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Entry tags:
- !event,
- #dionys,
- #innocence,
- #xishen,
- abel nightroad: martyr,
- amos burton: lover,
- anduin wrynn: sovereign,
- barnaby brooks jr: lover,
- bruno madrigal: martyr,
- ciel: martyr,
- claude von riegan: seeker,
- dorothea arnault: celebrant,
- emet-selch: champion,
- estinien wyrmblood: firebrand,
- eustace: firebrand,
- father paul hill: martyr,
- han sooyoung: artisan,
- himeka sui: wanderer,
- howl: celebrant,
- jayce talis: visionary,
- jonathan crane: sovereign,
- kaeya alberich: lover,
- kim dokja: martyr,
- koriel xii (dextera): lover,
- kotetsu t. kaburagi: champion,
- liem talbott: champion,
- majorita: firebrand,
- makoto ("m"): firebrand,
- meteion: innocent,
- rand al'thor: martyr,
- ryunosuke naruhodo: champion,
- sebastian michaelis: celebrant,
- tartaglia (childe): firebrand,
- wrathion: seeker
EVENT #6: BY HEAVEN OR HELL
By Heaven or Hell
THE BURNING
Achamoth, as it turns out, is no stranger to public killings... the burning of two Pleroma, however? That's special. Abel and Himeka's upcoming execution date seems to be regarded by the city's populace as something akin to a holiday, with the upper crust of the social stratum fighting for positions of prominence in the festivities, including the best possible seats. It's been decades since any Pleroma have been brought to heel in Achamoth, and it would only be prudent to place yourself at the forefront of this exciting new trend. There's a sense of pageantry to it: ritualized ceremonies, public sermons, and strange religious 'décor' are all part of the process.The city is in the throes of these preparations when the two Pleroma captives are finally brought to a central square not far from the Citadel's front gates. Two burning pyres have been set up for them, about ten feet apart. While Abel and Himeka's bodies are chained to their stakes, their shards will be handed off to Silco, Ciel, and Makoto to be brought along separately. The set up of the execution is thus: while their bodies are ravaged by flames, their shards will be bound to an altar in advance of the pyre. Via a kind of alchemical 'fuse', the pyre being lit will trigger a reaction that will gradually result in a explosion on the altar just large enough to destroy the shard in turn. The shards will be bound in position with a series of jewelry-like metal prongs that could be pried away, but would take some time to do carefully.
As the Pleroma make it to the city, the sun will be setting on the 17th of Firaseri, with the execution about to be underway. The pyres will not yet have been lit, but are fully prepared. All Kenoma will be called upon to guard the city, with the warning that the Pleroma are mounting a raid to rescue their imprisoned comrades. For Kenoma both new and old, it's a time to test your mettle. Those that defend Achamoth valiantly can expect to be rewarded.
INNOCENCE ON FIRE
The city of Achamoth looms ahead, a seat of power in Horos in every fashion. It sprawls outwards, claiming the lands around it in a lazy confidence. The spires of the city grow up and up like a mountain, dragging the eye towards the Citadel. The walls that surround it are modest in height as if offering a challenge to any foolish enough to attempt to climb them. Who would? The Regent's eye is ever-present and the guard towers that line it like beaded pearls on a string are reminders that nothing goes in or out of the city without notice. Openings in the towers and the walls threaten the use of projectiles while dark, shimmering crystals float above with the quiet hum of protective magics. Only a fool would breach these borders.Initially, getting into the city unmolested will be a considerable struggle for the Pleroma. It's military is robust, its fortifications solid, and even without the Kenoma's added resistance, the sheer numbers could be considered insurmountable. Stealth could get them some of the way, but its sentries are watchful, and immigration is strictly controlled. With faith alone driving the Pleroma towards their goal it's fortunate, then, that something is there to answer their call.
Estinien will feel the presence of the Innocence Entity rise up in him again, and this time it is offering him a choice. He may utilize its power to save the ones he loves, while risking both the brutality of the Regent's defenses and the threat to his own soul by channeling such power. It will stand with him against the darkness, it says, if it is truly his will. Emboldened by the power of the Firebrand and his love for his comrades, it is no surprise that he accepts.
