EVENT #2: HEARTS LIKE YOURS (GREENTRUTH)

[aionmods]

Greentruth

THE FOREST'S PATH

It feels old, that is the first impression most get when entering the forests of Lohkimareen. Saplings and young trees quickly give way to regal, imposing beings that stand like monoliths over the ground. The canopy filters out much of the sunlight, leaving much of the wood bathed in dim green light even midday. Moss, ferns, and other ancient plants can be seen covering the forest floor when it isn't otherwise blanketed in a thick mist.

Travelling through Lohkimareen is dangerous, even to those who know her well.

Your journey won't be an easy one. You will get turned around, unsure of which path to take, as well as having to avoid run-ins with dangerous fauna and flora. And just when you believe this may have been a big mistake all together, an arrow flies overhead. The group is quickly surrounded by archers clad in fur, skin, and rough leathers. They exchange glances as they regard the group, communicating using hand signals. After a tense moment, they tell you that you are to come with them unless you would rather take your chances in the mists.

If you ask where they are taking you, they will be honest: Vihreaus or your death. That all depends on you. All other questions will be met with silence.

Two hours later, they say that you have arrived. But rather than in front of you, one must look up. A series of wooden platforms have been built to sit above the mists and it is up that you must go. The archers lead the way and carry the back, making sure that everyone stays in line.

You are immediately ferried to a hollow in the large tree, carved out of the wood itself and dimly lit with torches. There you are shuffled to the center where an old man meets you. His smile is weak, but a smile nonetheless.

"Show me your shards."

One by one, he will inspect them, never to touch but only to study intently for a moment. After each person has been inspected, his smile turns more genuine as he announces to you weary travelers and locals gathered.

"She speaks the truth. Aions are once again among us!"

The Aions are quickly surrounded, but this time with excitement from the scouts. They will readily share some food and tell the weary travelers that they will be camping here for the night and make their way onto Vihreaus in the morning.

WELCOME TO GREENTRUTH

From the outpost near the forest's edge, the journey to Vihreaus takes several days. Luckily for the Aions they have skilled scouts and the winding paths through the trees are much safer than walking on the forest floor, at least for those that know the way. They will encounter smaller outposts along the way where you will camp out as the scouts exchange the good news with others. This allows you some time to explore the forest further, but you will be cautioned not to stray too far from the campsite. The Regent dares not enter these woods for a reason.

The journey is worth it. The scouts proudly announce once you have arrived on the evening of the fifth day. Ladders of rope and wood are dropped from high platforms on the lowest branches of the largest trees. From there, stairs wind around and around, rising above the mists to reveal a secluded but flourishing settlement in the canopy. Torches lighting community spaces, doorways, and rope bridges twinkle like fireflies in the night. This, you are told, is Vihreaus - "Greentruth" in the common tongue. You are greeted by the locals with a mixture of trepidation and excitement, some more hesitant and disbelieving while others wish to know everything about you.

The settlement itself looks labyrinthian. There are no signs or placards to distinguish between public use and private dwellings, but with some exploration it becomes clear that houses tend to be in clusters along smaller trees and branches while the community buildings and businesses loop the main trunks of the largest trees. It seems that some preparations were made for your arrival as "The Aion of Greentruth" had predicted it. If asked about the Aion, the locals will say that she spends her time between Greentruth and the mountains. Despite heralding your arrival, she had business elsewhere but said she would be back in time to greet her peers.

One of the areas that was previously a community lot carved into the main tree has been converted into temporary housing for the new Aions. Until you establish yourself and find your own housing, you may stay here. Hammocks and straw beds with what leathers and furs that can be spared are given. If you want to wash up you can travel to a tree in the south east that gives access to a waterfall and small lake.

Once you've made yourself as comfortable as possible, you are free to explore the settlement as you wish. During the day there is a good amount of activity as residents are trading and either returning from expeditions or preparing for the next. Though you have been given what supplies can be spared, they make due with little in Greentruth. With your help they may be able to gather more resources for the community and for the resistance effort. Aions can help by performing tasks for NPCs, whether that is assisting with scouting, hunting and gathering, offering any sort of crafting or practical skills, as well as building extensions to the settlement and repairing houses. Those who have made a good impression may be invited to dinner by the locals they're helping or make use of the community style soup kitchen that feeds warriors in the mornings and evenings.

THE LOVER'S FESTIVAL

The Lover's Festival is a celebration of love in all it's forms, whether that be familial, friendship, or romance. It is also a time of year where the peoples of Greentruth can take a moment to forget their struggles against the Regent and their forces and instead indulge in the company of one another. Preparations for the event will take place days before it and you will see extra care taken to cleaning up the amphitheater in the center of town. Garlands made of vines and brightly colored flowers are lovingly hung by at least two people at a time, as is custom. Barrels of fermented honey are rolled out of storage and petals and mosses soften the wood of the trunk.

