also presses against her chest as she sits on the grass, looking at the sky in quiet contemplation.

there wasn't anything that she could do. she wishes there was, but she's never been good with words despite popular belief back in teyvat—at least nothing that would change the mind of someone who's already made up his. there's no point blaming herself, and yet, she finds herself doing so anyway: silently, wordlessly, irritably.

(a part of her wonders if she should've beaten childe senseless and thrown his unconscious body into the teleporter ...)

in any case, lumine gives it a moment, and then another, and then another—before she gets up to her feet and heads off towards himeka, plopping back on the ground with a quiet groan. definitely a broken rib, that one. ]

Any healing spells you can still spare?

( ooc: only closed starter(s) for this part of the event! for makoto's part, he's going to be (very ineffectually) attempting to save face by harrying (or appearing to) the Pleroma folks during the pvp portion — he's available to get roughed up, but he will probably try to get away before he gets too hurt! as for the boat portion of the event, he'll just be... out and about, recuperating, picking people's brains on whatever topics cross his mind, and maybe trying to practice flying (because he's not very good at it yet). please feel free to contact me via pm, discord (sharisper#0002), or

lycanthropic if you want to discuss anything. i'd be happy to write a starter! )

( the cavern is already chaos, the malaise of those that had suffered with the Kenoma crawling through their veins filling the air like an invisible gas so that when the spark of hope that the Pleroma instilled in them ignited, it all burst to flame. when makoto is approached by the Aion in camp and told to prevent the pending escape, his first reaction is... frank dubiousness. just because he's accepted to aid the Regent doesn't change anything about who he is — how can he be expected to just do something like that when he's never been the type to do well in any sort of combat before? it's simply not his place. it's not who he is.

but he is very distinctly given the impression that such an excuse would not be enough to prevent suspicion from falling upon him if he did nothing at all. so he thinks about it for a few minutes, and then he formulates a plan.

he'll just have to make a show of it. he's not fond of pain, but he can withstand it when it's necessary for him to do so. and if he's going ahead with doing all of that, he might as well try to make good on a promise and kill two birds with one stone.

wherever dextera is in the tumult, a sudden gust of wind and a flurry of beats from huge draconic wings isolate him from the rest of the fray; the way that makoto lands on the stone floor of the throne room is almost dainty, though that's in sharp contrast from the fearsome wings that flare out on either side of him. he's not incredibly well-versed in their use yet, but he can at least use them to help detect if someone is approaching from his sides or from behind — as of now it seems that no one is trying to get a cheap hit in as he arrives, so he focuses the keen attention of his pale eyes on dextera instead. )

A shame that you're trying to leave so soon. ( he takes a step forward, hands splaying upwards in a gesture of faux-regret. one is empty, but the other one carries a weapon: a small but lethally sharp dagger. ) And all before I could settle my debt.

( a blade is not completely out of place in makoto's hands. he knows how to use one — knows where best to sever the muscles and ligaments, break the joints between bones, and lay bare the human body's innermost secrets. but that knowledge did not and does not intersect with a combat scenario; he has no idea what to do when opposed by someone who was ready to fight to defend themselves. that would probably be obvious enough to dextera, with his experience, in seeing how makoto handles the dagger without any.

but, again, that's purposeful. he handles the blade loosely as a flag, and one that he hopes that the other young man might understand, both from his words and from his demeanor. he's here bearing a gift — all dextera has to do is take it from him, and make it all look convincing to the eyes of those watching. )

[Ciel was... Well, not exactly afraid, per se, but she knew it was going to be troublesome once word got out. She just truly did not expect it to happen this soon, as convenient as it was to have irrefutable proof that her immortality had carried onto Horos this 'early' on. The process is slower, but present nonetheless, and as for the implications it may hold, she's simply chosen to not think about it for now.

His question has her straighten herself. Suspicion and confusion are valid, and both are preferable to fear.]

Something that can't die.

[She ultimately chooses to word it that way, over something ostentatiously edgy like monster or whatnot. It's Complicated, okay. She can't deny watching his reaction though, as much as she answered like she also would talking about the weather.]

[ His field of vision's spinning badly, and it takes him a moment to realize who he's even imposing himself on. And of all the people to bump into, of course it had to be this one.

His gaze flickers sharper with recognition, but that spark of hostility is only there for a split-second before subsiding; stubborn as he is, Gen knows when he's hit his limits. And as he is, he's pretty sure he's going to pass out if this guy knocks him to the ground again. ]

... like you don't. [ He sees those bruises you're sporting, dogman, even if his vision's a little blurry. A half-hearted retort that peters off into a low groan. ] Just ... gimme a minute.

[ -- did he already say that? It feels like he did, but it's hard to be sure.

