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 | Flat

This is where you can ask the mods questions about the event scenario or pursue IC investigations about your character's surroundings. Attempts to engage with NPCs that don't have their own top level will default to summary interactions unless the thread moves towards needing dialogue. Please remember that responses will be limited by demand and mod availability.

When you've committed to your character performing a major action during this PVP dispute, please reply to the top-level with a short summary of what your character is doing. This is so that the mods can be aware of what goes down without having to read every top-level; actions confirmed here will be subject to NPC scrutiny, whether that results in your character being praised or punished. This is most important for Kenoma players, but we would also appreciate Pleroma letting us know what they are up to as well, since they can also make an impression on the NPCs.

( escape: wildcard. )

((ooc: I am planning on tagging out when it comes to the escape confrontation and PVP; however, if you think your character would approach Howl for something specifically and/or we end up plotting something after I'm typing this, you can tag him here!))

( 1. ) aftermath.

[ With a swell of heat and blinding light, it's over. Howl and his fellow Kenoma find themselves alone in the dark cavern with the soldiers and Xishen, suddenly now eerily quiet.

In the course of the fighting, the wizard has ended up looking not quite himself. At least two feet taller on account of the large, black, avian talons that have replaced his lower legs and feet, the monster-like body that had been swiftly moving about the cramped cavern a moment earlier is motionless. Their apparent failure is settling in, and as the seconds tick by, turns into a frustrated and despairing restlessness. He's aware of who had succumbed already and can see the glaring absences of those who escaped. It's... not good. His chest fills with dread. "Mortal enemies," the witch had said.

Howl turns and makes for the stone stairs leading back to the surface. As he walks, a trail of feathers pepper his path. He can feel eyes on him, staring, gazing — many people having good reason to look upon him with trepidation, between this distorted form he's taken and the actions he took to sabotage his confederates' efforts. ]

( 2. ) hammock.

[ Howl is impossible to find as the soldiers pack up camp, but at some point just before they depart for the river, he reappears, fully human again and dressed in the same robes he was wearing before. He is quiet and largely uninterested in speaking to anyone, especially not about what just happened, but that attitude begins to change once they board the boat to finally leave the forest.

He walks the main deck with quick footsteps, his curiosity spurring him forwards, and heads to the next deck below once he feels he's thoroughly explored it — at which point he discovers the hammocks. Are there enough for all of them? He spares a single thought for the question before concluding that it doesn't matter. He most certainly needs to lay down after everything he's been through, not to mention suffering on that damned bedroll for over two weeks now.

A hammock towards the back of the boat made from jade and pink striped cloth catches his attention. After practically collapsing into it, he closes his eyes and appreciates the slight rocking of his weight's momentum in the sling. Oh, this is good. The breeze, the water... This is worth it. How could he have ever doubted whether he was on the right side? ]

( 3. ) exercise.

[ The sun sank behind distant mountains hours ago. Energetic games of dice and cards have trickled into fewer, quieter voices, no longer needing to speak over the soldier playing his harp. Except for the sound of the water on the hull of the vessel, the night is largely quiet. Howl has waited until this late hour to get out of his hammock — hoping nobody takes it while he is gone and that he can find some privacy for a particular task he'd spent the last two weeks wishing for a chance to do.

On the uppermost deck of the ship beneath the ceiling of stars, Howl stretches his wings, this time in a more metaphorical sense. The clash in the chamber made it clear that some portion of his power has returned to him, but he hasn't had a moment to himself yet to find out how much is still missing. Believing himself to be alone, he goes through his mental repertoire of spells, one school of magic at a time. To his relief, some of the most elementary spells have at least started returning to him, even if they're taking much more effort than normal: manifesting a flame above his fingertip, mending the fraying edges of his robe, lifting small balls of water from the river below. It would be rather embarrassing if he could not do these things anymore, he thinks to himself, so it's a relief he can still call himself a Wizard without feeling like a liar.

It's apparent to anyone watching, however, that Howl grows frustrated as the exercises continue. Sometimes the movements of his hands seem to do nothing at all, even after multiple attempts, leaving him to simmer. He hates this. He really is powerless here, maybe not entirely but definitely in comparison to how he should be, and he finds himself thinking of Calcifer all over again, of Sophie and Markl, of his castle and his world and everything else that's gone now.