The festivities begin in the mid-afternoon. All are asked to remove their shoes so that their feet can enjoy the softness of the flower petals and moss, symbolizing how our bonds too can soften our journeys. A large bonfire is lit in the center which is used both for light and warmth but also to cook throughout the evening.

If there is an Aion of the Lover's Legacy in their midst, that person will be a point of interest during the celebration. Learning more about that Aion as a person is important and they may find themselves being called to join people throughout the night to take part in their drinking, feasting, and dancing.

❖ FEASTING
Greentruth regularly goes through periods of a sudden influx in foodstuffs and preparing it for long-term storage in case of a food shortage. But during the Lover's Festival, attendees are encouraged to eat to their heart's content. Meats are abundant thanks to the megafauna that are scavenged and hunted, while an array of fresh and dried fruits and pickled vegetables are also available. Nearly everything seems to be spiced. Fermented honeys and fruits make for the available liquor and a watered down version is available for children or those who would prefer something a little less strong.

❖ SACRED MESI (CW: drug use)
One staple of the Lover's Festival is the drinking of the Sacred Mesi. Throughout the evening, large flowers are passed around, brimming with a glowing liquid in the center. This is what they call the Mesi, nectar of the Mesiya. To drink this is to bond with spirit of Lohkimareen herself. It is completely optional to take part but it is fairly commonplace between adults in the settlement. Aions that choose to partake will immediately feel warm and tingly. Common effects of the mesi are slowed reflexes, blurred vision and seeing colors, a feeling of floating and general "carefree" attitude for the remainder of the evening. It is seen as a state of being unattached to the concerns of the physical world, and said that those who are particularly sensitive to the mesi may hear the voice of the forest.

For Aions in particular, the effects turn out to be more radical. The disconnect from your physical body becomes literal, with your consciousness seeming to transcend confines of your body, free to commune with the spirits of the trees themselves. Everything has a soul, you realize, while looking at the world through this lens, and when looking at other Aions you may see spiritual representations of them, their form appearing in abstract concepts and symbolism rather than a literal body. With how metaphysical the experience can be, it is hard to draw any factual information, so much as a series of emotional impressions. This effect will last for a few hours. Drinking more can prologue the effect, but the mesi can be powerful and those that over indulge may feel unwell the next day.

❖ THE AION
As promised, the Aion who predicted your arrival has made it back to Greentruth in time for the Lover's Festival. She is greeted heartily by the locals and it is not just because of the atmosphere, they appear to hold her in genuine affection and regard. She makes her rounds with a placid smile, but her true interest lies in meeting you. Those who choose not to speak with her directly will hear that she is called "Tehri of the Deep Mists" and that she has been the only Aion in Greentruth for some time. Her legacy is the Visionary and other Visionary Pleroma may feel a special connection to her.

If you would like to speak with Tehri, please tag into the open NPC thread below.

EXPLORATION

On the 20th, after the Lover's Festival and have had time to earn her trust, Tehri will request that they take a walk with her. On the boughs of one of the more secluded trees of the settlement, she will reveal that while the resistance effort has been quiet of late, she is skilled in portal magic. What appears as a tree hollow glows bright and gold as the Aions approach it. This, she explains, is her personal portal to the city of Godsblood. It leads into an an underground space beneath Godsblood, with tunnels that lead out unto a few inns and other businesses that are sympathetic to the resistance cause. They are well hidden, but from there they will be able to seek out the Pleroma that went to Godsblood and show them the way if they are interested.

She will advise that the portal needs to be kept hidden - not all in the settlement know its location. Though only Aions may pass through, the physical barriers of the portals may still be destroyed, rendering it inert.

QUESTIONS

What basic necessities are provided?
In addition to the beds and a roof over their head, Aions will receive clothing which is main mostly with leathers, furs, and animal skins. All will have their own water skin and a carved wooden bowl, handmade soaps that come in a variety of pleasing scents, and a candle. Other essential hand tools and weapons would be temporarily supplied to anyone who assists around the settlement with hunting crafting, etc. They would be expected to be returned at the end of the work day for repair.

My character knows how to make their own weapons or items. Is that allowed?
It is allowed and encouraged! If your character can help craft arrows, make more hand tools, bowls etc. the locals would be very pleased. If you make something of your own will you would be able to keep it as well.

Can my character join the resistance?
Congratulations! By choosing to come to Greentruth they are automatically part of the resistance effort. More information on what that will entail regarding in-game action and missions will be made clear in future events. For now you are safe to assume that helping the other members and locals is just as important.