Light will flood the sky above Achamoth, an ethereal aura combatting the encroach of the night. From a great miasma of wings and flame, a colossal dragon emerges, coiling above the city skyline. Its luminescence rains down upon the city, and all Achamites exposed to it will be enchanted into finding the idea of committing acts of violence unthinkable, at least so long as no violence is brought against them in turn. With much of Achamoth's defenses having lost the will to fight, only the Kenoma will stand in the Pleroma's way as they penetrate the city, making their way to Abel and Himeka's pyres.
As the Pleroma forge ahead, this draconic being that was once Estinien Wyrmblood will guard from the skies, drawing the attention of the Kenoma towards it and it threatens to bear its might against the Citadel itself. Fortunately for the Kenoma guarding the city, they will know that the Regent has a plan. All they must do is hold off the beast long enough for the Regent to wield their own strength in turn. The battle against this creature will take place here, with combat rules being explain in this OOC post.
As the power of the Innocent washes over Achamoth, those of its Legacy, or those marked by its Promise or Touch, will hear it speak on the winds in a chorus of voices:
Aions of this new dawn... I have honored your choice... fight... if you will... and I will follow...
FIREBRAND RISING
Beneath the moon of Firaseri, however, the Innocent isn't the only force at play. Firebrands of both sects will find themselves spurred on by a rush of Legacy-based power, as if inspired by the tumultuous environment of an anti-authoritarian raid. How precisely this manifests will depend on which side they are fighting for.❖ PLEROMA
The Firebrands among the Pleroma raiders will feel a sense of vindication and rightness come over them, set as they are to challenge the Regent's rule. Their powers will be amplified during the battle, and those that witness them and are inspired may find their performance boosted. The nature of these enhancements is fairly flexible. For the Firebrands, the use of their regular skills and abilities may be amplified beyond normal boundaries, whereas those following in their wake may find themselves with usual endurance that allows them to push their their usual limits.
❖ KENOMA
The Firebrands of the Kenoma's inspiration is more complicated in nature, given their roll in defending Achamoth's status quo. However, they will find themselves bolstered while facing the pacifying might of the Innocence Entity. Firebrands will experience a natural resistance against any Innocence based attacks that would stop them from fighting, and will be able to use this blessing to rally NPCs that would otherwise be rendered useless to their cause, in defiance of the entity's command for peace. In general, they will see a boost in strength while fighting the raid boss in particular, unable to be deterred from their goals.
In general, all Firebrands will feel untethered by their regular inhibitions, fighting for their desires at all costs. Abilities intended to bind them or control their will, will be largely ineffective, and they will find shields both physical and magical particularly easy to break through.
QUESTIONS
Q: What is the best way for Pleroma to travel to Achamoth?
A: Akua and Estinien are both setting up portals from Godsblood to the outskirts of Achamoth from which to begin mounting the assault. Caitlyn will be providing a back-up in the case either of those portals go down.
Q: Can my character make use of the chaos and try to raid the Citadel?
A: They can try but there will be mod rolls involved for any attempts. NPCs inside the Citadel will not be affected the same way the NPCs outside in main area will be. We do not want it to seem like the Citadel is defenseless otherwise.
Q: If Kenoma cause damage to the city during the raid, how will the Regent feel? Will there be consequences?
A: It should try to be avoided, but the Regent will understand if there is collateral damage in battle as long as they aren't being careless about it.
Q: Is the "no-combat aura" completely incapacitating NPCs?
A: No, it is only stopping them from aggressing the Pleroma. If they or their property are attacked they will defend themselves, and are otherwise operating with a normal level of cognizance. Kenoma Aions can order them out of the area to avoid being hurt if necessary.
BOSS BATTLE:
Q: I would like my character to take part in the battle but want to limit the outcomes in a way that isn't too devastating. Is that possible?
A: We think in that case we would basically only be acknowledging the possibilities between the "The attack either misses, is ineffective, or it triggers a counter attack from the boss." and "The attack hits with moderate effectiveness, as determined by the nature of their action." range. So, you can't get taken out, but you also can only deal moderate hits at best. You could still trigger a counter attack from the boss, but the damage taken from that is more flexible and free form than the 1-5% zone. If you make an attack with this restriction just add a little OOC note to your initial attack tag.