Anyway, sorry-not-sorry if you can feel the damp of blood dribbling from his busted lip slowly seeping grossly through the shoulder of your clothes, Eustace. Despite what he said, he's having a hard time hauling himself onto his own two feet just yet. ]

( ooc: closed starters are going here. if you want one and we haven't discussed already, please PM me either here or on discord (nightsong#1687)! )

Edited 2022-03-21 00:33 (UTC)

[A good number of them are remarkably cheery, considering all they've had to put up with to get to where they are now. She recognizes the man, but it's as easy to treat him as a stranger as taking anything else in stride since waking up in this world. Maintaining this is for both their benefit anyway, she wore a hood during that time precisely to avoid complications down the road.

His silly look is met with the same indifference as the warning that was delivered.]

Many of you are. I suppose it's not surprising, considering how stubborn your lot must have been to make it this far. [If someone tries hard enough, it probably could be interpreted as a compliment. ...Maybe.

The whip remains idle in her hand, at least for now. This man's stance, as if he was wielding an invisible weapon...? Whatever abilities he possesses, he looks like he could use a warm-up. How should he be given one best, in that case?]

[ When all hell had broken loose inside the cavern, Dokja hadn't had much time to think about anything other than protecting the casters. But after a rough start, he's found that the fighting has mostly dispersed to other corners of the place, away from threatening the people securing their escape.

So that leaves him with an opening in his fighting schedule.

He skids to a halt before the very person he'd been searching for, the boy who had made an impression hard to forget. Maybe it was the amount of abuse doled out or maybe it's the unpleasant reminder of what Gen represents for Dokja. Either way, he's here for one reason only. ]

Kid, I think you're mistaken about something.

[ It's then that Dokja shoots forward with an inhuman speed, as if carried by the wind, his hand outstretched as he aims to grab the boy's throat, mirroring certain actions from before. ]

I'm just here to pay back what I owe.

i never stop 'til I get my way

[ All right, so small (female) protags are clearly the most dangerous thing to his health. The second most dangerous thing to his health is old immortal men that wander around as young attractive human males, so clearly he's going to have to follow-up his battle with Himeka with someone like Dokja (granted he has no clue about him and his abilities, but Childe being in the dark about good things to know before picking a fight is a normal thing for him.)

Unlike his clash with Joonghyuk, though, Childe actually intends to get to the casters behind his opponent this time. So while he will be happy to fight another willing (and strong) opponent if that is what Dokja turns out to be, he will also accept him backing down. Time is ticking, and for the Kenoma to claim victory, they can't simply let the timer run out. ]

I'll admit you guys are pretty good at this whole defense tower thing. It's too bad, but I'm getting through to Father Nightroad no matter what even if means stepping on you in the process. [ He truly has no clue what he's up against, but 'lack of confidence got me everywhere,' said no one ever. ]

i. for silco - hamster ball
[ Under normal circumstances, Matt would want to ask a lot more questions before acting. What is the Pleroma being first and foremost. But everything's happening too fast for that, and Matt's left with two main impressions:

1. He doesn't like the sound of mortal enemies.
2. He can't imagine forcing Kenoma on someone. Faith and conviction don't work like that–whatever bonds can be forged through bullying people, they'll be brittle.

Which means when he spots Silco brandishing a knife at one of their fellow captives, Matt barely thinks. He holds out his hand, breath hitching as words roil through his mind: Rider on the night boat, granter of renewal I call to you–

And a gleaming, golden sphere appears around him. Though Silco can still breathe, implying some degree of permeability, and can see Matt's gasping face, the sphere feels solid to the touch. ]

Sorry, [ Matt says breathlessly. ] I can't let you do that.

ii. a wrench in things - ota kenoma
[ Lest you think Matt's a one-trick pony, he's more than willing to step in when other Kenomas seem on the verge of violence.

Maybe you find your weapon jerked from your hands by an unseen force. Or perhaps something tugs at your clothes, trying to trip you up. When it comes down to it, Matt's not above setting the odd fire to create a distraction.

He won't set you on fire, of course. Kenoma means family. Or is that a different three-syllable word …? ]

iii. escape - ota pleroma
[ There's a lot going on right now, so it's perfectly plausible that you've managed to miss Matt's interference on the Pleromas' behalf. But maybe it's you he's helped–by tripping up a Kenoma, disarming them, distracting them, or even detaining them long enough for you to get away.

The teleportation spell is gearing up. Even though he's not a part of the casting, Matt can feel its thrum as it gains strength. Not the molten, heart-harmonious connection he's used to feeling around magic; it's more like putting his hand to the window of a house warmed by its fireplace. He doesn't have long, so he feels like he has to at least try to convince the nearest person-- ]

You can stay. [ He's earnest, despite his breathlessness, minor injuries, and generally overwhelmed demeanor. ] It's not as scary as it seems. I promise, it's okay.

[ooc: Wanna do something else? Hit up my plotting comment or reach me at

artistformerlyknownas. I have plans to do a boat prompt, but I want to wait and see if that changes based on NPC reaction to his … everything. ]

Edited 2022-03-21 00:49 (UTC)

[ The cavern is utter chaos, now that the people who have suffered here for the past week -- Moiraine included -- have regained their strength and abilities. Moiraine cannot say she's especially surprised those who have gone over to the Regent's side have been ordered to stop them from leaving. She suspects it was always bound to come to this in the end, from the moment some of them chose to surrender to the Kenoma and some of them did not.

