Event Log: May, Arrivals from Distant Lands

[faileas]

Event Log: May, Arrivals from Distant Lands

I. Boaltinn Down The Hatches It makes for a soggy celebration when Boaltinn arrives with the first day of Maiuril, and so too arrives a massive thunderstorm, sudden and quite unexpected. The rain alternates between coming down in sheets and coming down merely steadily, leaving large puddles on the sides of the streets and raising the water level in the River Temese (to most Merrows' joy, though the lightning flashing in the sky periodically has them worried). Boaltinn celebrations usually involve bonfires scattered through the city, where feasting and dancing and leaping over the flames take place, but it's harder this year. A few are still lit to herald summer's arrival, set up under makeshift coverings, but there are grumblings among the people that it's just not the same and it's a right bad omen. There is a call to help mitigate some of the minor flooding, and anyone with an open garden will find it vastly overwatered, but the storm, for those in Aefenglom, is a dreary inconvenience more than anything. Elsewhere, some others only wish they could say that. a. The Efthymia (4th Wall Characters' Arrival) The last thing you remember before the raging sea is your home, and a glimpse of your reflection. Maybe in a mirror, in a puddle on the ground, in the corner of a windowpane, anything reflective, you stopped and glanced, for just a moment, and then- Then there is only being bandied about on the waves, the storm churning the sea around you, salt water stinging your eyes and splashing up your nose and mouth. It's hard to tell which way is down or up as the wave rises, carrying you with it, literally tossing you through the wind and rain to land heavily on the wooden deck of a rocking ship, coughing and sputtering. There are others like you, all around you, in a similar sad, soggy state, and there are also strange people the likes of which you have likely never seen, staring at you like you've grown three heads. Men and women in loose, belted clothing, often without sleeves, the light fabric stuck wetly to their bodies. Some have tall, proud horns decorated in shining metals and jewels. Others, green-skinned, have heads covered in leaves. Some have flowing hair of water or silvery wind whipping about their winged feet. Animal features, fangs, claws, feathered wings, at least half the people around you are not human, and the other half? Almost every one of them has some small, glowing, intangible creature following them, taking orders, helping out with bursts of spellwork. After their moment of shock, a few more experienced strangers who speak a language you can understand (unlike many of them) are quick to usher you and your soggy fellows down below deck, out of the rain, to give you hot drinks and towels, assuring you that all will be well, their Sylphs and Harpies have spotted land, a harbor, very close by and they're making for it right now. The Undines and Merrows are guiding the ship. Stay in the belly of the ship away from the storm if you want, but you might be experiencing the very beginnings of your burgeoning magic or strange, Monstrous changes, and if you can help out any, they won't say no. b. The Newcomers The ship, named the Efthymia and bearing a carved Merrow figurehead on its bow, practically limps toward the Harbor the last stretch of the way, as the storm breaks on the dawn of the 4th. They have suffered heavy damages, and need a little help docking safely. The Coven is on the scene, alerted by sailors in the Harbor District, who pointed out that the ship looks like one from Neahealand (as Aefenglomites call it), a series of islands to the south - a rare sight around Aefenglom these days. Those who can swim and those who can fly are encouraged to help out in pulling the half-wrecked ship the rest of the way to the Harbor, helped along by their own people, Harpies and Merrows and odd, pale people with wings on their feet, who carry the breeze with them. Others will be needed to help care for any wounded, or start assessing the damage to their ship. They're not expecting the others on board. Aefenglom has seen one batch of untraditional Mirror-unbound from a year before, and it's easy to recognize that they don't belong with the Neahealanders, so as the original inhabitants of the ship and the newcomers disembark onto not-currently-dry land, they're ushered off separately and directed to the Coven for orientation, and to have a chance at finding friends or family members who might already be here. Mirrorbound are all sent a message through their Watches, and asked by Nessie to play tour guide, to help the newcomers get fresh clothes and hot meals and find places to stay. And, if they can, to try to begin to explain to them where they find themselves now. If experience proves correct, these newcomers will start changing into Monsters, or developing their magic, very soon - if they haven't already. c. The Other Newcomers The original inhabitants of the Efthymia pour into the Harbor District, close to 150 of them soon taking up most of the available inn space and then some, drinking in the taverns with a sort of cheer despite their wrecked ship, and enjoying their first time on dry land in close to six months. Most of them don't speak the language common to Geardagas, or only a smattering of it, but a handful do, those who had been sailors or merchants before they set sail, and any of them will tell their tale for a beer. They come from an archipelago to the south, a land they call Diasteros, the jeweled isles. A lovely place, before the Cwyld came a decade or more ago. No one knows exactly how, whether it came with traders, or spread through the sea, or was cursed upon them by some vengeful force of nature, but it spread, eventually forcing them onto one island out of many. Boxed in, their group, the ones on the ship, set sail looking for a better life elsewhere, about six months ago. Hey, maybe they could stay here? What would you think about that, fella? Think your city would go for it? They're willing to answer questions about the strange Monsters with them, the Aeternae and the Sagani and the Dryads, who were never seen on Geardagas before now, but were common enough on Diasteros. The Witches among them can answer questions about their glowing, spirit-like Phylaxes. About the ship, about their home, about their mission to find a new place to settle. Unfortunately, they have no answers about the strangers that literally washed up on their decks! Weird, innit? How about another beer?

