❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

[natha]

In normal circumstances, this would have been near the time in which you're called upon to greet the newly awakened. Unfortunately, I speak to you to inform that we must postpone that — there is trouble on your horizon. What, I cannot see for sure. We shall continue to monitor the situation, however — we - ... we — [feed cuts off.] OLYMPIAN PRESERVATION     The city of Olympia is preparing the send-off of its most prized artifact: the heart of the ancient dragon, Ysverai. In doing this, they've transformed the palace court into an exhibition detailing the centuries-old war between Wyver and Olympia. Sculptures of Nithor the Exalted and his men and women in clean, white marble, while their armors are polished in perfect gold. Among Nithor are the sculptures of stallions in all shapes and sizes that also aided in the great war. Further in the exhibition, one may also find other artifacts of much older weaponry, rusted by its time in the earth, and items found from a time when humans feared the dragons. The Royal Guard has increased its numbers in wake of such a public event, particularly because the heart will be in display also. The heart is not what one might expect it to be: about the size of an average human, the heart's core is surrounded in stone, a red glow emitting from its still beating core. If that were not unsettling enough, one might also find that lingering around this particular exhibit will have undue affects on one's inhibitions. You'll notice your heart has fallen into sync with the organ, and your more selfish desires will come forth. Things that have long been buried will rise up and place you in a state of unease, encouraging paranoia about your companions intentions. Allow it to fester, and one will carry this feeling with them long after you've left the scene. It's probably a good thing this is leaving Olympia — perhaps it's a source of so much conflict you've endured. It's easy to become mesmerized by all the historical artifacts that are present in Olympia's exhibition. Some even seem mystical or, like Ysverai’s heart, to hold unspeakable powers. Others are just a little eerie. Either way, Olympia prides itself in its generosity and their grand displays, and so refugees are urged to learn more about their artifacts by spending the night in Palace Court. Though, someone should probably mention that there are rumors of strange, almost occult things happening around these relics at night. People speak of armored soldiers casting shadows that have the ability to walk on their own, or gemstones that catch the moonlight in a certain way and show you visions. But those are just silly ghost stories, right? TALL TALES OF KHALO VILLAGE     Because of Khalo's proximity to Wyver, it's no surprise that they would catch wind of the peace talks between Wyver and Olympia. In response, for the first time in centuries, Khalo Village has willingly granted passage to outsiders — but visitors will immediately find out that one cannot just simply walk into the village. Visitors will need to inhale the smoke of a fyrra herb in order to enter the premises without falling into slumber. Khalo is notably different than what refugees are used to. Visitors, specifically refugees, will find that they are exceedingly accommodating. The Khali are very intrigued by the outsiders, thus they're treated with much respect and given instant access to some of the best lounges and fyrra the village has to offer. In exchange, the village is interested in hearing about your journey thus far. Whether it be through a conversation with another individual or the Khali themselves, they'll very likely to have been eavesdropping and recording the tales of their exploits. Why, exactly? Perhaps it will not be immediately clear, but if you happened upon a venasou, a tamed Khali creature, it may have guided you to their Enchanted Library. Upon entering the library, visitors will notice that it is quite the happening place — but not because it's occupied by the Khali, but because there seems to be an assembly of magical quills seemingly writing on their own. The quills are mostly undisturbed by the intrusion and will not stop writing even if parchment is taken from it; it will simply produce another piece of paper and continue its tales. If you happen to read the parchment, you may notice that there is a daunting similarity between your story and the ones being written here. Tales of Thesa birthing new races and sending them from the sky, for example, are very popular in Khalo Village. They mark July 15th as the day in which the Moon Goddess, Thesa, created more people in her image and brought them to El Nysa as saviors. The coincidences don't end there: specifics about your home world might be found in the writings if you search deeply enough — but it's not without its exaggerations. These stories are given all sorts of poetic and literary forms, from short stories to limericks, biographies to something similar to haiku. If asked, the Khali will inform visitors that the enchanted library has access to vague parts of your memories, and thus it is duty-bound to record. The Khali have not seen stories as strange as the ones being made by refugees, which is largely why they are interested in them. NOTE: This is entirely optional! You may make up your own "stories" (fanfiction) and it could be as accurate or inaccurate, or as serious or silly as you'd like. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors of the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works — KING AND KIN. If one is willing to delve deep, they may also find parts of Wyver's past that have been removed from their own archives. These pages will recount the tales of Shanrian and Rasyc. Though a lot of the narrative seems to divide at certain points in the story, it becomes obvious with some quick reading that Rasyc is not only the son of Shanrian, but that he glorifies the Wyver of old, more bloodthirsty and brutal than it is today. Unlike his father, he does not take kindly to Olympia and the threat they will always pose for their people. He has not forgotten Olympia's past sins and he believes that, in his foolish quest for peace, the king has gone soft and no longer possesses the real will to fight. His present voice in affairs of state is not a loud one, as he chooses to speak in whispers and move in the dead of silence. In these quiet murmurings, he boasts of his unwavering belief in the power and dignity of his people. Of how they should all return to what they once were — the kingdom, its citizens, and naturally the father who he had once admired greatly. Though perhaps it can be argued that any estranged son would wish the same. It's difficult to pinpoint what becomes political and what is and always will be more personal for him. But, it hardly matters. It's clear that Rasyc will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, even if it means never returning to place he calls home. Even if it means turning his back on his own father, Shanrian, King of Wyver... DRAGONFIRE. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors to the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works. In particular, tales of Ysverai, the last of Wyver's great high dragons. Ysverai is most commonly known for being slain by Olympia’s past king and legendary hero, Nithor, but here in Khalo he is depicted in another light. Ysverai is known to the Khali people as a wise being, old as the first inhabitants that walked El Nysa. The creature spoke in the common tongue to the early settlers, guiding them to refuge when his kin began to dominate the land at the cost of its own isolation. It ultimately becomes a tale of sacrifice, for its stand with Nithor became a testament against the Olympian Empire's long reaching influence. At the bottom, there is a quotation: Your hearts will fill with greed and malice the moment my own stops beating. Take care in the Eye of the Storm. Find strength in one another, before it is too late. It seems to end there. Refugees are naturally allowed to question the natives. However, keep in mind that many of their replies will seem more like speculation than fact. But maybe that can be fun too? If you have no interest in the library and the tales they've woven, feel free to explore any of the other areas of interest. Khalo Village is thrilled to be open for you all. THOSE THAT SEEK PEACE, AND THOSE THAT SEEK --     The morning of the 20th is marked by fairly dismal weather. The sky is overcast and a downpour seems imminent. Regardless of the poor forecast, those who signed up to assist in this mission will be required to come early in order to receive their briefing. Members of Group A: ▸ Jon Snow (song_of_ice) ▸ Daenerys Targaryen (dorzalta) ▸ Loras Tyrell (triplerose) ▸ Terra (earthy) ▸ Alisaie Leveilleur (adelphoi) ▸ Solider: 76 (personalwar) ▸ Ardyn Izunia (daemonized) ▸ Mai(maipokerface) ▸ Olivier Armstrong (wallsofbriggs) ▸ Atsushi Nakajima (gekkajuu) Members of Group B: ▸ Kale (kaleorbekaled) ▸ Diana Prince (wondie) ▸ Pheonix Wright (objectionattourney) ▸ Revolver Ocelot (shashka) ▸ Frederick (pebblestone) ▸ John Sheppard (impavid ▸ Ianto Jones (torchwoodteaboy) ▸ Lena Oxton (quevarly) ▸ Allura (quintessent) Due to the rain, members of Group A will have to immediately stop by the checkpoint at the East Watchtower. Additionally, the Royal Guard and Knightryders are well-prepared with extra cloaks for those who may require it. They also will provide basic refreshments such as water and bread. People are encouraged to take what they need prior to their departure on this mission. The checkpoints are a bit far between, after all. Members of the envoy will also be encouraged to utilize this time to become familiar with one another. Maybe some introductions are in order? You never know who will end up having your back... For both groups, the paths will be relatively straightforward with evenly spaced checkpoints along the way. The only issue seems to be the downpour, really. The rain is unforgiving and the roads easily become unstable and increasingly difficult for the carriage to be drawn through. Hence, there may be more than one occasion where you will be expected to lend a hand in prying out its wheels from a particularly pesky (and muddy) pothole. Or perhaps you will be called upon by a fellow guard to assist in getting a particularly stubborn creature out of the path ahead of you. Seems like it may be a longer journey than you expected. Dirtier, too. While weathering the conditions may have been a bit tiring, this journey isn't too bad, right? Well, maybe not. GROUP A. Once the carriage gets through the worst of the terrain and finally manages to depart from the watchtower, it won't be long until the group is met with a physical roadblock. A large tree trunk will be set down the center of the road, acting as a blockade. But, before the group can react or begin crafting a plan around this obstruction, the carriage will be attacked without warning. At first, it's unclear where the attack comes from or from whom, but you don't have the leisure to deliberate this. You hear one of your fellow guards mention something about bandits frequenting these parts, but maybe there's more to it? Either way, your task is clear: protect the artifact, Nithor's skull, and fight the bandits off. You'll be encouraged to try and capture them so that they may later be turned and questioned by the authorities. GROUP B. With clear motives to restock and collect a few more materials for the carriage, it's evident that the envoy will appear restless to arrive at the second checkpoint. However, despite their unspoken delight at seeing the South Outpost from a distance, it's clear something has gone awry. There will be several hooded figures awaiting them right where the mud path meets the cobblestone of the Outpost's road. Soon, several more of these figures will come to flank them from both sides. While they seem like bandits, at least from their physical appearance, there is something far more polished in their movements. They will be attacking the envoy in concise, practiced formations. For those who are more perceptive, it becomes obvious that they are moving around and acting as decoy to one central figure. This member is likely the "leader" of their group, but no matter how one may try to close the distance between themselves and this mysterious leader, someone will constantly get in the way of that. The fighting also seems to act as a distraction since by the time everything is cleared up... only two things are missing. The leader of this group of bandits and more importantly — Ysverai's heart. NOTE: Those RNG'd to thread out the capture and questioning of the bandits will have starters below. For everyone else that signed up, you will still have the opportunity to capture the assailants even though they were not selected to thread the interrogation; you are free to make up your NPCs with the same basic guideline: they will not reveal their motive or their organization. You may turn them in to authorities (Wyver or Olympia or otherwise) or find creative ways to get rid of them. FINAL OOC NOTE     To reiterate: you may use this log as a general mingle for everything from the May Outline, including all Khalo Village activities. In other words, your top-levels don't necessarily have to be related to the prompts written here. An AC-eligible thread in which your character participates in anything mentioned in the May Outline and/or Khalo Village location page may be submitted for 2 REP POINT FOR EITHER OLYMPIA OR WYVER. SUBMIT THE THREAD FOR OLYMPIA OR WYVER HERE OR HERE RESPECTIVELY BY June 10th 11:59 PM EST. For those who participated in this month's plot-related portion, to receive IC recognition for it, a summary of the thread must be submitted HERE by June 8th 11:59 PM EST. Please direct all queries to the question thread below. Thank you, and have fun! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[chickenhearted]