A thought occurs to him: maybe he ought to just leave. He could do it, seeing as his primary transformation still works. His wings had come to him when needed. True, he hadn't flown down in the cramped chamber, but out here, with the endlessly open night sky above him, it should be easy to simply... fly away.

The wizard stares up at the stars, his arms and hands going still at his sides. He's seriously thinking about it, as that numb Kenoma emptiness reenters his mind. ]

( wildcard: triwater. )

((you can, of course, also hit up Howl elsewhere on the boat! o/))

Edited 2022-03-18 22:41 (UTC)

He's been waiting for this moment.

He knew from the moment that wretched filth was expelled from his body - his strength was returning, along with something fierce and new. After weeks of helplessness and torment, he has something resembling power again, and even without his armor and his lance, the urge to make use of it is overwhelming. Nidhogg roars in his ears with a clarity that has been missing and he can feel the aether ripple through his body, like the roar of a beast that's just been set free.

The worst of the spikes that have been devastating his body recede, seemingly in response to him taking control. Yet, the claws, fangs, and slitted draconic eyes remain. This is him, after all. This is the him that was being bound until this moment, leaving him beaten and humiliated. He will suffer it no longer.

He paces the edges of where his fellow prisoners are gathered, working on whatever spell Father Abel has spoken of. He knows his role in this - he will burn whatever strength he has to keep those wretches away from them, long enough for freedom to be secured. Though the natural hope would be for them to not be confronted at all, he itches will the desire for vengeance and blood. This means that as soon as a Kenoma follower dares show their face, dares threaten the people here in any way, he'll be ready to strike.

"Leave now or face the flames of retribution," he snarls, and it's the last warning that you will receive.

► THE PVP ESCAPE PART

[ He's fed and armed now as he heads back into the cavern, the worst of the grime washed off his body and his ragged gown replaced by clean, durable clothes. There are faces he recognizes still stubbornly staying behind, all congregated together in their attempt to escape.

In each hand is a dagger, their unfamiliar weight still a relief in the face of what he's about to do next. He keeps his face impassive as he approaches the group, voice level as he calls out to the closest one. ]

I can't let you leave.

[ He sounds almost apologetic about it, a thin thread of resignation running through his voice. He doesn't dislike any of the faces he recognizes, not to the point of actively wishing them ill. But unfortunately orders are orders, and if there's anything he's always excelled at, it's following orders.

The Regent is watching, and he's not ready just yet to risk incurring their wrath. ]

► THE HURT/COMFORT PART

[ There's not much time between the last Pleroma winking out of existence and the order that they (the Kenoma) pack up and leave. Easier said than done considering his current condition: battered and bruised, blood streaked across his clothes and face. It's been a long time since he's gotten himself into this bad a shape, and there's an obvious grimace on his face as he leans against the cavern wall and does a mental check of all his injuries.

From there, it's not too difficult to procure a few makeshift bandages and find himself a bit of flat stone to sit one and attend to his injuries. Given the state he's in though, it's a slower process than it should be.

Feeling charitable enough to lend a hand? For once, he won't bite it off. ]

► THE 'WE'RE ON A BOAT' PART

[ They're on a boat.

But instead of soaring through the sky like he's used to, they're sailing through calm waters as the ruins recede behind them. He wonders briefly if he'll ever feel the wind roaring past his ears as clouds pass him by, then dismisses the thought. No point in being sentimental about bygones; there's only the path forward now.

He spends most of the trip off in whatever solitary corner of the ship he can find abovedeck, gazing up at the skies both during the day and at night trying to commit the unfamiliar constellations in the sky to memory, returning below decks only to sleep.

Hopefully any hammock buddies nearby aren't too noisy, otherwise he will tell them to shut up. :/ ]

► WILDCARD

[ For anything else I didn't include. Shoot me a PM, ping me on Discord, holler at me on my plotting comment, heck just write your own starter and I'll roll with it. o7 ]

( i've got 99 problems, but no PVP ain't one. )

((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. 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."