What megafuana are in the area?
Most creatures in Lohkimareen are reptilian in nature, though more standardized birds and mammals can be found as well. The megafauna are exclusively draconic and dinosaurian in nature, though you will find that they too come in a variety of sizes. They may range from small insect-hunting dragons to forest giants. Predatory dinosaurs and dragons tend to be more aggressive and should be avoided. Dragons tend to be more elusive but can be seen both on the land and in the trees and air. There are rumors that you can plead for your life with a dragon, but not so much with others.

So I can travel back and froth between Greentruth and Godsblood?
You may! But remember that it is important to keep a low profile in Godsblood. Do not draw attention to the location of the portals on either side or else the integrity of the resistance may be at stake.

Comments

MOD CONTACT

[aionmods]

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.

[coerthantorment]

While initially traveling into the forest, Estinien will immediately be taken by his first sight of a dragon somewhere up in the canopy. His first instinct will be to try to communicate with them despite the threat, and will leap up into the trees to try to meet one via his dragoon super jumps. He'll leave his spear down below for now.

Estinien has the ability to sense the presence of dragons from his own canon, and he will try to see if that applies here. To dragons from his own world, his own aura would come across as being mingled with their own, due to his connection to the spirit of a dragon called Nidhogg. He's not sure if it will help in a different world, but he'll try to stir up more of Nidhogg's aura before calling out to one nearby:

"We enter your domain in peace, dragon. Do you speak in mortal tongues?"

[bearshermark]

1. Is there a supply of metal and a forge with which to smith or repair tools/weapons? Or are their materials/means limited to more prevalent natural resources?

2. During/after the Lover's Festival, El is extremely likely to want to utilize his newly awoken ability to commune with tree spirits and other notable flora. What impressions might he glean from them? Would he learn anything interesting?

[aquaveiled]

Thank you, mods! I have a couple of questions...

1.) Himeka is a Hearer, which means she can basically hear elementals aka nature spirits, so this is similar to Eleven's question but I wanted to clarify...do these things exist in Lohkimareen? And if so would she be able to communicate with them both with the mesi and without it? To note she is best with water elementals.

2.) Since dragons are covered what about the dinosaurs. I figure she wouldn't be able to go up and chat with some big nasties, but are the more placid/gentle ones friendly towards people in any capacity? What do the locals think about them?

3.) For creation of weapons and whatnot, Himeka is primarily a caster and uses canes and rods. (She can do magic without it but they help a lot.) Conjury canes in particular made with natural resources (mostly wood), but she's not a carpenter. Could she feasibly get someone in town to help her make a new cane?

4.) Lastly, Himeka would make herself useful in helping prepare for the festival if she can! She considers herself a good cook so that is probably where she would offer her services the most. Otherwise any sort of decorating and menial labor.

[youngprodigy]

Cid will be asking people who look like they're familiar with combat— or more specifically, anyone who looks as though they're good at constructing weapons— if there's any way to construct a new lance for Estinien. He may have only partially have been serious, but Cid is not someone who likes being idle whatsoever. As they're in the woods, he's not exactly expecting anything approaching a blacksmith.

Would he be able to get anywhere with this?

[bearshermark]

S o after asking about for leads on an ore mine in the mountains around Godsblood, would there be any barriers to coordinating an expedition? Eleven wants to get Aions and resistance fighters outfitted with good weapons/possibly armor.

TEHRI (NPC)

[aionpcs]

The Aion is busy throughout the evening, greeting old friends and catching up with the scouts and warriors stationed in the main settlement. Every so often as she scans the crowd, her eyes land directly on you. She will offer a smile and a short nod of her head. Her aura is welcoming and though she is clearly held in high regard within the community, she does not put herself above them. Should you make a clear move in her direction, she will rise to meet you halfway.

[bearshermark]

Though Eleven is hesitant to approach her at first, he has questions- they all do, he's sure. So when their eyes meet and she nods, Eleven takes a breath and decides he may as well try.

His approach is cautious, and he fidgets as she moves to meet him.

"Ah, hello. I was wondering if you could tell me what 'Aion' means- or er, what's expected of us..?"

[coerthantorment]

Estinien is probably leaning against a wall with his arms crossed when he sees Tehri out and about, as is his wont. He's never been the most social man, and in many situations, he would leave this sort of mingling to others. This time he has questions.

He shifts away from the wall and comes over to her.

"Well met," he says. "I hear you're one of us... whatever that is."

[dragon_rider]

Hiccup almost chose not to attend the festival — almost. The idea of a festival after everything was jarring and his tunnel-visioning on learning made him turn it away at first, but given the whole forest, village took the time off short of trying his hand at repairing some of the things he'd offered to... It simply made more sense to go down and at least try the food.

He stood at the frays nursing one of the watered drinks as he watched. Even if he felt no need to participate it's difficult not to smile at the happily dancing folks. It's only when the woman's eyes find him the small smile shifted — a thin, thoughtful line. There's something there he still has yet to find the words to place, but he nods instead in kind. Hardly a moment passed before he moved forward.