II. A Busy Coven With everything that's happened just recently, between the recent miraculous return of the Dryads to Geardagas, the Diasterans from the damaged ship, and the extra Mirrorbound who do not have mirrors, who will no doubt experience their changes and growing magic very rapidly (always a recipe for disaster!), the Coven is a busy place these days. There always seems to be something going on, day or night, and there are always people, Witches and Monsters alike, bustling about with armfuls of books or papers or in some cases, large potted plants or cauldrons of strange-colored, bubbling potions. (The Coven teaches many kinds of magic.) Attending these classes is optional, but highly encouraged. They all welcome drop-ins, no appointments or sign-ups needed, and even if the subject isn't directly relevant to you, they won't kick you out. It's important to know as much as possible in this world, so you stand less of a chance of hurting yourself and others, or so you can help others as much as yourself. a. Don't Be Phy-lax About Your Studies The Coven entertains some Diasteran guest instructors from the ship a couple of times a week. In exchange for helping them out with regards to lodging, and petitioning Parliament to let their people stay in Aefenglom for a time, they've offered to teach the Witches of Aefenglom how to summon their own Phylaxes. This is an old school of magic from their homeland, the ability to conjure up a companion for life that can assist with spellcasting, extra energy, and more. Made up of magic and a little piece of the Witch's soul, the Phylax is an extension of the Witch, though often with a will of its own. Nearly every Diasteran Witch they see around will have a Phylax with them, some glowing, translucent animal that flits around their head or feet. Those who want a Phylax of their own (which is many of the Witches at the Coven, so the classes are always full of other Witches) are encouraged to attend a one day workshop, which can last anywhere from a handful of hours to a full day and night, depending on how quickly the students' Phylaxes manifest. The first hour of each class starts the same, with the instructor, a smiling Witch with a playful, pink-hued fox Phylax darting around to inspect the students (perhaps even passing right through you like a ghost!), explaining what a Phylax is, what they can and cannot do, how to summon and un-summon it after the initial meeting, and how to look after one. With the basics covered, it's time for a field trip for the ritual part. She teaches everyone the circle that needs to be drawn in paint on the ground, and imbued with a drop of the Witch's blood, and from there, she says, that's all she can do to help! The rest is up to you. She takes the classes out to the Wilde around the city, finding scenic routes free of Cwyld to wander, and encourages participants to find a place that speaks to you, a place that lets you calm your thoughts and clear your mind. Maybe it speaks to more than one of you and you get stuck next to someone! Maybe they breathe too loudly for you to concentrate. You'll just have to deal with it, or maybe say something? From there, draw your circle, drip just a little of your blood into it, sit inside, and wait. Maybe yours shows up right away, or maybe it takes a while. You can talk to anyone nearby to pass the time, as long as you stay in your circle. Leaving it means having to do it all over again fresh, in a new spot. And then… When the Phylaxes do begin to appear, the instructor just forgot to mention that, well. They can go a little wild at first! You might have trouble getting your new companion under control, or maybe yours is very well-behaved and you want to help someone else corral theirs. These newborn Phylaxes tend to fly all over the area, full of new magic and energy, and cast little spells that could be dangerous if left unchecked, like giving off tiny flames or levitating other people's belongings into the lake. Whoops. b. Monster Misunderstandings The Coven isn't just a center of knowledge for Witches. Monsters are incredibly important to balance out Witches' overflow of magic, and they have their own things to learn. Classes are held by native Monsters to teach budding Monsters of all kinds a bit about what they can do, how to be safe, how to accept and control their new instincts and abilities. This is especially important with some Mirrorbound turning into Aeternae, Sagani, or Dryads - two Monsters never before seen on this continent, and one that's been extinct for hundreds of years. The Coven gets some guest instructors of the Aeternae and all four Sagani types, and one of the Dryads freed from the tree last month, Filomena, teaches a class about her people. Even those who don't seem to be Aeternae, Sagani, or Dryads are welcome to sit in on the class, since maybe one day they'll Bond with one! You never know, and it doesn't hurt to be prepared. But the classes for the new Monsters… are a bit of a well-intentioned mess. The Aeternae and Sagani teachers are not fluent in the language of Geardagas, and tend to mix up words and phrases, with destructive or hilarious results. As well, it's difficult for new Monsters of any type to control their more magical abilities, and the Sagani especially have these abilities in spades. Maybe you aren't even attending one of these classes, just passing across the lawn, and get your hair singed by a Salamander's stray fireball, or knocked over by an ill-timed earthquake from a budding Gnome. They're trying their best! Meanwhile, the Dryad classes have an experienced teacher, but… well, the problem is, Filomena is very rusty and out of practice. Being frozen in horrified stasis for hundreds of years will do that to you. At some point, trying to teach new Dryads how to control the growth of a potted flower results in a burst of growth inside the Coven greenhouse, plants growing much bigger than they should and bursting out of the glass, flytraps snapping at people rather than flies, and six foot tall flowers releasing bursts of pollen. Even if you weren't at that one, you might get asked to come help clean up after! c. Bonding for Dummies Bonding is incredibly important in Geardagas. Many classes at the Coven cover Bonding specifically - extolling its benefits and upsides, mostly, with much less talk about the downsides. (There aren't many, as far as most native residents of Aefenglom are concerned. They keep you stable, and your Bonded is the best kind of company, so what's wrong with that?) The instructors tell the newcomers and old-comers alike what to expect, why they should Bond, and why a Witch and a Monster makes for the most perfect, balanced pair. For those who are curious to try one out, temporary Bonding potions are provided, should you find a partner! Maybe another curious soul, or maybe someone you know already, even strangers can Bond temporarily to see how they like it. These can be broken at any point with none of the pains that come from annulling or breaking a regular Bond, so what do you have to lose? The instructor will pair you with someone if you're shy! In fact, she gets a little pushy urging you to give it a go with someone, anyone. Do you fend her off, or do you try out a temporary Bond just to shut her up?