[ 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! ]

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!! 💞 )

i. post-escape

[ He can't remember the last time he's been hurt this badly. Maybe not ever. Not to mention, he hasn't really lost a fight since he was, like, seven. This place sucks.

With the Pleroma gone and the action having died down, everyone's left to mill around and start licking their wounds. No doubt Xishen is going to be busy tending to the worst of the wounded -- not that Gen avoids her out of consideration for her packed schedule. More that he doesn't want to look at her again just yet, and still needs to gather his wits; regardless of how he's very obviously gotten the shit kicked out of him, he only snatches some water from the guards before trying to slink off into a quiet corner first.

So those on the Kenoma campgrounds might be subject to Gen stumbling heavily into them -- heavily being the key term, given he's over six feet of teenager who can't quite keep his balance at the moment -- and clumsily grabbing at their clothes just so he can stay upright. He's definitely nursing at least a minor concussion given the way he unsteadily leans against his poor victim for a really uncomfortable moment before opening his mouth to mutter hoarsely: ]

-- gimme a minute.

[ Not even apologizing for this atrocious behavior, smh. ]

ii. boat arc

[ Individuals hanging out on the deck of the ship, enjoying the warm sunshine and the sound of the waves rushing past the vessel, might have their hard-earned respite interrupted by the sound of a sudden coughing fit and the smell of smoke wafting over them. A quick glance over is all it takes to find the culprit.

Gen, leaning against the railing, clearing his throat even as he keeps hold of a freshly-lit hand-rolled cigarette in hand. Almost even before his coughs have subsided he brings it up to take a smaller drag; when he breathes out after retaining the smoke for a moment, he gives an unsubtle sigh of relief like it's the best damn thing he's ever tasted.

And only then realizes he might've drawn any attention to himself. ]

Go get your own if you want one. [ Directed bluntly at whoever's looking his way. ] Those guys looked like they were gonna shit themselves if I asked for any more.

iii. wildcard & PVP starters

[ ooc; I'll be posting closed starters for people I discussed PVP options with and got the OK from! Otherwise, please feel free to PM me / hit me up on Discord if you'd like to plan something out, leave a starter of your own, or leave a blank comment and I'll see if I can come up with something on the fly! ]

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. ]

( 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! )

( 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)

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)

-Come fight the midget witch!-

[All the doubts and fears that had plagued the demon while trapped in the cavern had been cast aside. Now, she was back in full form. The feeling of powerlessness was replaced by an overwhelming desire to display her reacquired power.]

What a bunch of fools. Too weak to accept the gift you've been given, and now you want to run? Do you really think I'm going to LET you?

[The girl's hands are completely obscured by twin orbs of blueish energy. One hand is lifted toward the group attempting to escape, and begins to glow more vibrantly. It should be very obvious what is going to happen if no one makes an attempt to stop her.]

-Kenoma Party Boat Prompts Below-

-Above Deck-

[It was the first time the girl had time to really stop and think about everything that had happened to her since her fight against the rebels. The rebels that bothered her were not the ones who escaped the caves, but ones that had fractured her dreams mere moments before she had awoken in the clifftop shrine. Her face wore a pensive look on it as she looked out over the water.

If her face was all there was to judge by, she might seem like she was caught up in some sort of deep thoughts. But there was also what she had in her hand. A dagger, most likely claimed from one of the soldiers after her conversion, seemed to be doing its best to fill the railing of the ship with as many little stab holes as she could manage. Over and over she jabs the tip into the lumber, as if boats were here mortal enemy. Finally she stabs down so hard the blade simply lodges itself entirely in place. Someone is clearly not in a good mood.]

-Unpleasant Dreams-

[Curling up on a cave floor was not exactly pleasant, so not long after the ship had went out onto the water, Majorita found herself occupying a hammock. Compared to her previous sleeping arrangements, it was like the finest bed she'd ever slept in. But that sleep didn't last long. Too many things managed to sneak into her dreams. Images of her world mixed with what she'd experienced here and none of them were pleasant. It wasn't long before she woke with a startled squeak. Yes, squeak. She might have found it embarrassing if she'd actually heard it.]