"Enjoying the festivities?" He inquired without haste, the motion of an incline of his head to the rest needless. "Can I ask you something?" He moved on and without fully waiting speaks again, "you're — the one who knew we were coming, right?"

[deushexmachina]

When she meets his eyes, Jayce freezes. Something about the firmness, the strength of that gaze — she holds the poise of a leader. She smiles, he mirrors the expression, she nods; he understands the invitation.

Jayce folds his hands behind his back as he walks towards her.

"I, uh, don't mean to monopolize your time," he begins, voice cracking.

[superbshot]

Caitlyn had been waiting for the opportunity, and now that it presented itself, she smiled back at the woman she'd noticed eyeing her. Straight backed, eyes locked onto the Aion's, she crossed through the gathered crowd, offering a wave as she approached. Hesitation didn't become her, but this woman was...well, she was possibly someone with some answers.

"Good evening," she says with a dip of her head for greeting. "I...suppose that you're the Aion I've heard about? I'm hoping to figure out what exactly is going on, and that you can perhaps point me in the right direction."

[velvetoversteel]

It takes Moiraine a moment to decide how to approach the other woman. Though they are both Aions -- whatever that entails -- she is not entirely sure how to react. Clearly this woman is someone of standing, but where does that leave Moiraine in relation to her? It's impossible to tell if she should treat her as an equal. This is not the White Tower, where Moiraine would immediately know where she stood with her sister Aes Sedai. Strength in the Power determined who would defer to whom, and to what degree.

After a time, she shakes off the initial brief uncertainty, closes the distance between them. "Madam," she says, inclining her head briefly, polite without an excess of deference. "Forgive me, I don't know how best to address you."

[youngprodigy]

I – The Forest’s Path
At some point between arriving in the relative safety of the field, and the decision for their group to split up, one might have noticed Cid... simply disappear, without sign he wandered off from the group. He returns just as suddenly, looking lost in thought.

The choice to head into the forest is one he makes almost immediately— and voices his concern about marching into enemy territory so soon after being captured and forced into the horrific despair ritual. He opts not to stop anyone, ultimately, but it does mean he’s slightly despondent as they start to make their way through the forest.

“This would be quite the beautiful, were it not for the wildlife.”

He’s fairly certain Estinien has the dragons covered, but everything else... well. At least there are a number of people familiar with combat, to leave people like Cid who aren’t nearly as familiar free to avoid picking fights with gigantic, unfriendly animals.

“The perfect place to hide unseen. I can understand their choice in hiding places."


II – Greentruth
After their capture by the scouts, and aggressive soldiers the first time around, Cid isn’t entirely certain what to think... at least not until the old man appears to identify them as allies. He’s not sure what to make of the word “Aion”, but at least it means that they’re in a much better situation than they were when it came to being tortured in a ruined building.

The city itself is... frankly, incredible. He spends much of his time wandering it, trying to get his bearings and give himself something approaching a mental map. “An entire settlement in the trees... it’s incredible, isn’t it?” Too cautious to really try to figure out how the platforms are so well suspended in the air, he nevertheless

It doesn’t take long for the residents of the town to find out he’s good with tools. How, exactly, he’s not sure. Maybe they overheard him talking about something, but somehow, Cid finds himself roped into reinforcing the roofs of various homes. Anyone coming by will likely be stopped too, while Cid is right on the roof, accosted by some person or another. “Aion, your arrival is so timely! Please, you must assist him, the job is far too much for one man.”

At the request, Cid just short of shrugs down at the accosted. “Your choice,” he says, as he goes back to working on the repairs.


III – Festival
[This is the wildcard— feel free to run into him as he tries out the various foods and drink that are offered, though he’s avoiding the mesi for the time being.]

III

[bearshermark]

Eleven picks through and settles into the vacant spot next to the man with a smile. He has a drink in one hand and a small bunch of fresh fruit in the other, which he pops into his mouth while his eyes track the flickering lights and peer through the overarching boughs.

"I think we made the right choice," he says finally on a contented breath. He casts a look toward his companion. "Don't you?"

I

[coerthantorment]

"'Tis dragon territory," Estinien comments as they travel. "If we can walk with their blessing, then that's half our work done."

He still isn't completely sure they do have their blessing, but the lack of dragon attacks seems to speak for itself. The little ones are even more enthusiastic, but given their demeanor, he's not sure that he can consider their word the law of the forest.

"Are the resistance in league with them, I wonder? They must be, for them to tolerate the presence of man for so long."

ii

[dragon_rider]

Honestly, it's not the sudden call for help that puts Hiccup off. He's always been the kind of person to drop just about anything if someone needed it. It was something his father had instilled in him at a young age, a chief's duty was to the people. Nothing was too small to help with. Even if he's already spent much of the day doing the same. When the person calls out it's definitely not the requestion that made him balk. It's how he's addressed.