... Doubtful.

[ he mumbles into his sweater, pulling it over his head. After he straightens it for a moment, he nods. ]

Yes, you can turn around.

[notwagging]

[ with furrowed brows even before he spins, Keaton tilts his head. ]

Why? Besides, you look nice and you're clean. I thought humans liked that.

[ once again, he closes the distance with his tail wagging, almost bumping into Waver chest first. ]

[willrevile]

[ They're both letting go, then, in ways they haven't in so long - it's certainly more significant to Thomas, but it's not exactly meaningless for Jim. Funny that it's over a blowjob. That people can mean things to each other and that intimacy can be so poignant between virtual strangers and a sex act.

Humans are great, sometimes.

Jim fucks into his mouth and whispers praises until his brain is too far gone to let him form words, his hand staying in Thomas's hair, the other on his shoulder, petting him encouragingly or holding on, touching his cheek and feeling his cock there or stroking along his neck.

The way he moves changes, he feels tense and freefalling at once - ]

I'm gonna come, [ he warns in a gasp, still holding on but not restricting his movement if Thomas wants to pull away. Jim hardly cares either way, coming on his face will be as hot as in his mouth. ]

[rosebyanyother]

[Starting out slow just feels right for what Peter has decided he wants to do with this encounter. He wants to be able to appreciate Anders. To make him feel appreciated. And that takes going slow.

The gasp and the tugging both get a small chuckle, something low in his throat and warm. They've still got their hands joined together - for now - and Peter traces little circles on the top of Anders' hand as he pulls back a bit.

Only so he can lavish some attention on other parts of his partner's body, of course. He kisses underneath Anders' jaw at the pulse point and then trails a smattering of them down the column of his neck down into the crook where it meets his shoulder.

Where he finally briefly indulges that urge about burying his face into Anders' skin.]

[rosebyanyother]

[Peter's skin is almost flawless. Medical science really is a hell of a thing. Not a scar in sight...which is impressive. Especially considering just how dangerous his line of work can be. But he's had friends in high places. Some of those places have involved expert medical care.