- Talking to the bird, locked to Meteion -

[She had not actually managed to connect with too many of her new 'allies' within the cave, but there was one that she at least remembered. To say it was a fond recollection would not be entirely correct with a bit of her old confidence returned, she thought it was high time she set a few things straight with the unusual girl. She does not bother attempting to hide her approach.]

You. I see you aren't entirely an idiot. You chose to survive. To be on the side that is going to win. Those others, they'll be dead soon. If any of them were the 'friends' you were talking about, get used to them not being around.

[And why wouldn't the Kenoma win? After all, they had a demon general on their side now.]

Healing
The battle seemed... trying for those involved. Emet-Selch had looked on while others fought. Though he had felt the pull to join in the conflict, he opted to observe from the shadows instead. The intent is to observe those he had as potential allies, watch those who were potential adversaries, and think how each could best be utilized.

Now they find themselves on board a waterborne vessel where those who had participated can nurse their wounds. Helping with that effort seems like a promising way to nurture the idea that they are allies.

So Emet-Selch would make his way around the boat with the intent of looking for those who were injured. When he comes across someone with an obvious injury - evident by blood, bruises, or even nursing a ligament, he will sigh and extend a hand. "Show me."

Cards
There is an assortment of 'luxuries' on the ship as opposed to what they had the last few weeks. Various food, somewhat comfortable sleeping quarters, and entertainment - Perish the thought.

Emet-Selch, for his own part, had obtained more than his fair share of pillows and a thick blanket that he draped over himself. He resigned to a small corner of the sleeping quarters surrounded by soft pillows on all sides - which he fully intends to call his place to sleep.

For now, he idly looks over the playing cards that were provided with their intricate patterns and symbols. Cards are set on the floor one after the other. To any onlooker, it may seem like he’s playing some strange card game. One that they perhaps might be invited to join.

Stargazing
The sun had dipped over the horizon some time ago. It leaves a sea of stars in its wake, ones that are completely unfamiliar when compared to the worlds he was used to. Even more unfamiliar is the substantial...lack of what he sees. No wisps of aether which emanate from the planet. No aetherial confluences which are often hidden from sight. No souls of those who returned to the star as they glittered like shining lights. Nothing. Barren. Like a vital one of his senses is missing.

He looks to someone nearby - another potential observer who had wandered out onto deck. "It’s an impressive view." He motions to the sky with a hand. "Do you recognize any of them?"

Edited 2022-03-21 19:25 (UTC)

I. Acts of Reconciliation.

[Since accepting the Kenoma (since inviting it into himself in a way that he found at least somewhat repulsive at the time but now just finds a thick, pulsating familiarity in, something that's settled into his system, forcing its way through the very marrow of his bones) Paul has found not only his own strength, but the power of the angel of the Lord flowing back into his system, running through his veins once again. There's strength in that too, of course, albeit an oddly despairing one; it's creating an odd sort of feedback loop in his head that he's not sure he likes the feeling of, but he can't deny the power inherent in it. The Kenoma fuels the angel's power which fuels the despair which fuels the Kenoma, over and over and over again, a veritable drowning machine of an experience that he has to admit isn't altogether unpleasant, just…different.

There's a fight breaking out.

There's a fight breaking out, and he doesn't like that, but it's one he's been somewhat aware is brewing; Cid at the very least had made it plain that he planned to cause a problem, and while Paul wonders vaguely whether he should have said something about that to someone, the fact remains that he didn't.

Either way, now there's this, and while Paul isn't exactly content to stay out of it, he isn't a combatant; he'll stay back with any of the other Kenomas who won't be particularly useful in a fight, generally making sure that nothing comes their way that they won't survive - he has a higher chance, he's fairly confident, of living through whatever is thrown their way.

If one of those taken by the Pleroma approaches them, however, whether in some bid to protect the others trying to escape or just by merit of getting entirely too close due to everything else that's going on, they'll be greeted in rapid, pressured tones, his voice low but audible.]

Those with me aren't going to fight you. Whatever peace you have in your heart to offer us, we welcome it.

Go with God, and don't let them capture you.