"I have a name you know," he called back exasperated, a hand moving up and down in a similarly exhausted fashion, "it's Hiccup!"

There's definitely something in being called in a title like it which made him uneasy, for very different reasons. He sighed, however, not further lingering before shaking his head and finding the best way to climb on top of the house. "I think they're just happy to have all this free labor more than anything else," Hiccup remarked lightly, no real heat to it, as he balanced himself, "so where do you need help working on?"

Eleven | Martyr

[bearshermark]

I. Exploring/End of the Day Repairs

Proper food, rest, clean clothes and a thorough wash leave Eleven far more agreeable and in much better spirits than when they arrived. His smile comes a little more forced with those that approach with a myriad of questions, but he laughingly downplays his importance or intrigue and tenders dissatisfying non-answers where he can manage it.

But really, once he can stop looking down, he finds a genuine admiration for the people living within the settlement. There's a breathtaking cleverness to the walkways winding around the tree trunks with bridges suspended between platforms. Ropes and simple structures act as ingenious systems with which to raise and lower goods to and from the forest floor. Sentries stand guard with the forest spread in every direction, and it feels oddly safe in a way he hopes those in Godsblood have managed to replicate for themselves.

And while he could spend days marvelling over the wooden houses and walking circles about the trees, there exists a sense of purpose to those living in the canopy that leaves him feeling rather as though he should find something to be doing. At first, that's simply tending to those returning injured from expeditions and hunts, but Eleven discovers further purpose the moment he catches sight of a few smiths and swiftly finds a place among them.

Near the end of each day, Eleven faithfully greets those returning warriors and hunters that borrowed weapons for the day.

"I hope your venture was a successful one," he says with a warm smile. "Are you returning your weapon for repair?"


II. Festival- Out of Body Experience (CW: drug use)

[Eleven hesitates to imbibe the sacred mesi at first, wary of unknown substances entering his body after the last, but as he keeps an eye on those who do and their lack of distress, he finally agrees to partake.

The sensation is unlike anything he's ever before experienced. It isn't unpleasant, but even his visions or his trek into the Void itself had never felt like this. For several heartbeats, he thinks he may still have made a mistake, and then- then..

Then it's beautiful.

If he had physical eyes, they'd be watering. If he had breath, it would catch. He's drawn up the trees and feels.. he isn't sure what. Certainly, there's a distant voice somewhere.

His spirit shudders pleasantly, then floats in a mute wonder- at first around the space he recognizes the small shoot of leaves he intuitively knows represents his physical body—where his real face looks only hazily aware—then drifts around the others with a curious attention to their own spirits.

The noise of the festival itself has dulled to a quiet rush and he basks in the warm energy, sensations, and emotions like slow-shifting mountains rolling through him.

It's a feeling of spiritual connection he's only felt once (or twice?) before, like everything and every one..

We're all.. connected.]

We're all.. connected.


III. Amongst the Trees

Something awoke in him that night in the amphitheater. He'd felt echoes of it before as they walked, like the grass of the forest beneath their feet was alive, or that a few of the ferns seemed unwell. Paranoia or imaginings, he'd thought.

Eleven may have spent the day after feeling poorly as he came down from the intense effects of possibly overindulging, but just as soon as he was well enough again, he set out with a borrowed sword in hand to touch nearby trees and simply listen. The results were more muted, but he understood with a clarity he hadn't had before what it was he was feeling. Even if those emotions seemed too great or too old to grasp properly, understanding even a fraction of it left him awestruck.

"They have feelings!" he exclaimed with a broad grin without knowing if anyone else was around to hear. Still, his enthusiasm was hardly faded, and he drew his hand down the bark of tree he'd listened to with an inexplicable fondness.

His voice quieted, still warm though subdued with the realization. "They all do. Everything does. ..It's beautiful."


IV. Wildcard

[Feel free to do anything adjacent to these prompts, or pop in with any communal meal or casual run-in around the settlement, or else hit up El's plotting comment if you have any other ideas you'd be interested in playing out!]

I

[coerthantorment]

"Aye," Estinien says, one of those warriors come back from a hunt. Though, his appearance makes it unclear what the results were. He's spattered in blood, and the spear he holds out is almost completely broken in half, with only a few splinters of wood holding it together. The spear tip still has blood staining the cracks around its base.

"It'll need a new shaft, but the blade can be salvaged," he says. "If more lengths of wood are needed here, I can take another journey this evening."