On the application of teeth: yes. The first time Jim tries is a lot like the first time he touched there, only a sharper reaction. Peter gasps sharply. One of his hands has been roaming down Jim's newly exposed back as he leans upward a little to kiss his shoulder.

...His nails rake a little. Not enough to really hurt, but enough to leave a short red trail in their wake. Oops.]

[willrevile]

[ Oooo, that's very interesting. Perfect smooth skin and that reaction to some bitey action is actually giant neon sign levels of interesting, and Jim is all too happy to go about worrying a mark onto that skin. Just along the curve of his pectoral, and of course it's not anything that'll scar, it's just a hickey. (You know, in case Alexander thought Jim was in any way classy.)

The nails on his back feel good, little bit of an edge and contrast in sensation. He makes a please sound and lets his hips rolls against where they're pressed together, the obvious feeling of his erection against the other man's thigh. ]

[ettersberg]

( thomas loses himself in it. in the weight of jim's cock, the way jim is fucking his mouth and petting him and whispering praise, the noises he lets out and how obviously he's enjoying himself. it's a concert of things that, taken individually and out of context, would be ridiculous but on the whole add up to something utterly intoxicating.

he makes an encouraging noise and then jim's spilling hot down his throat and thomas swallows around him until he can't anymore, until he has to draw back and wrap his hand around jim's (wet, hot) cock, jerk him through the last of his orgasm. )

[ofseraphim]

[ He must be really suffering, with how relieved he sounds... ]

Right!

[ The call ends there and Sorey picks his pace back up, a leisurely trot as he weaves his way back through the crowds, all apologies and "excuse me"s at every unannounced brush. Naturally.

Arriving back to their rendezvous point, he's got his sights set, on the hunt for his miserable cohort. Waving a gloved hand in the air once he sees him, he calls out: ]

Hey!

[willrevile]

[ Jim can't believe how hard he comes, a little spark of conscious wonder and appreciation in the back of his mind as the rest of it is enveloped in thoughtless feeling. It's not like he hasn't been getting laid with regularity, since he has-- must be the combination of the drugs, the particular act, or maybe just letting go allows him to be swept up by orgasm all the more. ]

Oh, [ is a gut-punch of an exhale, prying his eyes open to watch Thomas swallow and jerk him. ] That's fucking perfect--

[ Mindless but sincere in how good it feels. ]

[eaudevamp]

[ Yes, Reign was truly suffering. All the pain in his passion to help (and possibly harvest some fyrra of his own for research). Welp...

Either way, Reign quickly made his way back to their rendezvous spot, waving back in return upon spotting Sorey. ]

So? What... did you find?

[ He asked the moment he reached Sorey, panting heavily from having so obviously running back here. ]

sorry that june ate me alive

[versianvirtue]

[She goes thoughtful for a moment before smiling at him anew.]

I think I am over the shock of it now, but you may go right ahead.

[She hadn't been dead set on going for a swim when she chanced upon Mikazuki, just roving about the shoreline taking in all the sights, so to her, he's essentially inviting her to go for a swim with him. This turns the dial on her excitement knob a little, especially floating along the high of fyrrha. Even though Asseylum doesn't really know how to swim, everyone makes it look easy. Surely she will pick up on it in no time at all! She stands back up and whirls around, watching the lazy roll and sway of the water.]

Is it true that it is a social custom of the Khalo to fully remove one's clothing before entering the lake?

[sparsity]

[ Maybe Waver would be one of the few people to think that, but Mikazuki's been remarkably on his best behavior in the Khali's space, with or without the effects of the fyrra. Raising his arms from the water, he rests one on the lip of the pool behind him. ]

Worries?

[ He knows Waver often seems... stressed... but as far as he sees, there's nothing to worry about in the moment. ]

same friend, i might actually be a ghost

[sparsity]

[ With a slight nod, a gesture that blends into his movement when he goes to turn and approach the pool. Just in case she wanted to get over the shock of every angle. Leaning, spinal implants curving with his back, he puts his palms on the edge so he can get his legs in, almost gingerly.

He's a little better with the water now, but it was slow going getting here. With his body modulating sensations better than most, the fyrra doesn't have too much of a hold on him, but the waves feel pleasant enough.

Humming, he looks over his shoulder. ]

Yeah, that's right. It's kind of like... a big bath.

[ Of course, the Khali aren't actively throwing anyone clothed out. ]

Why?

[sparsity]

Forever... I don't think I really get the meaning.

