Upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. [Open catch-all, some closed prompts]

[towards_okeanos]

Who: Iskandar and whoever he drags into his nonsense
When: Ieneuer
Where: Aefenglom, Dorchacht Wilde, Aefenglom Wilde, Wilde in general
What: One King of Conquerors is physically unable to sit still
Warnings: Violence, language, alcohol, outrageous acts of (heroic) stupidity. Will add as need arises.


As the new year begins one King of Conquerors dangerously grows restless... so he's going a-questing.

Prompts will appear in the comments below. PM or poke on plurk bitweaver.

More may appear later.

Iskandar has a top level on Return to Dorchacht Event as well.

Comments

[towards_okeanos]

Eh...

[Iskandar scratches his chin, just a bit embarrassed by his outburst. Enkidu's reasoning is entirely logical. He is not wrong. That is exactly what people always do. Iskandar laughs earning himself deeply quizzical looks from both of the Wilders. That's what he gets for dealing with one created directly by the gods. He couldn't have wished for a better companion on this treat. He bows to Enkindu.]

Indeed we do and you are right to berate us for it. [Hubris can lead even the greatest to their fall.]

Yet it is in our nature to do so. So do not think too harshly about us for it. [He smiles.] I am. What's more, I think we might want to take a sample of this plant to study. For scholars in both of the cities. I do wonder how it makes people fall asleep so instantly. I can easily imagine situations where such a thing could be rather beneficial.

[Like hospitals. Maybe this plant could be harvested or cultivated if they only knew which part of it is responsible for the sedative effect.]

[enkidoh]

[The bow brings a smile to their face.]

I do not mean to berate any of you. I am well aware that not acting is frowned upon and it is expected to care for others...humans. Truly.

[So they bow right back at him.]

I know it is like that and I should learn from it as well. [The smile on their face turns a little warmer. More familiar.] That is a good idea. It seems a helpful sort of plant...when you look beyond the barbs and the vines. [They nod before they step forward in a slow but graceful manner, carefully tiptoeing through the bushes. Normally they could listen, they could feel. Now they couldn't do much, really.

They move to cover half of their face with their sleeve and in the meanwhile they hum a soft song. A song they used to sing for every being that lived inside the Cedar Forest.]

Iskandar, will you prepare a pot?

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar nods.]

Just give me a moment to retrieve it.

[Fortunately, they are prepared and all he has to do is to retrieve the appropriate equipment from the baggage. He jots down a couple of lines noting where they found the plants and when. He adds a rough sketch of the surroundings and a small map showing how it relates to the city too. Just for better recognition of the place in the future.
The Wilders pair apparently decided that nothing can surprise them anymore. So they help him fill two pots with soil. One for the Dorchacht's Coven, one for Iskandar to take back home.]

Is it really safe?

[The woman is more suspicious of the two. No wonder, she was the one more affected. So it's only natural that she is the one to ask the question they both had on their minds. Iskandar just smiles. He was expecting some reaction. He's fine with them asking. He prefers they ask instead of forming some misguided opinions on their own. Because he'd hate for them to lose trust in him and what just has happened might have been the first but it certainly won't be the last time they saw something odd while in his company.]

It should be studied. All the dangers around your city should. That's the only way to learn how to defend against them.

[That is your first lesson future Dorchacht's Wilders. Study your enemy. Study him close. With both pots filled Iskandar goes back to Enkidu.]

There you go.

[enkidoh]

I do not know. I have to rely on my magic and my connection to nature. I know it has been better before I came here...but my sorcery works better here as well...

[And when they hear him speak to the female Wilder they nod, agreeing with Iskandar's words.]

He is right! This world is very dangerous! But I rather see these plants alive than ruined by the cwyld. Maybe they will be useful to humanity.

[They move to stand on their toes as they reach out to take the pots.]

Thank you. [Before they turn they hesitate a little and finally they stop halfway, looking over their shoulder.] Do you want to watch my back? In case they might lash out? Perhaps you can paralyze them with your sorcery.

[towards_okeanos]

Fear not. I shall guard you.

[It is not the best time to admit he knows no paralysing spells and the stunning one that he knows hasn't been tested on plants. At least not to his knowledge. He could use fire but then Enkidu would be sad he'd hurt the vines. And making them sad is definitely something Iskandar would prefer to avoid.
The Wilders might not be much help as they, quite understandably, now keep their distance from the lethal greens.]

[enkidoh]

Thank you.

[Enkidu trusts him. After all, he is strong and has a lot of love for all that grows and blooms.

So yes, it is a bit of a weird sight to see someone tiptoeing through the bushes, humming some strange, old song. They balance two pots in their hands as they thread deeper. Yes, the scent is overwhelming, luring them in but they focus on their singing, on the spell they've taught themselves.

It isn't much, but it might just do the trick.]

Let us stay calm...

[Slowly, very carefully, they crouch down in front of the plant. They aren't afraid, not really. But they are definitely aware of the danger, in fact, their head feels a little light.]

Please have some trust in me. [Yes, here they are, starting a conversation with a murderous plant.] I used to be able to communicate with the earth underneath me but now I have to rely on being a witch. Allow me to take some of your saplings. [Still, they're very oblivious to the vines sneaking up to them.]

[towards_okeanos]

[The Wilders pair must have decided earlier they had seen it all already and yet Enkidu's monologuing in the direction of the bush, asking for the plant's permission, catches them completely off-guard and all they can do is stare. Both Iskandar and Enkidu had practically guaranteed the two will have something to talk about when they get back to the city. For months to come. All Mirrorbounds are unusual to some degree but they are weird beyond measure.

Meanwhile, Iskandar is paying attention to the creeping plant than culture shock they are causing. Still unwilling to use fire he goes for his usual solution, he drives his sword through the vine closest to Enkidu, pinning it to the ground. The effect is immediate, all others recoil instantly.]

No, you don't.

[Erm ... Did he just threatened a plant? Must be the scent. It messes with his mind.

Iskandar shakes his head but pulls back his sword. The pierced vine retracts dragging its limp, injured part in a way that more resembles a wounded animal than any greenery he's ever seen.]