Himeka Sui | Wanderer | Open Prompts

[aquaveiled]

[ ooc; I default to brackets but will match your style! ]

i. into the woods

[ Mentions of a resistance effort certainly piqued Himeka's interest when snooping about the villages surrounding the Valley of Innocence, but that they set their base in a large, unwieldy forest has its own appeal. The closer they get to the forests edge, the more she feels that this is the right path. It reminds her of the Black Shroud, old and wild. Familiar whispers reach her horns as they stand at the border, though she can't discern them just yet. ]

I was found not far from here. There have to be people inside.

[ The bodies that were strewn about the Wanderer's Shrine. Were those the people of Greentruth? Only one way to find out... ]

Well, no need to dally. Let's go!

[ With renewed vigor, she pushes forward into the brush and the deep dark woods of Lohkimareen. Those who wish to explore are welcome to join her, even if it is only a little way into the forest. She's keen on collecting various vegetation and fruit to see what may be edible. She managed to barter a pan from the village rather than any sort of weaponry and wants to make good use of it.

But lingering at the edge will only impede process in the long-run. The farther they go in, the more turned around she feels. As they stop on what seems to be the footpath for some large creature, she frowns. ]

Haven't we seen this same...giant imposing tree before?

ii. tending the herd

[ After getting some good food in her belly and an uninterrupted night's rest, Himeka doesn't waste a moment of the filtered daylight. Going up and down the winding pathways of Greentruth is almost as confusing as finding her way there, just much less dangerous. She peaks in to various alcoves and buildings, occasionally incidentally peaking in on a resident (oops). Mayhaps you decided to join her?

In her wanderings, though, she manages to find the man-made pasture somewhere in the main settlement. At first she can't tell exactly what is being kept there, but as she draws closer she sees that the animals there are hard-skinned with large frills and horns. Triceratops-like dinosaurs huddle together near a water trough, adults and babies alike. ]

Oh...I haven't seen scalekin like that before.

iii. lover's festival (CW: Drug use )

[ When she starts to hear about preparations for the festival, Himeka immediately begins to snoop. Any sort of party based around appreciating others is one that she will be happy to participate in, but it is when they start to go over what foods they will serve that she is all in.

Learning the local cuisine and cooking techniques is essential. Yet when she's encouraged to be creative, she contributes with her own take on a spiced fruit bake and some simple heart shaped fresh fruit for aesthetics. If you stop by the kitchens before the event, she will gladly hold out a spoonful. ]

What do you think?

[ One the festival itself is in full swing, Himeka is only too happy to take part in the indulgences. After weeks in captivity and then making due in the wilds, it's high time they had something to feast on. She's usually seen with something to eat or drink in hand. And if you don't, she will supply you with something. ]

We don't know when we can eat like this again. Be sure to try everything at least twice!

[ Which, of course, which means once she's the one receiving the sacred flower, there's only a moment of consideration before she takes a drink of the Mesi. Himeka doesn't even remember passing it on as the world around her suddenly feels lifted and so full. To the person standing near her, she may look ridiculous just standing there staring up at the canopy, but when approached she will quickly shush them down. ]

Can't you hear it?

xx. wildcard

[ ooc; Anything else! I'm pretty open so feel free to drop your own starter or ping me on her plotting comment or on plurk at doggystyle or the discord server. Notably Himeka will be making herself useful at the soup kitchen, so you can find her there if you're stopping by for a meal. ]

III gunna have cake and eat it too

[coerthantorment]

"Himeka?"

Estinien has come to snoop around the kitchen, mostly because he and the other hunters have been hauling fresh meat up there and he's wondering what his friend is up to. His dragoon leaping abilities mean he has finished the work quite a bit faster than anyone expected, and he has some time to kill.

Himeka coming upon him with a spoon at the ready is totally unsurprising to him, and at this point in their relationship, he eats whatever it is as a matter of reflex. He freezes for a moment, chewing, before commenting:

"Those dragonets would appreciate this."

ii

[dragon_rider]

[ For anyone who'd known him it's really no surprise that Hiccup doesn't sit still when they've arrived in the village. Becoming Chief of Berk hadn't stopped his adventurous spirit and with no people to run it leaves more time to himself — and that also meant never stopping. So the past few days he's been seen doing nothing but bouncing between activities: asking about the landscape, studying the animals, helping repair houses, or in the weaponsmiths repairing and making things.

He spends a lot of time among the animals, however, interested in the draconic creatures that surround the village — It's the most at home he's felt since arriving in the world even if he's cautious of the fact these aren't their dragons (that doesn't mean lack of trying).

When Himeka appeared that day he raised a single brow:]

Scalekin, huh? That's a new one. [ But he turned back as he crossed his arms, thinking: ] They remind me a lot of the Buffalord. Except for the lack of wings and I'm going to hope lack of ability to inflate their body.

Yuya Sakaki | Lover

[hippocarnival]

[The Forest Path]

[The forest is huge. They had been warned it would be treacherous, but Yuya really can't help continuing to look around in wonder at how large and flush everything is.

