this is Salem, a land filled with magic and maladies. It is a place where witches and their elemental familiars gather, a home to legend and
lore that predates time itself. Yet of all the wicked and wonderful stories the past can tell us of, the most magical are the ones yet to happen.
This is Salem - this is the start of your very own journey. Welcome to starfall
Starfall is an animaga witch roleplay set in mostly modern times. Members play as witches in a world plagued by monsters, where the only safe spots are walled cities. Starfall strives to be a character-driven roleplay with expansive lore and a highly interactive plotline. We want to allow members to
create and look back on a magical journey, and mold the site and its plot as their characters grow.
Drums and strings begin a soft, steady rhythm just as the first rays of gold-drenched sunlight slip over the Crystalcliff Peaks. Flames flick across robed witches' fingers as an earthy incense is lit. A crisp breeze rustles the gnarled subalpine shrubs and trees. [break][break]
Decades ago, this mountain shrine was abandoned and overshadowed by Silvertongue's neighboring Emerald Guildhall. In recent years, however, the shrine has been carefully revitalized under the guidance of Kirean Bernhardt. The summoner-priest's unprecedented rise to power within the mercenary coven has undoubtedly played the most significant role in restoring the location's relevance in Salem. It is little surprise, then, that he is directly involved in the ceremony -- one of the seven priests performing the purification ritual around the outskirts of the sacred grounds. [break][break]
But, he is not the only high profile personality here today. Ezra Vigo, perhaps the most widely known diviner in Salem, has set up a comfortable stall padded by brightly colored blankets and pillows, settled close enough to the people handing out incense and traditional snacks to be able to smell the mingling of both. She has drawn a crowd with the promise of premonitions for no cost. [break][break]
The shopkeeper Ms. Kiki and a young man with similar hair and eyes are here as well, handing out materials to make paper lanterns and walking through the steps with anyone unfamiliar to the craft. [break][break]
All told, the space is filled with contented murmurs and respectful prayers, with warm food and flowery scents, and with the inextinguishable hope for health and prosperity in the months to come. [break][break]
[attr="class","stafftemptitle"] ooc notes
In the spirit of easing back into the swing of things, you will have 5 days to post in stage 1 of this thread, which is focused on the Shrine Ceremony. If you post at any point during these first 5 days, in the comments of your post you can ask Kirean Bernhardt for divine blessings, ask Ezra Vigo any question to be answered though divination, or request a glimpse of a new NPC. Please make sure your question is somehow relevant to your character, even if it isn't something they would ask! At the end of the first 5 days, there will be a staff post providing all answers and blessings, as well as indicating the start of the second stage of day 3: the lantern festival. For more detailed lore about this day, and the entire Saturnalia event, visit the overall thread here.
[break][break]This thread is not death enabled, or even injury enabled. Anyone can join at any time, but only posts between June 21st thru June 30th are eligible for event rewards. Please try to keep your posts related to the events of the day.[break][break]
Posting 2 times or more in this thread over the course of both stages will count as a completed event thread for day 3 of saturnalia.
[attr="class","junescroll"] funny, how you don’t think he’s the religious sort when you meet him -- and you’d be right, really, because as far as the stories go, the rothscuses turned their backs on the gods when they felt abandoned ; because, as far as the scores of fallen warriors are concerned, the gods have never had as many teeth as them. [break][break]
funny, how the new year makes you think about things you spend an eternity trying to ignore.[break][break]
he breathes deep. gale valley is unfamiliar territory to him. he has visited its surrounding lands on the occasional purification job ( understandably, silvertongue has a monopoly on jobs that come by this area ), but rarely the town proper, save for any emergency supplies. never mind the shrine -- he’s never had any reason to visit before. most people don’t, he figures. today, though, apparently everyone is in town.[break][break]
there are some faces, though, that he would do better if he avoided. he skirts the crowd around the diviner -- nothing for him there, anyway, always too much or too little on his mind to form a coherent question -- and gives the priests an even bigger berth, because they’ve all got an air about them that maddox doesn’t want to mess with. nothing worse than messing up a priest’s vibe.[break][break]
it is the shop that he makes his way towards, curious eyes flitting over an unfamiliar face even as he reaches forward for the paper lantern materials. ‘it’s been a while since i’ve done these,’ he says, partly to himself, partly directed at the construction instructions. ‘wait- what do you mean, fold into- hold up, how on earth do you just do that, that’s not how paper works- oh. right, of course, that’s how.’[break][break]
Post by corvus kasparian on Jun 22, 2019 13:36:17 GMT
It's early, and yet Corvus has been up since before the sun, flitting about excitedly for the ceremony. One could say he was a bit spiritual, firmly believing in something good after the turnaround of his life since joining his coven. He wasn't sure what it was but he had faith it was good and serpentine. Maybe that was just loyalty though. Regardless, the boy found himself happily volunteering to help ease the set up of stalls, decorations, and whatever other miscellaneous errands the priestesses needed of him.