III. Twin Flower Blood Moons CW: Drinking, mentions of smoking pot, mentions of group sex (implied, not explicit). If you choose to use these elements, please mark your threads accordingly! The Sisters, the world's twin moons, go dark and new in the sky on the 11th, and despite being dim round shapes in the sky, the very edges take on an almost petal-pink hue. While native Witches are weaker during the new moons, Mirrorbound Witches, including those who are newly arrived on the ship, are much stronger than normal. The effect seems to be multiplied this month, and newer Witches may not be used to the rush of power, leading to magical mishaps. Any Witches still getting used to having a Phylax might notice their spirit companion is more active, whether they want it to be or not, casting spells without their say-so, wanting to run free and use their magic to the fullest. But that isn't why the moons are the talk of the city this month. That petal pink hue intensifies and brightens gradually as more of the Sisters become visible over the coming days, getting the Coven and the Diasterans talking excitedly, and the civilian Aefenglom residents with a superstitious dread, about the Twin Flower Blood Moons. Some Aefenglom residents think that any shade of red in the sky is an ill omen that portends bad things to come, but others in the Coven think it could be a good thing, a celebration that the Dryads have returned to Geardagas, even in small numbers. The Sisters are full and bright, seeming bigger in the sky than normal, on the 26th, a vivid reddish-pink and casting a warm moonlit glow over the city. Witches will find themselves weaker, unless they have a Monster Bond, permanent or temporary, and then they'll find themselves feeling just as good as Monsters. Monsters get a power boost as their instincts rise to the surface, and while they can try to shove them down, that only tends to make things worse. You can go feral if you clamp down on yourself too tightly, cling too hard to your human (or whatever you were before) nature. Meanwhile, the Diasterans have their own view on the Twin Flower Blood Moons. They're a cause for celebration, for Monsters to revel in their natures. Sagani feel more connected to their elements, Undines frolicking with Merrow in the river or the harbor, Sylphs flying overhead with Harpies and a few Dragons in some complicated dance, Gnomes shaking the earth joyfully, Salamanders dancing through bonfires and lighting every candle or torch they come across for good luck. The Dryads, both the two who returned to Aefenglom from the Heart Tree, and the ones who came over on the ship from Diasteros, along with Faun friends, find a patch of land outside the city and grow a magnificent garden laden with fruits and flowers, where they can play music and drink, open to anyone who wants to stop and smell the roses or taste fruit wine fermented on the vine. And the Aeternae? They find a public park and set up a full on party that lasts for hours and garners a new record of noise and indecency complaints to the City Guard (who, frankly, will let this pass unless someone gets hurt). How they get it all together quickly, no one can say, but they have rich food, gambling, drink, and, if you're of age and know who to ask, weed (from a Dryad friend, supposedly, primo stuff). They have music and dancing and all the finer things in life to enjoy. At some point, they kick out anyone who is underage, and start to lose their clothes. Maybe that's your thing. Maybe it's not! But if it's not, it might be time for you to go, because they show no signs of stopping until the sun has risen. Whether you stick to the tamer celebrations with the Sagani or in the Dryads' garden, or party hard with the Aeternae, it's never a bad thing to experience some different culture. The Diasterans seem much more free and open, in tune with nature and the underlying magic of the world.