II. The Fourth Vial.
a. daytime

[Paul remains below decks during the day; it's difficult to tell if there's some sort of reason for it, outside of just not feeling like dealing with too many people for prolonged periods of time. The past while has been a lot, after all, though he doesn't seem interested in sleeping at all for the time being; he just sits with a deck of those cards, turning them over between his fingers and studying them rather intensely, like they're going to offer him some kind of answer if he just stares at them long enough.

He's not utterly opposed to company, however; if anything, he seems a bit more receptive to it than he was when everyone was, like, down there suffering.]

You can join me, if you want. Don't expect me to know what to do with these, though.

[You know. The cards.]

b. nightfall

[Nighttime, however, sees him a bit more active; he's also shed quite a few layers of clothing - below decks he's fine, but he's been keeping himself as covered as possible if he needs to be outside for any reason (a good amount of layers and a folded hood of some sort to keep his head covered), but tonight he seems a bit more normally-clad, considering what passes for normal around here. He seems pretty used to long, draping things, at least, and some garments are similar enough to chasubles and cassocks that he can manage. Still modestly-dressed, but a bit less like he thinks the outdoors are out to kill him.

He's pretty content to leave the actual sailors to their jobs, but he seems to be enjoying the feeling of being on a vessel in general; instead, his gaze is high, staring up at the stars like they're the most interesting thing he's ever seen, smiling sort of vaguely to himself as though maybe if he looks long enough, he'll see the face of God.

The angel's gifts are kind to him tonight, bringing solace where it was solely needed; it almost makes up for the burns at his wrists, healing but not completely recovered yet.]

...It's a beautiful night. [It's said idly to whomever is nearby - idly but suddenly, given that he seemed to not be aware he had company at all until just now.] I've always liked being on the water.

I-ESCAPE

When Xishen appears next to Meteion, the entelechy gives her a wide-eyed stare. She's frightened, not of Xishen herself, but of what the Aion commands. She knows she isn't a combatant--but maybe there is something she can do.

Steeling herself, the birdlike girl goes to hide in the shadow of the Innocent's throne. Meteion isn't certain she's going to be safe anywhere in the cavern--not until the Pleroma either are subdued (unlikely), or they escape. There's a part of her that would much rather they do the latter--they number people she cares about among them, but...

The Regent is watching. She thinks she can almost feel it, like a subtle frisson of fear at the back of her mind. But that fear is something she can use. Nurture it. Let it grow until there's a curdled feeling in her throat, and she almost feels paralyzed herself. Meteion throws her head back and squeezes her eyes shut, letting out a keening shrill backed by emotion--that same paralyzing fear she herself now feels.

It's what she's got.

(OOC NOTE: This is definitely not going to affect Kenoma folks, but Pleroma peeps--feel free to shake this off. Y'all have been through so much worse, and Meteion is really only making a token effort.)

Ia: say goodbye, don't follow (Closed to Eleven)

Meteion is nowhere near enough to most Pleroma to be a menace. The empathic feint she made was enough for her--but among those that are fleeing? Eleven.

It hurts. It hurts. But there's a part of her that thinks: There. I did something good, there. Her face is still blotched from fighting the kenoma sickness, where inky tears spilled down her cheeks and she hasn't cleansed them away. But if she did, would she still feel the stain? Meteion wonders if that is so. She reaches out a hand, but lets it fall. Where they're going, she can't follow.

She knows he can't hear her, but in her mind, Meteion calls to Eleven: Protect them...please!

II-THE TRIWATER

IIa: sulking
Meteion has found herself a hammock out of the way and low to the ground--she doesn't exactly sleep, but she's huddled in on herself. Feeling sorry for herself, just a bit. She chose this--it's no less than she deserves, for all the things she's done. And yet part of her feels so hollow. If this is the winning team, as she's been told repeatedly...why does it feel like an empty victory? Why wouldn't the hurt go away?

IIb: wandering
Eventually, even Meteion tires of sitting belowdecks, and can be found wandering the ship. She doesn't bother the sailors much, and does her best to not get in their way. She wasn't terribly worse for wear despite the journey's toll, but there's a bit of a melancholy air about her.
She might be dwelling on the events that led them here. Just a little bit.