Things had slowed down finally and he had been dismissed to enjoy himself. Corvus has taken one look at the crowd waiting for Ezra, despite how early it was, and had turned around and gone the other direction. He didn't feel like waiting and there would probably be a lull for them at some point. Better get in the lantern making while he still could. He could hang it somewhere in the Rothscus household. He could ask Aeris where he could.
With that the novice ambled towards Ms. Kiki and her...relative? Brother?? It made no difference. He greeted him as he did her, waving at her as he approached the station. Honeyed eyed gave the materials a cursory glance and he nodded along as he sidled up to someone else being taught, snickering at their confusion before joining them. "Its cool right?" He said before looking up st his cousin. "Oh! Sorry 'm a little tired. Didn't see you there." He added greeting family with a strong clap on the back. "I wanted to make one to show Auntie Nika when she visits." He added, nodding over at the materials before tentatively reaching over to touch them.
ooc: miss ezra please tell corvus if he will be able to get a deito with one cute redhead girl named saskia 😔
Post by aiden emerson on Jun 22, 2019 13:41:01 GMT
Aiden had been up since 4 am, eager to sit in for even a little bit, if he could, on the purification ceremony. He was unclear if it was similar to his magic but it didn't hurt to try. He'd never really cared about the intricacies of the cleansing ceremony before, but now that he was a knight practicing multiple affinities it seemed to inflate in importance. The nagging voice in his head hissed demanding more. More knowledge. More power. More strength.
The events of the tournament had left him rattled and uneasy. It had left a glaring impression of his flaws, and since then he had been doing his best to recover, understand his shortcomings, and improve. Obsessively even. The boy had been working himself harder than ever. Even in his dreams, he had tried seeking out that woman in his sleep attempting to find some connection or clue to her whereabouts. At least, that was when he wasn't trying to escape the looming guilt in his mind that enjoyed taking the form of his best friend, Charani Petrov . Sleep had continued to come harshly like it was fighting him tooth and nail. For months he woke up with his mind ragged from running circles all night.
Even so, today was another attempt at bettering himself. Hopefully. Aiden saw it as a way to improve his sleep patterns and appease that howling sense of guilt stalking him like a starved predator. Sometime between now and Christmas he'd intentionally distanced himself from his friend. It had strained things. He had strained things. But now, he would meet her. Charani had mentioned her before, and her intent to meet him. It gelt like he was meeting the family again. Charani had never been very specific on Ezra's teachings other than she was vague but good.
He dressed nicely today opting out of his more casual sets of hoodies and shorts for a pressed mint green colored shirt and black slacks. Though, as stayed near the crowd, he wished he hadn't. A pass through these people would probably wrinkle his outfit and ruin his first impression. The ginger stuck closer to his friend as the other knight took the lead. The thought of running crossed his head as they approached the woman, cutting through a sea of people with ease. "Uhhh-" His eyes widened and he almost brushed a finger under his eyes to check the concealer hiding the shadows there. "Good morning…ma'am. I'm Aiden Emerson. Charani mentioned you wanted to meet?"
He waited a moment before sliding her a slip of paper folded neatly into a small square. His question, or well, request. He hadn't planned of asking a seer for help with this matter, but today, when they were at their peak, it wouldn't hurt to try. He hadn't told Charani yet about his father's letter that day. He didn't want him invovled. Not yet. Maybe not ever if he could help it, but he knew he would ask his friend for helo eventually. On the paper, in thin, tilted script was written "How do I find my father?" Up until now he had no idea where the bastard was and he had no leads. Maybe Charani's teacher could help.
Last Edit: Jun 27, 2019 15:04:56 GMT by aiden emerson
me @ ezra inner Charani says why won’t anyone love me that’s not dead?
Me @ ezra can you medicate a broken heart?