IV. Mis-Communication Devices Not a day passes after their arrival before Miss Nessie makes sure that all of the wave-tossed Mirror-unbound (some are jokingly calling them the "Oceanbound", but she has more manners than that!) get hooked up with Watches, communication devices used by the Mirrorbound. They can be used to make general inquiries to the network, asking after anything someone might want their fellow Mirrorbound to tell them, and just so there are no difficulties, she makes sure there are people on hand to teach the arrivals how to use them. Except. Well. With all the magic in the air this month, the network, a complex sort of magitech, is acting up a bit. Maybe your Watch broadcasts something you didn't mean to send, or didn't even type (did your speech to text function get turned on?)! Maybe it turns on and starts playing other people's messages at top volume at 3 in the morning. Maybe it butt-dials someone you don't want to talk to. They'll be working on recalibrating things at the Coven, but, well, it might take a couple of weeks to fix, sorry!

Welcome to May's event log: Arrivals from Distant Lands! This is our 2nd anniversary and our 2nd Fourth Wall Event, meaning if you want to try a new character or aren't part of the game at all, you're welcome to come play with us for the month and see how you like things! The log and network comms, aefenglom & middaeg, are now open to non-member commenting and will remain so until June 1st.

Fourth Wall characters can top level on this log using the event prompts, or make up your own wildcards! You can also use this post for making network posts of your own, since the comms do not allow non-member posting. That said, feel free to comment around on logs or network posts made by our current players, unless they specify that they do not want fourth wall guests. We also still have a Fourth Wall EMP right here that everyone is welcome to use! As a note: we do allow characters who would be otherwise unappable such as doubles, though we are not allowing CRAU characters from other games on the fourth wall.

Play nice and have fun! We hope to see you all when our Reserves Open on May 18th! Your fourth wall threads can be used as samples, or for AC for current players.

Comments

Hilda Valentine Goneril | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Aeternae | Visitor

[indolentaxe]

I. The Efthymia

[Hilda, as someone who makes jewelry and works with shiny objects as a hobby, is surrounded by no shortage of reflective surfaces that can pull her into Geargadas. She's not even sure what she last looked at prior to suddenly being drowned in a storm-surged sea and then being unceremoniously dumped onto the hard deck of a ship she's never seen before in her life.

Needless to say, she's not happy about this new development.

She's quickly approached by someone who shouts at her in a language she doesn't understand, then by someone who shouts at her in a language she does. "Don't you worry your pretty head, girlie! We'll get you taken care of and on dry land soon."

Not having very many other options, she follows. She's given towels, blankets, and something to eat, and she's full of charm and thank you's to her rescuers as they settle her in. They're weird, but they did bring her in from the elements instead of throwing her back out to sea. That's not nothing.

As soon as they're gone, however, she slumps and sighs dramatically.]

Ugggggggh. What did I ever do to deserve this?