Q: How can a support character engage in the combat?
A: If your character is providing support, you may team up with an attacker to submit a "group attack". This means that your character is putting their effort towards supporting that attacker character that round, and will not be able to submit their own separate action. In exchange, that attack will receive two mod rolls instead of one, and the attack itself will be based on the more favorable of the two rolls. (Sort of like rolling with an advantage in modern D&D.) We will make as many rolls as there there are character combining their effort and select the best of them.
If any character rolls in the 1-5% zone they will still be taken out, however. Click the link above for more information.
Q: Can my character take a hit for another character after a mod roll?
A: We would be willing to accept this in the case of the defender taking the hit for the attacker, which would mean that if it's a 1-5%, they would be taken out in the attacker's stead.
A: Akua and Estinien are both setting up portals from Godsblood to the outskirts of Achamoth from which to begin mounting the assault. Caitlyn will be providing a back-up in the case either of those portals go down.
Q: Can my character make use of the chaos and try to raid the Citadel?
A: They can try but there will be mod rolls involved for any attempts. NPCs inside the Citadel will not be affected the same way the NPCs outside in main area will be. We do not want it to seem like the Citadel is defenseless otherwise.
Q: If Kenoma cause damage to the city during the raid, how will the Regent feel? Will there be consequences?
A: It should try to be avoided, but the Regent will understand if there is collateral damage in battle as long as they aren't being careless about it.
Q: Is the "no-combat aura" completely incapacitating NPCs?
A: No, it is only stopping them from aggressing the Pleroma. If they or their property are attacked they will defend themselves, and are otherwise operating with a normal level of cognizance. Kenoma Aions can order them out of the area to avoid being hurt if necessary.
BOSS BATTLE:
Q: I would like my character to take part in the battle but want to limit the outcomes in a way that isn't too devastating. Is that possible?
A: We think in that case we would basically only be acknowledging the possibilities between the "The attack either misses, is ineffective, or it triggers a counter attack from the boss." and "The attack hits with moderate effectiveness, as determined by the nature of their action." range. So, you can't get taken out, but you also can only deal moderate hits at best. You could still trigger a counter attack from the boss, but the damage taken from that is more flexible and free form than the 1-5% zone. If you make an attack with this restriction just add a little OOC note to your initial attack tag.
Q: How can a support character engage in the combat?
A: If your character is providing support, you may team up with an attacker to submit a "group attack". This means that your character is putting their effort towards supporting that attacker character that round, and will not be able to submit their own separate action. In exchange, that attack will receive two mod rolls instead of one, and the attack itself will be based on the more favorable of the two rolls. (Sort of like rolling with an advantage in modern D&D.) We will make as many rolls as there there are character combining their effort and select the best of them.
If any character rolls in the 1-5% zone they will still be taken out, however. Click the link above for more information.
Q: Can my character take a hit for another character after a mod roll?
A: We would be willing to accept this in the case of the defender taking the hit for the attacker, which would mean that if it's a 1-5%, they would be taken out in the attacker's stead.
THE RESCUE (ABEL & HIMEKA)
the pyre; abel, himeka, & paul
After all they endured; holding fast to hope even in the darkest of days, watching one another slowly torn apart before their very eyes, offered only brief moments of reprieve to slowly rebuild before the cycle began anew. Day and time lost its meaning and the only constant was uncertainty of who would be next. The crux of the problem is that it was always worse to be the one who watched. To be incapable of doing anything to ease the pain for someone they cared about.
Now...that would come to an end. One final act that was clearly intended to remove them from the gameboard entirely. Himeka didn't know if she'd ever felt so low. The hope they'd clung to had kept them afloat only to carry them to this moment--watching Abel burn is not something she wants to see, but she doesn't want the last thing she sees to be an enemy...to see the joy of the gathered crowds.
Maybe. Maybe they can just be strong for a little while longer. Until the last.
Then a light breaks through the darkness. In the sky is a large formidable dragon of a kind she'd never seen nor heard of in this world. And before them...allies, friends! The selfsame people that Abel and Himeka had been thinking of when they would speak of what they would do once they escaped, who they would meet again.