"Tell all your problems"
"make them mine"
This was probably the closest thing to a date he would ever get with aiden emerson to be quite honest. It was kind of like taking a boyfriend to meet the parents with how the red haired male was acting. He was much more well dressed than he normally was. Perhaps his fashion sense wasn’t completely hopeless after all.
Charani walked beside his friend with a skip in his step and a gentle hum in his voice. While the other knight was trying not to fall apart the blonde boy was just happily trying to stay as close to his friend as he could. No more hand holding or linked arms though since his friend had discovered they weren’t as innocent as he had perceived. Fair.
He was dressed in some black overalls that were. Well they didn’t leave much to the imagination seeing as they stopped mid thigh at best. He also had on a pale yellow shirt under them that made him look much more like a kid than he already did given his baby face and general shortness. The crowd around his teacher was about as large as he expected. She was a popular woman after all.
"Okay lets go..." He would hum as he used Guide of Paths to try and aid them moving through the crowd. The brightest color path would probably be the quickest. With ease he gripped his friends hand and pulled him like a parent leading a child to weave through the crowd. To the other boy it probably looked so easy.
Once through they found themselves very close to the woman and her table. Score one point for divination magic. He waved to the woman with a big smile on his face not having let go of his friends hand yet. “Miss Ezra~” he would greet the woman before his friend started to pipe up. Better to let him introduce himself first. You know? Let him flounder a bit for worrying the boy.
After the attack at the Helios Knight Arena, Desmond had decided to relocate. Powerful people were beginning to make world-changing moves, and he wanted absolutely no part in it whatsoever. If Fate had other paths for him, it would have to forcefully drag him there while being mindful of the protesting claws.
And so, he left Taylan's shop, slipped through a public Eluvian Mirror, and trekked the rest of the way to the heart of his coven late last night. Though he wasn't influential enough in Silvertongue to have his own space there, he had enough insider connections to find someone willing to keep him for a time. They bartered in favors and gold, a simple enough language once you've spoken it long enough.
In addition to putting distance between himself and the growing dangers of Sundial, the move also gave him the opportunity to isolate himself during the day he most dreaded between Salem's yearly cycles: Saturnalia's day of Gods and Spirits.
This morning, he had woken up long before sunrise, roused by furious shouts. His brain addled by sleep, the seer makes the mistake of opening his eyes, and he sees them.
The thing about ghosts is their essence isn't restrained by a physical body, making them both more and less than human. There is nothing to retain the more subtle traits, and nothing to restrict the most powerful parts to grow into something monstrous. And so, when a hateful ghost clings to the target of their malevolence, it isn't long before their lingering humanity burns out to nothing (leaving so, so much more).
Desmond really hates this day.
His eyes screw shut, and a pillow is pulled tightly against his ears. He doesn't want to see, he doesn't want to hear. He doesn't want to feel, but it's a bit of a challenge to shut of the sharp, chilling sensations dragging against his skin. He doesn't want to remember that not all of the spirits who follow him wish him ill, because facing even the ones he misses enough to make his heart ache means facing the rest as well.
And he can't do that. He can't...
He doesn't know if it's minutes or hours before his fingers are wrapped around the neck of a cool glass bottle, its warm liquid contents already nearly spent.
Lights from candles and the rising sun begin to melt together in a hazy blur between the shrinking shadows and their shapes. The voices blend into a warbling din, meaningless and easier to ignore. He hears drums in the distance, notes in a pattern he struggles to follow, but he seeks it out, walking outside and towards the crowds. He wants the daylight and the music, and every sensory distraction he can find.
His hair is entirely unkempt and his clothes disheveled by the time he lays across a bench, face down, in the area around the shrine. He'd lost the bottle somewhere along the way, but suspects there wasn't anything left to salvage from it anyway. He lets chants and drums and venomous shouts all pass through his mind unregistered, closes his eyes, and prays to make it through the day with as little consciousness as possible.