I. valley of innocence, beginning

[ they made it out. through the combined efforts of the remaining bedraggled captives, they were able to successfully enact the gift of the teleportation circle and escape.

dextera does not feel good about it. he feels good in general, with the sun on his face and the last bits of the pleroma surge still warming his blood, but there were a lot of fights in there that he wishes could have been avoided. nearly all the people he had connected with had ended up giving in—and that leaves him feeling like a stranger in this lush respite, certain that he doesn’t belong as much as all these other kind folk.

but it’s nonetheless true that dextera had been one of the quickest to help guide the teleportation. he wants to check on the other people who had helped, but as the power begins to fade, he finds himself hesitating to approach. the way he decides to ‘check’ instead is to wordlessly follow people a few paces behind, like a duckling after its mother. ]

II. valley of innocence, bathing

[ there’s food. there are clothes. they’re in a veritable paradise, the likes of which dextera has not even been able to fathom. if everyone could have been taken here, surely no one would have succumbed to the kenoma. this place is peace incarnate, and he does think that he would rather just lay down here and die than continue on in either direction.

he doesn’t. what he does do, however, is stand on the edge of a small pool of water—the one thing he hasn’t been able to make himself do since coming out is bathe. every time he thinks to dip his foot in, he cringes. this repeats a number of times; maybe he’d be better off if someone just shoved him in. ]

III. valley of innocence, tasting

[ just as in the caves before, it seems dextera cannot resist putting anything and everything into his mouth.

since he feels strangely incapable—or rather, the desire within him is in the negatives—of hurting any of the creatures that dart past, he takes instead to exploring the flora of the valley they’ve found themselves in. this manifests in him gathering flowers and fruits and berries in abundance… as well as grass, leaves, or really anything he can find that has grown from the ground.

it’s understandable enough that he would take an overripe apple from the ground and eat it, even if they have better supplies, but someone should probably stop him before he eats what are definitely just big, waxy leaves from a tree. ]

IV. wildcard!

( i tried to put up some stuff for fellow pleromas and have been tagging into pvp for the kenomas, but if there’s something you’d like to do that isn’t immediately available here, regardless of faction, just lmk and we can plot something! )

I➔ Blood and Flowers

The world on the other side of spell is almost impossible to recognize after that week in the tavern. As Estinien first staggers out to greet it, it's as if the sun itself is doing violence against his eyes, so used to the dim lighting he'd become. Some part of him vaguely reflects on the irony of the blood he tracks across the mouth of the Innocent's cavern, his crimson-stained feet an almost comical contrast to the beautiful valley before him.

What's more, it's a sign that he can finally succumb to his wounds. He makes it several steps before sinking down to his knees, his blood-soaked visage curling into the grass only a moment after. His white hair is stained with red and black, the rags of what was once his robe torn and hanging so grievously that he's practically naked. It only makes the wounds littering his back and various blade marks lining his arms and shoulders all the more obvious, still seeping blood. His face is covered in gore, having torn out someone's throat not long before.

He doesn't have the resources to think about dignity right now. Instead, he seems to pass out among the flowers, breathing raggedly. If he were to die here, at least it'd be a nice place to go.

II➔ Washed Away

Once he's had the benefit of some rest and healing, Estinien eventually makes his way to one of the nearby ponds. After drinking his fill, and cleaning the worst of the mess from his face, he removes what remains of his rags before slipping in.

It's a pleasant temperature he finds, and was shining, clear water - at least until the cloud of blood and ichor starts seeping off of him. It feels almost like sacrilege, washing himself here, but he doesn't exactly have any other options. His white hair finally starts to show its natural colours as he dips beneath the surface.

At first, he keeps low in the water, conscious of the fact that he's not alone in the valley - but over time, he straightens up, showing his scarred, muscular body as he squeezes the moisture from his hair. He's not the sort that would usually bathe publically without some sort of covering, but for once he isn't really thinking about that.

I.
Luo Binghe has nothing in particular against people who've failed to join with the Kenoma. But he also doesn't have any integrity, and he wants to make sure the Regent's people think he's well-behaved. The stakes are a little higher than anything he had to do to win over the cultivators at Huan Hua Palace, but that's fine -- he hasn't fought without his sword Xin Mo since he claimed it in the Abyss, and he wants to test his strength without it.