Yanked back up from the bottom of the well, her heart beasts wildly in her chest. Bound to the stakes as they are, Himeka tries her bonds as she looks across the platform towards Abel, eyes wide. She speaks of hope renewed without uttering a word.
They're here for us!
But they are not alone. Father Paul stands with them, a devout figure as he has always been. ]
...Father Paul, you can put an end to this now!
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He doesn't flinch when the city walls are breached; they don't have much time, but they have enough. A small quantity of olive oil had been prepared, for several reasons; once it's on his fingertips it's quick to be placed against the foreheads of the condemned, quick crosses drawn against their skin, left shining in the light of the dragon made of fire.]
May the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.
[The rite is short, it always has been; it's always been intended for the imminently dying.
His gaze darts toward the noise regardless.]
I can put an end to this, and I intend to. It's not the end you would prefer.
[Cleaning his hands off, quickly now. Accepting the method by which to set the pyre alight.
The whole thing is methodical, perhaps alarmingly so, but the fact of the matter remains clear - they're going to burn, before he can be stopped.]
I'm sorry.
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[ Abel's outcry is harried, frantic. urgent and edged by a sincere panic.
'you don't have to do this?' the words die in his throat before he can force them out. no, Paul doesn't have to do this. the Father knows this; Abel knows this. Himeka, too. but it will be done all the same, bereft of hesitation or reluctance. it isn't mere obligation or duty, is it? it is something more. this man had embraced the Kenoma long before his arrival to Horos, and Abel knows no manner of pleas will stay the priest's hand from the inevitable. ]
...If nothing else, then-- please. Hear us, so you can tell the others. Please.
[ it's a pitiful bid for time, but Abel is not a creature of pride. he is not above begging, above scraping and crawling through the muck on his belly if it will buy Himeka precious time devoid the fire's light.
Paul is many things - dedicated, devout... and demonstrably kind, even in acts of cruelty. Abel is praying this thin tether that ties them both - in faith - might offer a meager lifeline. for a man of the cloth is obligated to hear the Last Words of a soul soon to be shepherded in God's awaiting embrace, is he not...? ]
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He knows he should, it's within his obligations and perhaps more importantly it doesn't feel right to refuse; some part of him knows, though, that this is likely a ploy to buy time. Something that will stay his hand for just long enough -
His gaze shifts again.]
What is it?
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She's beginning to panic, but Abel makes a clever move. Hear us.
He's buying time. Himeka's eyes widen and they shift back from Abel to Paul, the man with the torch. ]
...We spent so long in the prison, Father! It gave us...time. Time to think on things.
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[ he carries on after Himeka, not leaving so much as a breath between them, he is leaning as far forward in his restraints as the chain's meager length allows, plea writ on his face - and in the desperation in his eyes. yes; it is a ploy for time. but it is all they have, pitiful though that may be, frightening as it is to think on. ]
If we aren't going to return home, then-- please. Please. If we give you a message to give to the others, even... if should we not make it. Would you?
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Whatever messages you've left unsaid, whatever words that you still hope to convey upon this world, may they be between you and God.
[The fire drops.
The pyre catches.]
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closed 🎁;
In any case, she doesn't plan to stick around. As much as she knows she should take responsibility for her actions and watch this all unfold until the very end, they know what's coming, and she'll be needed in the front lines. The memory of those at Venera showed enough, and as one of the Kenoma's heaviest hitters, she has no business gawking at the back when a dragon is threatening their keep. Besides, the Pleromas already succeeded in rescuing their own once. If they can't pull through for their
dumbest hungriestbrightest, then they deserve to lose it all.So she plays her part, as she always had, as she always will. She doesn't come with just presenting the shards, however: when she joins her peers and the sacrificial lambs at the altar, it's with a box held in both her hands. The upper half is bright red, the bottom half is white, and it's tied together by a black ribbon, an eye-catching contrast against what may otherwise pass off as an accessory box of some sort. Wide enough to cover a third to half of of someone's lap with a height of an inch or two, it looks like it could contain at least two books placed side by side. Its rectangular shape reveals very little of its contents too, but it doesn't look heavy, at least not from how Ciel is carrying it.