@open + minor taylan karga mention tuesight vol 1 is up permanently for the day & I desire for the new NPC
[attr="class","junescroll"] there’s a delicacy to the art that he has not quite mastered -- dubious, really, if he ever will. the gentler crafts have never been his forte, and even in smithing, his work is a far cry from his father’s artfully carved blades. between that, and the alarming fragility of the paper materials, it would suffice to say that maddox is struggling.[break][break]
there’s a snicker from somewhere at his side, and his focus drifts from the perplexing paper lanterns to a familiar face, expression drifting from mild puzzlement to a childish indignation -- he pauses as though to retort, but thinks the better of it and bites his tongue, answering instead with a similar clap on the shoulder. “oh, yeah, super cool - ” he agrees, seemingly amiable, before he squints suspiciously back at the paper in his hands, adding under his breath, “ - if it cooperates.”[break][break]
then, in a decidedly brighter tone, glancing down at his cousin with a huff and a grin, “that’s a good idea! she’ll love it.”
[attr="class","gearcore"] Zephyr usually isn't one for religious festivities, but could usually be won over with free building materials and friendly competition (even if it was just making paper lanterns). Plus, if he got bored out of his mind, this shrine was right at the edge of the Crystalcliff Peaks, which was practically a playground for earth witches (if they were more reckless than not, which fitted Zeph just fine).
Currently, the crafter was testing how many pieces of paper Kiki and her similar-looking partner were willing to give him before cutting him off. He'd stick in his own grabbing hand when the duo passed by eager groups, blending in with the crowd as best he could. Spock did the same, even pretending to be others' familiar in the hopes that she'd be mistaken for some other dark-furred monkey who hadn't already snatched at least a dozen patterned papers.
Their spoils, for the most part, get slipped into a Gate hanging from Zephyr's belt and collected by a jointed metal hand reaching out from the other side. The hand belongs to a fried whom the crafter made recently -- in the most literal sense of the phrase. Zephyr wanted him to be able to join the festivities, even if he wasn't quite ready for a public appearance yet, so shuttling over questionably-obtained lantern paper seemed like a good start.
@anyone @ ezra: who is Tahlia Vesper? spells used: Gates && Tin man
Ezra offers a warm, but tired smile to her pupil. Although she saw value in offering insight to the masses, it could be so very exhausting at public events like this. "Good morning, Charani. I'm glad to see you well," she greets, the hint of relief genuine in her tone. This day between the years seemed to affect each seer quite differently, and it would be a shame if her dear budding student would be made to suffer needlessly. Her attention then turns to his anxious-looking companion. [break][break] "It's only natural to want to meet someone so engrained in my student's life, is it not?" the seer offers, the slightest quirk of a smile on her lips as she accepts the folded paper, "It's a shame these introductions happened on such a busy time. Perhaps you could stop by the cafe to share some tea one of these days," she hums, not truly expecting the boy to go out of his way to meet with her. Her eyes scan the paper briefly before folding it again. A simple enough question on the surface, but few futures were so straightforward. Her hands reach out to brush the surface of one of three crystal balls set out in front of her, and the blue of her eyes seems to move and shift like a churning sea. After a few moments of silence, she looks up at Aiden speaks: "As much as the human soul is free to choose with whom it connects, regardless of physical circumstance, there is also a raw, undeniable power in blood." She blinks, and her eyes return to their usual hue, "But with this said, I should mention that I can feel some of your intent, and won't be helping you any more in this. Be sure you understand the consequences of the road you walk." [break][break]
(aiden emerson, please add the following item to your inventory)
[attr="class","stafftempstore"]
[attr="class","item"]
SEER'S TAROT - JUSTICE
LIMITED USE ITEM - UNIQUE - 1 USE
"There is also a raw, undeniable power in blood..." The edges of this card are clean and straight, perfect to the point of uncanniness. Utilizing this card during a staff-modded thread can grant your character insight into an NPC's most heinous crimes or strongest guilt.
Her solemn expression softens sympathetically as she turns to her pupil, and she takes his free hand in both of hers. "As much as I'd like to sit and talk, there are many who've waited the whole year for direction, and so few hours in the day," she says as a means of goodbye. But, before she lets her student go, her hands clamp down on his with a sudden tightness, and her eyes are again a limitless ocean. "Though, direction won't help all. The paths to life's joys crumble so easily, as unfair as that may be. But, given time and patience, they also spring anew..." She blinks, then again, and her eyes return to their usual still surface. She releases her student's hand and offers the slightest smile. "Go, enjoy the festival, my pupil. We can talk another time."