It's a little distracting, and more than once he slows down to get a closer look at a flower, or a smaller forest creature hiding in the underbush, and ends up falling behind the group. Depending on how quickly he's alerted to that, he may have to sprint in order to catch up.]

I've never seen anything like this before. [Japan had forests, sure, but not like this--and it isn't as if Yuya spent much time in them anyway. He's a city boy.]

[The Lover's Festival]

[At first, Yuya's not entirely sure he's in a party mood. There's not anything wrong with it, and surely they all deserve a chance to recover. He's just... still a little overwhelmed with everything, and he can't imagine being in the mindset to just let go.

That changes pretty quickly when he gets there. A couple of the locals remember him from helping with menial labor the days earlier, and his legacy burned on his arm. They practically drag him into the festivities, offering to grab whatever drinks or food he wants as long as he'll sit and regal them with questions.

He notices, that when people get whiff that his legacy is the Lover, that they suddenly have a particular interest in him. And you know what? It feels great. He feels special. Maybe he is special!

He indulges in the feasting and dancing with the other Aions as well, or in between excuses himself from whoever he's with to wave and approach one of them passing by.] Hey!

[Wildcard]

((Good for any other prompts occuring as they trek through the forest or are integrating in Greentruth. You can reach me at monochromic or the game discord if you want to plot something specific!))

forest path

[dragon_rider]

[ Hiccup can't help but keep an eye on their youngest straggler. Maybe part of it was protective, but it's difficult not to see himself — Back when they first started learning about dragons and the adventures on the Edge. The world was vast and wonderful, something you missed before stepping out of your own backyard (and sure Berk was a big backyard, but still).

He's slowed down to keep a space between himself, the boy, and the others. Choosing to forsake a place closer to the front allows in some ways to enjoy the greenery. Much of it reminds him of childhood adventure stories. But when the others get a fair several hundred feet ahead he decided its time to call back to the other.

His smile understanding when the younger piped up: ]

Yeah, it's something, huh? [ Green eyes flicker upwards as something flies by and he shakes his head: ] Still, we need to be careful and keep together. We don't know what's dangerous or safe out here yet and both can be dangerously deceptive.

Caitlyn Kiramman | Champion | Open Prompts

[superbshot]

Planning (Closed to Jayce and Viktor)

[With the options presented, it's easy to see why Caitlyn is feeling a little bit unsure. She's a city girl at heart, and she knows Viktor and Jayce both are of similar minds, but that doesn't mean it's the best or the safest idea. She's got her concerns, especially given that the authority in this land seems to be on the side of evil. That gets her thinking, of course, and as everyone's getting ready to leave the fields she comes to her two compatriots.]

So, we should decide which way we're going. I think it best that we stay together, for the time being.


The Forest Path (OTA)

[Old forests aren't that unusual to Caitlyn. She did enjoy hunting outside of Piltover, and even the mist was something comforting. It reminded her of the moorlands surrounding her hometown, but the enormous trees and unfamiliar flora that break up the landscape inspire a sense of awe in her. Still, even with the obvious dangers, she's feeling more in command of her own destiny now that she has a rifle and she's happy to travel at the vanguard of any group heading on this trail.]

...The mist makes you wonder just what might be lurking out there, doesn't it?

Greentruth (OTA)

[The journey to Greentruth is arguably as bad as the one with the enemy soldiers, but the end of it is far, far more pleasant. Cait is a little stunned by the sudden burst of civilization, the scope of the treetop villages making her gape a little. This was something one might expect in an adventure novel, not real life, yet here she was. Settling in isn't too bad, and she's quick to volunteer her services as a hunter. She's also on the lookout for other 'Aions' as time passes, seeking them out at the evening meals.

Approaching, she waves and takes a seat.]

So, what do you make of all this Aion business?

Wildcard

[Wanna do something else with Cait? Plot with me via PM or Plurk at intercession!]

the forest path

[coerthantorment]

"'Reptiles' apparently," Estinien huffs out in half a laugh, moving with confidence that suggests he's not that worried about it. He's got his strapped together spear, formed of a long stick and a knife bound onto the end of it, and that's all he needs.

"Be they the sort I'm familiar with, it could be possible to reason with them," he adds, more seriously. He glances at her gun. "If such a moment arrives, I may ask that you hold your fire."

Hiccup Haddock III | Visionary | OTA

[dragon_rider]

I. THE FOREST'S PATH

It's surprisingly not an easy choice to choose between going to a city or wandering into the wilderness. A city would undoubtedly have information, but it was also a city they knew to be the hands of the very group they were trying to escape. Risky. A forest, at least, was something Hiccup knew well — At least in the sense that growing up as he had he'd experienced many different creatures and ecosystems, believing that nothing could really, fully surprise him anymore.