He borrows a sword from one of the soldiers ("borrows" -- he has no particular intention of returning it) and lets his demonic qi radiate from his body, a halo of malevolent energy that would scare off animals and chill rooms full of civilians, if there were any around. Here, it mostly just makes it obvious that he's here for a fight.

II.
Although his demon blood allows him healing far quicker than an ordinary human's, Luo Binghe's battles in the ruins have not left him in good shape. The worst of it is already beginning to recede by the time he and his fellow Kenoma are on the river, but he's exhausted with the effort of mending his body, in a way he hasn't been since he was trapped in the Endless Abyss. His clothes need mending too, the garments he was furnished with earlier having been damaged pretty badly in battle, so it's kind of hanging saucily off him in the unfortunate way that tends to happen when you were created to be the protagonist of an erotic novel. It's not revealing exactly, but it's almost revealing in a way that looks kind of contrived.

You can find him either:

a) Circulating his qi to try to heal himself. The way he's sitting out on the deck it's pretty clear he's meditating, but maybe you're enough of a jerk to interrupt him.

b) Below deck, sewing up the holes in his toga with a needle and thread he's persuaded one of the sailors to let him use. (He still has trousers on, although they aren't in great condition either.) He does seem to know what he's doing, the stitches small and neat; if you get his attention he'll look up from his work and ask, "Would you like me to mend yours, too?"

(If you are somebody he's already found he doesn't get along with, the offer is sarcastic, but otherwise he means it.)

III.
The first night on board, Luo Binghe decides to do some snooping -- as much to see to what extent his dream powers have returned to him as to learn more about the other Kenoma. If you're asleep that night at a usual hour, whatever your dream is, you might notice this unusual figure lurking around the fringes of whatever's going on...

(OOC note: This is strictly opt-in; I will not assume Binghe is able to see into a dream your character is having on the ship unless you reply to this prompt. Conversely if you'd like to let me know what he would see in there without threading an interaction with him within the dream, feel free to just reply with a description of that!

ALSO i will match format so if you'd prefer to use brackets go ahead and tag with em and I'll switch)

[ 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? ]

Edited 2022-03-27 05:40 (UTC)

[ The escape from the ritual cavern wasn't easy on anyone. Both sides seemed to take their fair share of beatings, and it seemed like no one came out of the confrontation completely unscathed. Even if they managed to avoid any sort of severe injury, everyone who made it into this valley had suffered in that dank dungeon for a prolonged period of time with inadequate food and water.

It's all to say that no one is looking good here, and so Ernesto has been keeping his mouth shut about his own injury, and refusing to complain about the pain. It's no worse than what anyone else here has suffered, and there are enough people on this side able to do patch jobs in a pinch. He's managed to fasten a makeshift sling from the tattered remains of the gown he'd been forced to wear for so long (though not before washing off the worst of the bloodstains), to keep his arm pinned still, so he didn't rip the wound on his right shoulder open again.

What a lucky time to be a southpaw.

As he gets adjusts to the short respite in the valley, it's easy to catch him puttering about in different ways.

A. Maybe you come across him examining a fresh round of supplies with a suspicious look on his face. He'd been fast to change into the clean clothing, but his stomach is still sensitive from his time in the ritual room, and he's been hesitant about the food.

If he notices anyone looking at him, he smiles uneasily at them. ]

Just wondering about our mysterious benefactors, and their reasons for leaving this all for us. It's a little strange they refuse to stick around and say hello, isn't it?

[ B. Or maybe you'll come across him sitting by the river, shirt hiked up over his shoulder on the right side as he slowly peels away some bandaging where Eustace decided to stick a danger in him. It's probably not the most pleasant sight in the world, but look, a guy has to keep his wound clean somehow.

C. Then again, he is trying to take it easy, so it's also easy enough to find him just staring off into space, expression hard to read as he takes in the sights of the picturesque valley around him. There's even a little rabbit sitting near his feet, that's sniffing at the fingers of his own good hand as he holds it out to the little critter.

He'll at least look up briefly if anyone approaches, before looking down at the rabbit instead. ]

It's funny, but somehow it feels more surreal being in this spot than anything else has so far.

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