[break][break] (Charani Petrov, please add the following item to your inventory)
[attr="class","stafftempstore"]
[attr="class","item"]
SEER'S TAROT - DEATH
LIMITED USE ITEM - UNIQUE - 1 USE
"The paths to life's joys crumble so easily, as unfair as that may be..." This tarot card feels ever so slightly cool to the touch whenever you pick it up, and it feels like it tugs at your chest whenever you have it on you. Utilizing this card during a staff-modded thread can grant your character insight into an emotional turning point in an NPC's life, or something they miss dearly.
Not far off, the partner handing out paper lantern materials with Kiki pauses and lingers behind Maddox, glancing over his shoulder at his work. After a few moments of silent observation, eyes tired but sharp, he speaks up: "The arm giving you trouble?" When he's sure that he's been heard, he points to the purifier's metal hand for clarity. "I haven't seen a model like that before, but I'm sure I could polish up its reactivity." His to-the-point bluntness and apathetic tone was offset only by a keen glint in his eye -- one which Maddox may have been familiar with from witnessing his younger brother strip apart a complex machine with nothing but his eyes. [break][break] Before Maddox had an opportunity to respond, Kiki (loudly) calls over from across the way, all smiles and teasing: "Kai, darling~ Stop flirting and come help me over here!" [break][break] The young male's eye twitches as he stares off into a middle distance in resignation. Another beat of silence falls before he speaks again. "Anyway, if you have any interest, let me know--" he stops himself abruptly, apparently realizing how that sounded right after his sister's outburst. Rather than digging himself a deeper hole, he wordlessly drops a gear onto the paper which Maddox was folding, spins on his heels, and stalks away with a rosy dusting atop his ears. Truly, his sister was an absolute menace.
[break][break] (maddox rothscus ✨, please add the following item to your inventory)
[attr="class","stafftempstore"]
[attr="class","item"]
BRONZE WORKSHOP COG
MISC. - CURRENCY
A small cog about the size of a coin, clearly more decorative than functional. It has the address of Kai's Synthesis Workshop engraved around the rim. It may be traded in at the workshop in exchange for an upgrade of anything up to the rank of acolyte for 50% its usual cost, or to modify any single reusable prosthetic into a permanent for 50% the cost of a single permanent upgrade.
As the sun climbs higher into the sky and witches begin to shift their attention towards food and snacks for lunch, there is indeed a lull of the crowd around Ezra's encampment of colorful blankets. Corvus has his opportunity to approach. Although the seer seems tired, she is as welcoming as ever, and accepts the starcaller's question. The irises in her eyes spin, and the colors in the crystal balls spin with them. "An artificial light let in by words unsaid and intents misunderstood, it is destined to flicker and fade. There is an emptiness in its dimness, of which even the darkness was devoid." The seer's hurried words come to an end, but it takes a few moments longer for her consciousness to catch up with her. "Ah -- I'm sorry, dear," she offers, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.
[break][break] (corvus kasparian, please add the following item to your inventory)
[attr="class","stafftempstore"]
[attr="class","item"]
SEER'S TAROT - THE HERMIT
LIMITED USE ITEM - UNIQUE - 1 USE
"There is an emptiness in its dimness, of which even the darkness was devoid..." Carrying this card around makes you feel a bit lonely, even if there are plenty of other people around. Utilizing this card during a staff-modded thread can grant your character insight into an NPC's desires which are the most removed from reality.
As is the cycle of all things, following the sun's rise it then begins to fall. The afternoon light dims, taking on a tint of pink and gold as the chirps of birds quiet and the chants of priests take on a more hushed tone. In the peace of the sanctuary, a cloaked figure slips over to the ghost-plagued seer, now thoroughly passed out and sure to have a hangover when he wakes. "Edwítlíf," the feminine voice huffs under her breath before kneeling next to his sprawled body. She touches his head so gingerly as she murmurs long-forgotten hymns that the rare onlooker may have mistook her actions for the casting of a blessing (or, maybe a sympathetic prayer for lost sinner). Even Desmond may have come to such a false conclusion upon waking, when the most vicious of his ghosts cease to haunt him. But, despite the absence of their words, their vitriol had been transformed into something much more karmic. [break][break] That discovery is for another day, though, for the cloaked figure slips away just as delicately as she appeared.