[Of course, she isn't the only washed up arrival sitting in the hold. None of the other arrivals are any better off than she is. But that doesn't matter right now--she's miserable, and she's going to make sure make other people are aware of it.]


II. Aefenglom

[By the time the ship arrives and Hilda is put through a harried and breakneck orientation, she's already starting to show signs of change. Her skin is losing its warm undertones, becoming more similar in color to porcelain than flesh, and her ears come to small points at the end. Two small horns, mere nubs at the moment, have started coming up from her skull. She hates all of it, and does the best she can to cover it up under her clothing and hair.

The weather is improved, at least, and Hilda takes advantage of the sunshine to do a bit of exploring. The task quickly backfires as she soon finds herself unable to find her way back to the barracks.

No matter. She simply walks up to the nearest person--you--and sighs helplessly.]

Hi, I'm new here and I think I've gotten lost. This is a really big city, and it's easy to get turned around, and I'm still really shaken up from the boat and all of this new... everything.

[None of this is untrue, but she makes it a point to act more upset and worried about her circumstances than she actually feels. No one is going to drop everything to help her if she comes off as too competant or capable, after all.]


III. Twin Flower Blood Moon

[The power of the full moons, bright and red in the night sky, basically saps away what remaining resistance Hilda has to the changes that have overtaken her this past month. By now she's fully Aeternae, with pale gray skin, two perfectly curved horns growing out of either side of her head, and a thin tail that swishes as she walks. Her eyes, still rosy-hued, are all iris with no pupil or sclera to speak of. Tonight, they glow ever so slightly in the moonlight.

She hasn't gone feral, per se, but finds herself open to suggestion and easily convinced to join the native Aeternae in their wild celebration. It's a party, they say. The night is young! What does she have to lose?

Her inhibitions, as it turns out. There's plenty of food and drink and attention to be had, and Hilda wholeheartedly indulges in all of it. At one point she literally loses her shirt, trading it for a more flowy, more revealing Diasteran fare.

Already bold and social even without the high of the full moons urging her onward, Hilda approaches people with a coy smile that reveals sharp canines.]

These Diasteros people certainly know how to throw a party, don't they?


IV. Wildcard

[Have other ideas to pester Hilda with? Feel free to tag in! I'm available on plurk (asondeiru) or discord (asondeiru #9009) if you'd like to plot something.]

II. Aefenglom (sort of)

[darkestbefore]

[ Rumors spread fast in Aefenglom, but Yona had been lucky to be down in one of the taverns in the harbor already with some friends when word came racing through that a near-demolished ship was being dragged into the harbor with a bedraggled crew aboard. Abandoning her seat in the tavern, she'd hurried down to see if she could help, as people started spilling out from the half-wrecked ship. Far more than the ship should have been able to hold, as she eyes it. She's impressed they made it to shore at all, in fact.

She spots the girl when she disembarks, quickly pushing her distracted thoughts away for now as she steps closer and gives her a warm smile. Swinging the simple cloak off her own shoulders, she's quick to wrap it around the girl who looks like she's literally been fished from the ocean. ]

You look like you've had quite a day. Are you hurt?

[indolentaxe]

[Hilda must look exceptionally pathetic to receive such kindness unprompted. But it's deeply appreciated, especially since it's given without the roughness of a seaman's shouting.]

You're a lifesaver, thank you.

[The statement of gratitude lacks her typical energy, but it's no less sincere. If anything, it's moreso than usual.]

I'm fine--more shaken up than anything. It's been a really weird past few days.

[Hilda takes the time to actually look around at her surroundings. They're in the harbor of a city, that much is certain, but the style of the buildings is unfamiliar and foreboding. She doesn't have the language for what she sees, and the inability to put a finger on it makes her uncomfortable. Having never left Fódlan, she feels woefully unprepared for all of this.]

Where are we, anyway?

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona just gives her a warm smile, because she remembers that feeling well, even as she tucks her cloak about the girl's shoulders. ]

I imagine it has. You're not from the islands the ship originated from, are you? [ She'd already heard a bit of that from the native sailors - heard of all the people they'd fished out of the sea. This had happened once before in her time here, but it was still pretty rare for anyone to arrive as they did, and not have a mirror. ]

Welcome to Aefenglom. We're down in the harbor area now but the city spreads up that way- [ she turns to gesture ] -and is a little nicer than down here, at least. I can lead you up towards the Coven if you'd like? I suppose you could say it's the city's unofficial welcoming center, as well as a central location for those who find themselves in this place unexpectedly. Most there have a good deal of experience answering questions and explaining about this place - but so can many of the others who have found themselves stranded here.