He's noticeably someone who can often be found in the front, keeping an eye on changing foilage and stopping at unfamiliar sounds (which there are a lot). Other times, he lingers far too long as he investigates some plant or passing animal. If there's a hint of something scaly he is notably more interested and it may take someone speaking to him for him to keep up with the group.

The path itself rekindles a familiar adventurous spirit. It's the first time since their arrival in Horos he really feels like himself — The memories of their experience exploring new islands before getting into the war with Viggo making him enjoy the journey more than many of his companions, perhaps. But then, you weren't a Viking and an explorer without spending hours out in the wilderness.

"It's pretty incredible, huh?" He at one point motions to another when he stopped to glance up into the trees — Something winged and reptilian taking off, but he neither flinched nor seemed any the bit alarmed as he grins at the other.

"I hope whoever we're going to meet can tell us more about them." If they're anything like the dragons in the archipelago with their own classes, power levels, and unique traits. They're certainly, even at a glance, not anything like the ones he could quickly categorize in his mind.

II. GREENTRUTH

There's something that speaks truth in what his mother once told him, you have the heart of a chief, but the soul of a dragon, that he's reminded of when they finally arrive. It's as if he was pulled in two different directions: The side of him who wanted to explore, learn more, and had too many questions to ask and not enough words to express them. Both with the land and its people, but especially the land.

The second is his natural inclination towards people. He can't forget the other "Aions" who were left behind with the guards. He can't forget the mountainmen at the Visionary shrine. He certainly can't forget the people of the forest who'd welcomed them into their home. After all this time, all the people they've fought, he recoginizes that them being there is a danger to them. There are people who will try to find them and he doubts, like most they've fought, they'd let a village described as resisting free once they found them.

It's what sits on his mind and keeps him up at night, literally. Other Aions may take note that he's rarely slept: He'll spend hours in the pastures or helping on scouting. Other times, he volunteers to help get more materials to make more of their tools and then offer to make them. And even still, if someone asks him for even a second of help, he'll drop anything to do so.

He's not really trying to prove anything. It's something to keep his mind busy, to not let it spin out of control. Because right now he has no answers other than whatever's coming he's best prepared for this: Helping to build then to fight. Even with his sword, he'd be no match with people with mind controllings whips and magical powers. Especially not without his dragon.

( He's never felt more... Well, useless than he does now. And that's saying something. )

Lack of sleep dulls his senses some days later and instead of being as helpful as he'd like he may instead be doing things like: Accidentally pushing a bucket of nails off a roof repair, hammering his thumb while working on repairing a weapon, accidentally knocking over a wall of spears, or tripping in a scouting mission. Small, but harmless accidents he'll try to brush off as fine.

III. LOVER'S FESTIVAL

The festival is vibrant and beautiful. For a moment, it's nice to see everyone simply enjoying life. He thanks someone for the food and graciously eats anything given to him, savoring the sweet tastes. He smiles at the dancing, but doesn't take part. For someone who's been quick to talk to others and offer them a dry-witted remark, he's sitting on the fringes.

In part, he can't wrap his mind around it. No, that's not true. Even his father had told him people needed to celebrate during dark times to bring hope and bulster the troups. No, this is much more personal. He understands more of Legacies, but this is a festival for all kinds of love. Of course, his mind turns back to the people he's not with. His people. A part of him can't accept they'll all simply gone — not when it was his duty as Chief to protect them. All the humans and dragons.

But here he was and they weren't. Gone. It's one face in particular that flashed most consistently through his mind. "Oh, Astrid," he breathes, loud enough to be heard in passing but speaking to himself all the same, "I wish you were here, you'd know better what to do." One hand scrubbed at his forehead while he downed the rest of the drink. He shakes it off and offers anyone passing an awkward sort of smile.

IV. END NOTES

( I'm happy to make closed prompts for anyone! For any Godsblood Pleroma, I'd be happy to have Hiccup make the trip nad introduce them to Greentruth! Feel free to take any time period of the above prompts and play with it. If you need anything else, have questions, or would like to plot anything out further you can find me on the discord or on plurk! )

II

[coerthantorment]

It's on an early morning, soon after making contact with the resistance, that he and Estinien happen to be out at the same time. The sun has risen, but the light remains obscured through the thick canopy, the morning mists taking on a faint glow. Truthfully, Estinien has already been out for a while, already having collected a kill, and is in the process of cutting it up. It's just a small catch, this time, which suits his purposes just fine.

Yet, he lifts his head at the sound of someone else nearby. He's settled somewhere just on the outskirts, near the pastures, and he catches sight of Hiccup wandering. Estinien watches him for a while, before noticing how out of it Hiccup truly seems, at which point he straightens up and calls out.

"Hail! Boy."

Estinien is currently perched on the top of a giant, fallen trunk, but he hopes that will be enough to get Hiccup to look up.