[break][break] (Desmond Grey, please add the following item to your inventory)
[attr="class","stafftempstore"]
[attr="class","item"]
WILL OF THE VENGEFUL SPIRIT
PERMANENT CURSE - UNIQUE
Whenever this character causes physical harm to another human, the damage and pain inflicted is replicated on their own body as well. Wounds which are reflected in this way include any wound caused directly by the cursed individual's (or their familiar's) body, any wound caused by a weapon wielded by the cursed individual, and any magic cast by the cursed individual. (This acts as a permanent bought from the shop, and can be removed the same way)
The purification ceremony completes as the light of the day continues to dim. At its completion, a soothing, shapeless light (an expected display of the ritual spell) fills the area for a few moments before vanishing. Much of the crowd departs at this point, or gathers around the priests to offer their thanks and appreciation (or, to request their blessing). Some stay for the beginnings of the lantern festival, though there's little need since the colorful lights will most certainly be visible from the entirety of Gale Valley's town proper. [break][break] Around this time, Zephyr's arm is grabbed firmly by an exhausted Ezra, who stares through him with wild, frightened eyes which no longer seem human. Her voice is hoarse from talking the entire day, but she pushes on without invitation: "By the power of the first quarter moon, but not her will, a horrid cycle has been made complete, like an ancient wurm with its tail between its teeth. Remember this, if nothing else: a dream too long unrealized will mutilate itself." [break][break] Her eyes do not revert to their usual state, and she would likely continue if it weren't for Kirean Bernhardt gently prying her fingers off of the young crafter and pressing his hands firmly against her arms in a grounding gesture. "I think it would be best if Ms. Virgo got some rest after such a tiring day... I'll see her out, and I do apologize if she's caused you any distress," he says. The priest guides Ezra away, delicately weaving through the lingering crowd and offering apologies to those who wished for his blessing -- they would have to wait. By the time he exits the area of the shrine, the seer is leaning against his side for comfort and his arm is protectively wrapped around her shoulders. Neither returns for the remainder of the night.
[break][break] (Zephyr Hart, please add the following item to your inventory)
[attr="class","stafftempstore"]
[attr="class","item"]
SEER'S TAROT - THE MOON
LIMITED USE ITEM - UNIQUE - 1 USE
"A dream too long unrealized will mutilate itself..." When the light hits the face of this card just right and you glance at it out of the corner of your eye, you swear you can see the shape of a unicursal hexagram on it's surface, but... no, never mind, it must be a trick of the light... Utilizing this card during a staff-modded thread can grant your character insight into an NPC's most well-protected secrets.
Their absence is not sorely missed, however, as fires begin to flick to life and bright red lanterns begin rising skywards. Teenage witches with the elements of air or fire delight in racing their friends' lanterns, or making their own loop and twirl. And soon, all of the fires are lit, and the evening sky is filled with light.
[attr="class","stafftemptitle"] ooc notes
This post marks the start of the second stage of day 3: the lantern festival. For more detailed lore about this day, and the entire Saturnalia event, visit the overall thread here.
[break][break]This thread is not death enabled, or even injury enabled. Anyone can join at any time, but only posts prior to October 6th are eligible for event rewards (those who posted twice in the originally set window received a more monetarily valuable reward for the first stage). Please try to keep your posts related to the events of the day.[break][break]
Posting 2 times or more in this thread over the course of both stages will count as a completed event thread for day 3 of saturnalia.
[attr="class","junescroll"] he gives a start, first, at the mention of the arm. arches a brow, almost in question, but he knows that look: there's a sharpness to the stranger's eyes that maddox matches in a sudden grin, though there isn't a chance to respond before a voice interrupts -- accuses ! but offers a name to a face. there's a pause before he calls after kai's retreating back, fingers closing curious around the gear, "i'll take you up on that offer!"[break][break]
for now, though, he stows away thoughts on upgrades and focuses on wrangling the paper lantern into some semblance of acceptableness. the day continues to unfold around him, and he stays, finding a suitable corner on the edge of the crowd from which to watch the lanterns slowly begin to dot the dusk sky. countless motes of light sparkle among a dusty purple sky, rising slowly like lazy fireflies on a warm night. [break][break]
and -- despite himself -- he finds himself letting a lantern rise from his hands as well. for the briefest of moments, its light stains his palms red, before he is raising a hand to coax the wind and sending it higher, and higher, and higher.