The box is placed between the stakes that Abel and Himeka's physical vessels are bound to, atop the hay that is destined to burn everything it supports down to ashes. This is a ceremony, yes? Then let's make it ceremonial. It's clear with the way she leaves the box there and doesn't look back at either prisoners or the object she brought that it's meant to be fed to the flames along with the Pleromas, burning things with bodies is a relatively common custom no matter where one is from. And with the box placed, she withdraws and resumes her position at the square's side away from the 'main display', ready to leave at a moment's notice once the Pleromas begin showing signs of breaching Achamoth's perimeters.
When will the curtains finally fall on this ridiculous play that's already drawled on for far too long? Hopefully by today's end, if everyone fulfills their role as they ought.
pyre lightning; the rescue.
those gathered in growing anticipation within the Citadel's courtyard beyond the gates, a teeming mass of Achamites hungry for the day's events are finally being delivered their long-awaited reward as Paul lowers the lit torch into the awaiting kindling stacked beneath one pyre... and then the next. the pair of Pleroma - still chained, bodies still bearing the signs of weeks of abuse - are left helpless but to wait as the lick of heat from the flames begins building at their feet - slowly at first, and then with growing hunger as its given life. it seems inevitable that as the fires strengthen, the lives of the Regent's captives will be snuffed out.
but Achamoth has been breached.
both Himeka and Abel are pulling, tugging at their chains where the skin is already rubbed raw in visceral need to be free; perhaps it is unsurprising to those that know either of them their concern seems to be for the fate of their companion rather than their own inevitable and gruesome end. the fire begins to dance, casting an eerie, haunting glow over those assembled here--
--but hope stubbornly persists even in such dire straits. even now, however hot the flames burn - the faith they will be saved persists in their eyes, in every fleeting glance passed between them.
and maybe that's when it happens-- when one of them sees you, and--
they knew it. they knew you'd come. ]
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Ryunosuke doesn't have the time to react much to the scene around him, though he's vaguely aware of a feeling of disgust coiling in his chest at the sight of the gathered, jeering Achamites. And then before the pyres themselves, there's an irritatingly familiar Kenoma, the sight of whom adds extreme annoyance to the mix of bad feelings he's got going on at the moment. He'd love to just bat that guy out of the way, if he had the power or the opportunity to.
...But the torch falls, and Ryunosuke drops that line of thinking entirely.
Nothing is more important than getting Abel and Himeka out of here.
He would be fixated on doing everything he could to help save them regardless, but with Estinien otherwise preoccupied, Ryunosuke's determination to fight twice as hard for the both of them hits critical levels.
Pyres catch astonishingly quickly, is what he's discovering now. Faster than he'd expect, even for something that's designed by its very nature to burn. Syr's invisibility holds long enough to get them there, and maybe even a few seconds after; to Paul's eyes in particular, it probably seems like part of the fire he's just set is doused out of nowhere, water appearing from thin air to splash over the smoldering hay and reduce the flames to smoldering cinders at the edges.
The mystery can only remain for as long as the spell does, at which point they all become visible. And at that one edge of the flames... There's a very outraged Pleroma putting the first cantrip he'd ever practiced to some good, practical use.
He's a little too preoccupied to actually speak to either of the would-be victims of this execution, so the first friendly words they'll bet to hear from their reunited comrades will have to come from someone else. But.
Hi guys.]
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I would get away from there, were I you.
[That's the most warning you're going to get, Ryunosuke; otherwise, his approach is quick and his intent is clear.]
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Thoma shoots Ryunosuke and the others a concerned look before glancing at the pyre. He just needs someone to buy him a little time, so he whispers– ]
The flames won't hurt me much once my shield is up. Take care of him and leave the bodies to me.
[ He could fight Paul himself, but then he won't be able to reach Abel and Himeka in time, and he doesn't want them to walk away from this with severe burns.
With his spear drawn, his own flames are already starting to flicker loose from his skin and surround him, their protective effect powerful but temporary. With one quick sprint, he zooms straight towards Abel and Himeka, letting his crimson armor absorb most of the heat. ]
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His ears flick up at Paul's warning, and he straightens up and whirls into a wild-eyed, battle-ready stance... Just in time to see the knives come out.
With a panicked gesture of a clawed hand, a shimmering gold bubble forms up out of mid-air as Paul sprints towards him, stopping the Kenoma in his tracks. For a split second, Ryunosuke almost looks shocked that it works, but then his expression hardens.