[indolentaxe]

[Hilda tilts her head a little in surprise. How did she know?]

No, I'm not. I was just minding my own business in my room and then suddenly I was sloshing around in the ocean trying not to drown. I'm lucky that ship was there, or I would have been a goner.

[What an awful way to go. Just thinking about it makes her shudder despite the warmth of the cloak around her shoulders.

She listens to the introduction to this city, turning to follow the young woman's gesture further into it. The prospect of putting distance between herself and the sea is quite an inviting one.]

I'd really appreciate you taking me to this Coven place, if it's not too much trouble?

[Technically the offer has already been made, but Hilda can't help but double down on the request before accepting it.]

[darkestbefore]

[ Newcomers always have a certain look about them - and she's been here long enough now to recognize it.

But she just offers a warm smile and beckons to the girl to follow her. ]

It is no trouble at all. It's a little bit of a walk to get there, but at least that gives you time to dry off more and warm up a little. [ Although at least spring was in full bloom here in the city now - those who'd arrived soaking wet could have come a few weeks back when it had still been much colder and it would have been far more dangerous for them. ]

I'm Yona. [ She introduces herself, flashing a sideways glance and smile at the girl as she starts leading the way away from the docks. ] I can try and answer any questions you have on the way, if you like?

[indolentaxe]

I don't mind the walk. It'll be nice to stretch everything out after being trapped in the hold of a wrecked ship.

[Who even IS she, voluntarily subjecting herself to an urban hike like this?

Hilda falls into step alongside Yona, returning her smile with one of her own.]

I'm Hilda. It's really nice to meet you. Remind me to buy you lunch or a gift or something as thanks once I've gotten settled.

[It's the least she can do to thank this kind one-woman-welcome-committee.]

You don't seem very surprised by all of... this. [She waves back behind them, where people are still gathering their bearings after disembarking.] Does it happen often?

[darkestbefore]

I'm sure it will be. That must have been terrifying. [ Yona casts her a sympathizing glance because to be dropped in the middle of an ocean out of nowhere, with only a ship barely floating as a solid surface...? Yona was very relieved her first visit and arrival had been nothing like this. Although she suspected her arrival would have been more than a little unnerving for anyone with claustrophobia... ]

And you don't have to worry about that. I'm glad I can help. Arriving here in Aefenglom can be overwhelming and frightening. I had some very kind people do the same for me when I first arrived. it's only right to carry that tradition on, don't you think? [ Which was why she was often one of the ones who volunteered to help out with new arrivals when they stumbled in from the Mirror House. Stumbling in from the docks wasn't much different. ]

You're not the first to find themselves here unexpectedly. It doesn't happen too often, but it happens frequently enough that most of us who have been here a while now are fairly accustomed to it. ALthough you are the first to have wandered in on a broken ship.

[indolentaxe]

Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it.

[Hilda's downplaying it, but "terrifying" is a very apt word for the experience. It's right up there with "disorienting" as a perfect way of describing it. It's a good thing she doesn't get seasick, or else "nauseating" would be in there as well.]

And please, I insist. Even if you're paying it forward--which is really nice of you to do, by the way--I'd feel awful if I don't do something nice for you in return. A lot of people wouldn't bother with taking the time to do something like this.

[She's knows for a fact she would be one of those "lot of people," were the roles reversed. Plus, she has a system for this kind of thing, and this sort of selfless giving throws that off. Kindness is met with kindness. Deeds are met with deeds. Not reciprocating always makes her feel uncomfortable, like she's letting the other party down somehow.]

And yay, lucky us. Hopefully they'll breeze over how drowned and miserable we all look when this goes down in the record books as the first maritime arrival of... people from not here.

Is there a special term for us?

iii.

[killuwatt]

[ Here's another Aeternae near her, indulging without shame at the table laden with various food and drink. He's staying away from the alcohol for now, but his plate is laden with honeyed fruits, nuts and some sort of little cakes.

Killua's transformations have taken hold more slowly, but his skin is a powdery-blue tint that looks almost like it's glowing in the moonlight. His hair is naturally white, though it looks even more striking against his features now, and his blue eyes have taken over completely, matching the ethereal look of his companion's, and the many other Aeternae around. ]

I dunno. Could use more chocolate, for one.