[attr="class","gearcore"] The day had started well, at least. Neither Kiki nor Kai voiced complaints of him taking so much paper, despite surely catching on by the time noon rolled around. He didn't get kicked out, even after Spock stole some skewered emborus from one of the food stalls and he had to spend at least ten full minutes apologizing to the irate vendor. (Spock didn't apologize, but she did leave a third of the skewer uneaten for him, which, Zeph figured, was about as close to an apology as she was willing to give). The crafter spent the slow moments of the day on this athenian interface, sketching out blueprints for machine designs and tactics for the games which would be happening the next day. Maybe it was from the priests' purification ceremony, but he felt more comfortable here and now than he'd felt these past few weeks.
Naturally, this sensation of peace was entirely and abruptly shattered when Ezra grabbed ahold of his arm.
Zephyr wasn't by any means spiritual or religious person, but Fane had made sure to instill in him a strong avoidance of seers. He wasn't entirely sure how their magic worked, but he'd heard enough stories to be wary of their ability to dig up secrets that they weren't even looking for. The strongest seers had a way of defying logic that circumvented even the most carefully thought out plans, and Fane was always quick to remind that Ezra was one of the strongest (and, just as quick to lament that the Jester's seer could be doing so much more with her gift).
This said, Zephyr's first instinct was to pull away, eyes wide and limbs stiff, but her fingers were clamped tight. Sprocket's fur bristles and a warning hiss passes between her barred teeth, the skewer held as a weapon in threat. Words are already tumbling from Ezra's lips, and his brain fumbles between figuring out how to make a swift escape and attempting to commit to memory what she says. For a second he fails at both, but then hesitantly settles on the latter.
He doesn't think whatever Ezra's talking about outs him as a member of Leviathan, but her words also don't give him any sort of comfort.
He's fairly relieved when Kirean appears to take the seer away, but remains too shocked by the experienced to actually thank him. Letting out a shaky breath he didn't realize he was holding, he shares a concerned look with his familiar, then opens up his interface to jot down Ezra's words. Maybe they'd mean something to him later...
@anyone +f this paranoid lad spells used: Gates && Tin man
Blessedly, Desmond does not wake. If anything, he sinks even deeper into unconsciousness, the void made more welcoming by its newfound silence.
Neither does he dream. Dreams are for a more sober mind and a darker sky. But, he does hear a voice that makes the tension from his body ease. Part of him thinks she sounds worried... though he could only sometimes pick out her tone of half-masked concern before it turned into an intervention. He never really understood it... how she could find the energy and will to worry over someone like him. Especially when she was there with him -- he never understood how she could worry then. To Desmond, those were the only times when the world seemed manageable.
And since she was here now, since she was talking to him, that must have meant that things were going to be okay. Because only when she was with him did Desmond ever believe that the future could be good.
@anyone tuesight vol 1 is up permanently for the day
Her expression is kind, but he can’t help but feel the thorn of guilt pressing into the back of his mind, which he quickly dismissed trying to stay attentive and focused. He gave her a respectful nod and a soft ‘of course’. At another invitation offered, he looked over at Charani Petrov for guidance while nodding in agreement. “I’ll look forward to tea, then.” He stated politely. All things considered this wasn’t going too terribly for him, despite his elevated pulse, and the heath of so many bodies pressed together mixing with the nerves. It was hot, but he supposed it was worse for Ezra who was sharing her fortunes with the rest of the world. He wouldn’t complain.
There is momentary vindication, or perhaps it was hope, when Ezra began. Whether or not he wanted to be he was tethered to a stranger and he would find them somehow. Still, her words leave him cold but he supposes she is the adult here, and he still had so much to learn. He can’t say he isn’t disappointed either, and it bubbles up past the momentary worry. Her eyes seem to be on him, but he can’t feel another worry rise up and he prays Charani will not ask and Ezra will not answer. He takes the card and does his best to smile graciously despite the warning. “I appreciate your help, thank you Miss Ezra.” He then takes a step to the side, allowing Charani more space for time with his beloved mentor.
As his friend and mentor exchange words, he’s a little startled when she speaks again and looks away. He hadn’t noticed during his talk but when watching Ezra objectively he noted a strange way her eyes moved when she used divination. Still, this felt too personal for him and he did his best to look away for privacy’s sake. When she is done, he quietly helped lead them out of the excited crowd of Ezra’s admirers. “That…went better than I expected.” He said after the flow of bodies lessened with a small laugh, tense as it was as his nerves faded away.