It would be incorrect to say Moiraine cannot defend herself. She most certainly can, though the times when she has had to have been rare. The One Power responds to her call again now, and if she were able to be more proactive she could call Fire and Air and Earth to her fingertips and stand on the front line -- but no. The Oaths she swore, as does every Aes Sedai, prevent her from using the One Power as a weapon except in the last defense of her own life.

But saidar does have strictly defensive applications, Air especially, and if she can't precisely fight unless attacked first, she can certainly protect others. Amidst everything, Moiraine spots a young blonde woman from the corner of her eye -- and with all of the projectiles flying about the cavern, magical or otherwise, something flies towards her rapidly from her blind spot.

Moiraine can weave faster than she can shout a warning, and the shield of Air springs into place over the young woman just before the fireball hits her. It splashes against the shield and dissipates instead, though that doesn't prevent the heat from perhaps singing her a little bit. In the aftermath, Moiraine closes the distance between them. ]

Are you all right?

[ Well, she's got a point. It wasn't easy getting here, but now that they've practically got one foot out the door of this shitty situation, there's no way Dokja is going to pull back.

He eyes that all too recognizable whip in her hand. Considering how useless it had rendered him before, he's not to keen to approach. ]

I'm better at talking than fighting, if you preferred to do that instead?

[ He very much doubts it but let a guy dream. ]

[ ...Eustace...

Abel's expression slowly deflates, his shoulders slumping with it as he realizes the other man is not about to concede so easily. if he closes his eyes, he can see the two of them shoulder to shoulder elsewhere in the cavern but a few days ago - and while they hadn't exactly been the best of friends at the time, there was no animosity between them. it shouldn't have come to this.

...none of it should've come to this.

the priest takes a small step backwards, lifting his hands in plaintive effort to forestall Eustace's approach. ]

--Please. [ there is no shame nor pride to obstruct him, eyes pleading a sincere wish for them to find another way through this. ] You don't want to do this. I know you don't, and I don't want this either, sir, so-- please.

Moiraine is going to be assisting with the teleportation spell!

[ 'disappointment' isn't the word to describe it, is it?

no; Abel understands that this is a fight that many had been set up to lose before they'd even set out from the temples what feels like forever ago, now. it isn't disappointing that they had succumbed, it's unfair. the fault doesn't lie with Gen, or Amos, or Howl, or Ciel-- it lies at the feet of whoever is responsible for putting this ritual into motion. the "Regent," whoever they may be, has a great deal to answer for.

...the priest comes to a stop a safe distance from Gen to avoid invading his personal space; though it's been a few days since they'd seen one another last, there is an echo of the same familiar expression of concern in blue eyes where Abel watches the boy, attention clearly fixed on the mess of his face. ]

Why is it every time I see you, you're having a rough go of things, sir...?

[ though there's a hint of some kind of lightness in his words, Abel's expression doesn't quite match the tone. Gen might be roughed up, but he's clean, clothed properly and no longer in the throes of a sickness his body was fighting. no; he has accepted it. accepted the Kenoma.

...suppose that means he, too, is the "enemy." ]

[ This is interesting. Gabaranth's authorative yet unemotionally driven tone reminds him of someone back home, someone that he had once called a friend. What they were too reach other now made a strangers guess as good as any other, but it doesn't mean reminders of the other never enter his mind. This guy himself... Childe can only imagine a fraction of the possibilities to where he picked up this way of behavior. Regardless, it's clear to the Harbinger that this Pleroma is planning to stand his ground — and had the fortitude to see it done if nothing else.

Childe does step back—a little bit , anyway. Not because he's looking to avoid a fight, but because he's been in a few already to make it this "deep" into the Pleroma's circle. A small breather for himself certainly won't hurt. Besides, while the other hasn't shown any threatening abilities just yet, that doesn't mean he's not capable of them. Just because he's going to use his fists doesn't mean he's not capable of taking even someone like Childe out despite his advantage of bladed weapons.

Childe's already injured, so he has to engage here a little bit less recklessly. ]

Hmm... is it really such a good idea for you all to be running off so suddenly? What if you end up somewhere worse than here? I can't imagine anyone really knows where that spell is taking you all should you manage to finish it.

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EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

for ABEL NIGHTROAD.

for ERNESTO.

ciel..............

for YOO JOONGHYUK.

sorry abel...........take good care of ernesto.....

lumine | pleroma

– joonghyuk

i...............

– luo binghe

– himeka

makoto | kenoma

for dextera:

eustace..............

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moiraine ✨ pleroma

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{ PVP } kim dokja

Matt Jamison | Kenoma | some closed, some open

lumine;

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nO this can't be the end, canine brother............

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peeee veeee peee