And I haven't seen a single fight break out yet!

[indolentaxe]

[Hilda gives her fellow Aeternae a smile, appreciating his spread. Her indulgence has been more liquid, but she has taken some time to sample the food. If anything, it's kept her from tipping from happily drunk to impossibly wasted.

His specific request, however, baffles her.]

Chocolate? I'm not familiar with that one. What kind of food is it?

[She's assuming it's food, at least.]

And what is it with guys and wanting to fight? That's the worst part of a party--everyone gets all worked up and someone usually ends up hurt and someone else ends up crying. It's a mess.

[killuwatt]

Whaaat? [ Killua looks utterly scandalized. ]

You've never tried chocolate?! Screw that, you'd better try some right now! We have to go find somewhere that has it!

[ Abandoning his plate, Killua reaches out to grab her by the wrist if she'll allow it, meaning to drag her away to go in search of his favorite sweets. ]

And fighting is fun. If you're doing it. And funny, if you're watching others fight, as long as they're either really good or really bad.

Anyway, it's not like I'd let anyone pick a fight with me and win, so don't worry about that.

[indolentaxe]

[Hilda doesn't fight when he takes her by the wrist. She's intrigued by the idea of this chocolate stuff--it must be damn good, given how scandalized he is by her never having had any. It's always fun to try something new!

The talking of fights, however, she's less on board with.]

No, fighting is effort. And you get all dirty and sweaty. And bloody, if the other person's any good at it. Why would you want to do that for fun?

You sound like a friend of mine from back home. He gets into fights all the time, too. I think he enjoys them.

[It's a favorable comparison, all things considered. Hilda is quite fond of Caspar.]

[killuwatt]

If you're any good at it, you won't get dirty or sweaty.

And wow, I do not get in fights all the time. It's just fun, if you come up against someone who's actually a challenge. Which doesn't happen a lot. So actually, I don't get in fights often at all because everyone else is boring.

[ So there. He huffs, but he's still leading her somewhere. After a loop around the party's food-laden tables and no chocolate in sight, he starts heading back out onto the city streets. ]

I have hot chocolate at home. [ He clarifies after a minute, when it's quieter, and he suddenly realizes it's maybe possibly kind of weird he's just dragging some girl home with him. ]

's not too far.

[indolentaxe]

If you say so. Let's just agree to disagree on the fighting thing.

[Her tone is doubtful, but then again what does she know? She's only just met the kid. Either way, it's clear that neither of them are going to make any difference on the others' opinion on barfighting.

The optics of what he's doing don't really occur to her until after he makes it a point to tell her where they're headed. It's probably fine. And if it's not, who cares--people can think what they want. She's trying chocolate.]

If "hot chocolate" is a thing, is there such a thing as cold chocolate?

[killuwatt]

[ Killua's thinking less about the optics of bringing a girl home, and more about the fact she's a complete rando -- but hey, whatever. Gon won't mind. And honestly, being around him when he's not her enemy is probably one of the safest places she could be. ]

Sure! But it's just called chocolate milk.

[ Killua laughs, feeling surprisingly relaxed and friendly. He doesn't even want anything from her! Is this how Gon feels all the time? ]

You have milk where you're from, right?

[indolentaxe]

[She won't argue with 'someone else does the hard work if she needs protection for whatever reason.']

Yes, we have milk in Fódlan. [Hilda sounds equal parts amused and offended by the question.] I think some people would riot without milk or cream for their tea.

So this chocolate stuff is added to milk as a drink, then? Is that the only way to serve it?

[killuwatt]

Nah, there are lots of ways.

It's a sweet made out of cocoa beans and... milk? and sugar? I'm not sure, exactly.

But it can be eaten as a candy, or melted and used in drinks, or made into powder or syrup. It's used in lots of stuff.

[ Killua shrugs, leading her down another street and going faster, if she can keep up. ]

At least you have milk. And tea, apparently.

You have coffee too, or is that also a mystery?

[indolentaxe]

[Hilda's able to keep pace just fine. She may not look or act like it, but she's quite fast and strong when she needs to be. Or is motivated to be, like she is now.]

Oh, it's a sweet! Now I'm even more interested.

[Her favorite dishes aren't all desserts, but there are several desserts on the list. Plus, she gets to try something new and exciting! What's not to love?]

I've heard of coffee before, but I've never had it. That's something they have on the Almyran side of the border.