Post by corvus kasparian on Oct 6, 2019 21:25:32 GMT
Corvus, ever bright, simply nodded at his cousin before deciding not to tease him any longer. He hadn’t known him for too long, but he was glad it wasn’t awkward. Maddox seemed like the awkward sort from afar. Tall and a little gruff, but maybe a bit awkward when it came to family. Or maybe it was just Aunt Nika. She tended to make a lot of people awkward. She was just…that cool. Its with this thought that he sets his attention to his work, focusing fully on the pieces he picked up and the colors he would use. His stomach rumbling brings him out of his trance, and as he looks around to begin his journey for snacks he sees an opportunity and he takes it, leaving his work in the safe hands of the people near him. It’d be fine.
He’s never been to a seer, and happily moves in closer when she allows him too. And while his hopes had been high, and his eyes bright, there is a bit if sad disappointment that comes with Ezra’s words and his smile doesn’t quite hide it either. His gaze falls to the calming colors of the crystal ball before looking up once more at the gesture. “Ah, it’s alright. Thank you for your time.” Corvus spoke, polite as ever but his tone not carrying that same happy lilt. He accepts his gifts, and waves goodbye before moving along on his search for snacks. He finds a booth selling some kind of cream filled pastry and pays for pne before moving somewhere out of the way to eat. It’s a little surprising when he bites in and can taste only salt. Frustration makes him wipes his eyes and tear further into his small lunch. He takes a moment to numb himself to a small but sad truth before eventually making his way back for his work. He still wanted something to shot his Aunt.
As the gathering's lanterns continue to rise into the darkened sky, smaller clusters of red-tinted lights bloom in the distance. From the height of the mountain shrine, the many communities across the South Hillocks can be seen sharing in this tradition, lifting their prayers to the stars. [break][break] The parade of decorative lanterns far bellow at the heart of Gale Valley has long since quieted down, and a peaceful murmur settles around the area of the shrine. Its only interruption is a hissed conversation going off off to the side, audible only to those who dared to sneak close enough to overhear what looked like an argument between Kiki and the mayor of Gale Valley, Vincente Mallori. [break][break] "I don't want to be here any more than your coven wants me to be here," the mayor gruffly mutters, "But this was the only location she gave to find her." [break][break] "It isn't mandatory to put a home address on the lantern submissions?" Kiki sighs [break][break] "Of course it is! But this girl must've been from way out in the wilds -- I could barely understand what she was trying to say. Her lantern was all traditional construction that impressed even Mrs. Costwicks, though, and the design was... well, if I'd picked any of the others I'd reckon there would've been a riot." [break][break] "Alright, alright -- maybe she stuck around, but I'm telling you, there's no Silvertongue members with the name-- what was it again?" [break][break] "Sólveig?" the Mayor replies, clearly guessing at pronunciations as he squints at the paper. [break][break] "Yes, that. Shall I go call for her?" [break][break] "No, no, just... take a look around, see if she's here. She was hard to miss, white hair on one side, black on the other, split right down the middle. It looked like she might've been blind in one eye, too." [break][break] It's at this time that Kai decided to slip over to the arguing duo, hands in his pockets and offering not a single word of greeting before chiming in: "Kinda sounds like the description of that necromancer who's been running around Sundial, doesn't it?" [break][break] The conversation drops dead, and all color drains from the mayor's face. After a mess of jumbled, too-quick excuses, Vincente is soon taking his leave, and Kiki is shooting worried glances over the crowd. [break][break] But, there was nothing to fear -- not tonight, in any case -- since the cloaked figure was already long gone... [break][break]
[attr="class","stafftemptitle"] ooc notes
This post marks the end of this Saturnalia day 3 thread! As always, for more detailed lore about this day, and the entire Saturnalia event, visit the overall thread here.
[break][break] You may continue posting in this thread for additional Saturnalia points, but further posts will not count towards completion of the thread for extra rewards. You may, of course, make your own Saturnalia day 3 threads to explore other activities of the day.
[break][break]As a final note, Sólveig's name has now been revealed and populated on the npc thread!
[attr="class","stafftemptitle"] day 3 rewards
Everyone who has posted at least once in a day 3 event thread will receive 50g and
[attr="class","stafftempstore"]
[attr="class","item"]
SEER'S TAROT - THE TOWER
LIMITED USE ITEM - UNIQUE - 1 USE
This card can give its current owner a burst of insight about dangers which are close at hand. It isn't always clear, nor specific, but it can steer someone away from the path of severe harm if used at the right time.