Paul wants him to get away from the pyre? Wings flared up protectively, he snarls his reply, sharp teeth bared:]
Not a chance in hell!
[He funnels all his focus into pulling off his most annoying new trick. It takes about 10 whole seconds, but unless he manages to pop the bubble, or Ryunosuke's concentration gets broken, Paul will feel himself become gradually more exhausted... Until he can no longer keep his eyes open, and he collapses into a deep, dreamless sleep.]
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And then consciousness fades almost as quickly as everything had set in, and... Well, at least the pyre will be less of an abject problem beyond this point.]
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i'm sorry dokja
i'm (s)not 🤧
gently put my hands around prince's neck
also puts my hands around prince's neck
quietly tacks this on here 👁️
Healers! Anduin, Ernesto, Himeka, Abel, and anyone bringing them who wants to hang out!
Burn injuries are, unfortunately, something Anduin has become all to familiar with recently -- but perhaps in this case they'd be caught before it got too bad? Perhaps, if they're lucky, the pyre will barely have a chance to do them harm?
Hopefully the shield, at least, gives the rescuers a point to move towards. ]
I'll have to drop this to begin healing.
[ He doesn't sound concerned, hopefully they will have no trouble but... well, if they do, then they will deal with that too.
He's still sore, but he's not down yet. He can fight if he needs to.
His eyes skim their surroundings warily, watching for signs of anyone approaching. ]
Are you ready?
[ ooc; Anduin will take Himeka, Ernesto will take Abel! ]
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He could probably heal himself and at least curb the extent of the damage, but he'd rather save up his energy for people who really need it. Besides, he can at least pretend the adrenaline is dulling his pain, even though every movement is agony right now.
Not that he lets it show on his face as he smiles at Anduin, putting on an air of ease in the middle of this gruesome raid. ]
I've been ready for some time now, friend. They can't come soon enough.
thread for anduin, himeka, and dokja
A new spell? Or a new caster? She'll find out soon enough.
It's away from the main heat of the conflict and for good reason--though several of the Kenoma are taking turns attacking the large dragon, they are also turning their attention to the Pleroma allies on the ground as well. Himeka tries to track some of the violence before the dome is right in front of them.
And sure enough, a familiar face... ]
Ernesto!
[ Ah, he's okay too! It's a relief to see him.
But it seems that the dome his not his--no, it's a man that she doesn't register as familiar, but with her shard back in place she is able to pin him as a first tier Pleroma. A newcomer and clearly a welcome addition. She unintentionally gives Dokja a squeeze. (Luckily she isn't at her full impressive strength at the moment.) ]
The shrines were active again?
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He glances back to make sure Rand and Abel are close as the distance between their group and the healers shortens before shifting his attention back to where he can see the two people inside. Ernesto is, of course, a familiar face, but he's yet to properly introduce himself to the other man with him. They'll have time for that later, he thinks. The newcomers this month are a bit of a touchy subject for Dokja, but he tries to keep it light as he answers Himeka's question. ]
They were.
[ Not that he was around for them, being as dead as he was at the time. There's a note of hesitation to his voice, though. With the active shrines came two familiar faces and complicated feelings that came with them, but that's not a discussion for here. ]
You'll have lots of new faces to welcome once we're back.
[ And since this is Himeka, he's sure they'll all gravitate toward her. Some people just have that kind of power to them.
Dokja slows to a stop before reaching the shield, expecting it to come down now that they're only a few paces away. ]
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I am pleased to see you all returned to us. Here --
[ He lifts one hand, golden Light drawing around his feet in a circle and into his hands. The other appears unnaturally still by his side.
It's Misa's doing, and it's making all this casting far more awkward than it usually is. ]
Let me look at you, please. Both of you -- were you hurt too?
[ A gentle but firm request. He's used to people trying to struggle on through injuries, and he won't accept that. He's already had enough of that from Ernesto! If Dokja needs healing, he has enough for both of them. First things first, though. Light spills from his hand and reaches out to Himeka, searing across open wounds with a burning hot touch then soothing them. It wraps itself around her like a warm blanket, encouraging a sense of peace and calmness, of hope and courage. ]
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These are certainly the sort of people that she will want to know.
She watches curiously as the shield drops and her eyes fall to the man behind it. She smiles to greet him, though her eyes to flick to the arm he holds at his side. It doesn't seem right...normally she would be the one offering to heal, but wonders if maybe it is supposed to be like that? She doesn't know this man, after all.
It doesn't take a doctor to see the numerous injuries that Himeka has sustained over the last few weeks. Her skin is peppered with bruises, welts, and cuts all in various stages of healing, some very fresh. The worst now is at her feet where the pyre had begun to do its job. ]
Thank you for coming--for all of this...
[ The sensation of healing is...comforting. Goodness it is, a gentleness that was deprived of them in prison. It's a little different from her own aether signature when she heals, but not too far off either. She can feel the ache in her muscles already begin to give. ]
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abel, rand, ernesto! 🎉
either way, a messy head of silver hair dirtied by several weeks of neglect is lifting as Abel sees the hazy golden shield shimmering a protective barrier over Anduin and Ernesto; this isn't the first time it's struck him there are new faces among the old littering their allies' number. but it's a thought for later, because--
the sight of Ernesto is a welcome (if bittersweet) one, and there's a surge of warm gladness, of a happiness to be reunited by someone he considers a close and trusted friend.
so many had come. so many had come and risked their lives for this.
...Abel won't forget it.
he can't quite manage to get a greeting out past the lump in his throat - he'd surely blame Rand for putting him in such a sentimental mood, were he given the chance - but with any luck, the look in his eyes will convey his genuine gratitude and fondness.
it's good to see you. ]
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he looks upwards after coming to a stop near the perro, eyes narrowing in concentration as he spins an invisible barrier around the six of them with the Power. it'll require some degree of his active attention to keep up, but at least this way they won't need to worry about random — or less than random — projectiles striking any of them. and it'll provide some forewarning, if anyone chooses to attack. ]
We're safe, [ he says softly once that's done, though without further elaboration.
as safe as possible under the circumstances is probably understood. an explanation doesn't really matter, anyway. let ernesto and abel finally reunite after too long; let the priest see some desperately needed healing. rand will protect them — and the others, himeka in just as much need of care — as they do. ]
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It's why he can't offer Himeka much more than a wag of the tail before Anduin moves to take care of her needs, and also why he doesn't waste time himself gingerly moving to place a hand on Abel's back once Rand brings him close enough. He barely takes note of what Rand is doing, focusing on trying to suss out the worst of the damage, his hand already emitting a pale, blue light where it rests on Abel.
He tries to keep his tone light and teasing as his eyes scan Abel. His voice sounds strained as he does his best not to move much, but it's probably hard to really zero in on with everything else that's going on right now. ]
You're looking like you could use a good bath and a nice long nap, Father.
[ Neither thing he can really offer Abel quite yet, but soon... ]
Any chance you can tell me what areas I should be focusing on fixing up right now?
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Ernesto has the ability to heal...? the warm feeling of a hand on his back and the soft swirl of magic around the other man's person betrays what's happening, even if Abel isn't able to do little more than watch in quiet awe. ]
...What?
[ --sorry, he just. okay, these things still mystify him and after a near month without his shard, it all seems all the more bright and impressive and alive, and-- IT'S ALL VERY DISTRACTING, ]
O-oh, yes, I'm-- no, I'm alright! I'm just a bit-- singed and a little sore, but I'll survive, if barely and with copious amounts of whining and someone cute to feed me soup. Are you all okay...?
[ Rand and Dokja might need tending, too, now he thinks about it - though Abel is immensely relieved to see Himeka under Anduin's healing hands, a knot of tension unwinding where it had tightened in his gut. finally... they're finally free of that goddamn dark little hole. ]
To be honest...? That bath and a nap sounds pretty enticing, um-- if you could skip to that part. Rand...? Doesn't that sound good?
[ it is a decidedly unhelpful answer, but suppose it'd be easy to tell one region that might need a little TLC - the heels of his feet and parts of his legs are blistered with burns, both new and old. the pyre was not the first time Abel or Himeka had seen the flames in the past few weeks.
but thanks to their friends-- it would be the last. ]
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