[ Though in a way, he does, even if he can't express it well. Mortality always some kind of influence on him. He's killed, watched his comrades die, accepted that it was an inevitability that you just had to soldier on through.

But he hadn't really ever been alone in it, until suddenly he was. Until suddenly the possibility of being alone took forever away from him while showing him what it meant.

That life is gone, now. He decided to end it. ]

Mostly because I didn't want to.

[ettersberg]

( thomas stares at jim -- first at his cock, then upward, gaze wandering over his chest to his face, taking in the flush on jim's cheeks, all the signs of a good orgasm. thomas probably looks much the same despite the fact that he hasn't come, despite the fact that his cock is curved insistently toward his stomach, achingly heavy. there's still heat in his cheeks, his eyes glassy and his lips swollen. )

Quite. ( he says after a moment and it comes out rough and low. fucking perfect, indeed.

and, movements slow on account of the aches of middle age and sensualness both, he moves up jim's body again, leaning in to kiss him though not quite connecting, hovering there with a silent, mindful question. some men don't like tasting themselves, after all. not even on someone else's tongue. )

there's a poltergeist haunting my thread...

[versianvirtue]

[With his back turned like that and his spine more visible than ever, Asseylum can't help but be a little shocked. How hadn't she noticed before? But she's in the middle of a conversation and has her mind still tethered to it, and besides, it might be kind of rude to just up and ask without some kind of lead-in. She'll just have to bring it up later.]

I was wondering it it would be more appropriate that I should follow suit and undress as well. That is, if... it doesn't bother you.

[She's being completely innocent about this, Mikazuki! It's for the sake of experiencing the local culture!]

[willrevile]

[ Jim keeps his hand in Thomas's hair, though it's gentler now, fingers rubbing uncoordinated, appreciative patterns against his scalp. Even as he moves, Jim's bright blue eyes just slim rings of color around wide pupils. For a second he looks puzzled - you don't want to kiss me? - but his brain sparks back online.

That hand tightens once again and Jim pulls him down, kisses him, wet and open and messy, tongue in his mouth. He groans low and satisfied and eager, his other hand winding around Thomas's side and pulling him against his body, rocking up against his erection.

Loopy and goofily handsy in the afterglow. Give him a minute. ]

[rosebyanyother]

[Well, if that's what some scratching earns him, then Peter is going to keep doing it. Deliberate and slow, while Jim does his best to leave a mark.

Peter's head is thrown back a bit, a breathless chuckle leaving his lips. It's just very deliberate as well, the usage of his teeth. Languidly, he draws one leg up, his foot dragging against Jim's leg until he can wrap it around his waist. Trapping him a bit.]

You like leaving souvenirs, hmm?

[...His voice would be a purr, but it's a little on the breathless side too.]

[willrevile]

[ Jim'll never be into outright pain, but one of the reasons he likes sex so much is the overwhelming intensity of it. So hell yeah, he likes that contrast, and doesn't at all mind fingernails on his back. (Though if he draws blood and starts trying to scrape in demonic symbols or something, then they'll have words.) ]

I like, [ and Jim exhales, a hiss through his teeth, feeling the burning threads along his back, ] feeling things.

[ He looks up, eyes bright, a little dilated. ] And making sure you do. [ One hand slips up as he talks, stroking along his chest, fingertips finding that red mark. ]

[rosebyanyother]

[Does it.

It's already a distinctly new sensation for Peter to experience. Add in the fact that the fyrra is doing all sorts of things to his senses and you get a potent blend of pleasure. It's a lucky thing that Peter's face is already buried into the crook of Anders' neck because he doesn't have as many compunctions about keeping quiet and they are still in public.

He shudders with the motion as he moans against his partner's skin. When he thinks he can control himself, Peter lifts his head. Dark eyes are even darker from the way that they're a little blown with arousal, but at the same time they are bright and curious.]

That is a fascinating trick.

[So: yes. Peter leans in to capture Anders' lips again.]

[sparsity]

[ Mikazuki doesn't respond right away as he descends fully into the water, the shallower end still allowing him to dip into the pool up to his shoulders and let it touch the tips of his hair. It's enough acclimation, speaking of slow going, to get him hopping up onto the underwater ledge to sit down next.

Asseylum's question draws a long look from him, wondering. Eventually, expression stable, he nods. ]

Sure. It's fine with me.

[ Not like she needed his permission... ]

[ettersberg]

[ thomas sighs into it, moans when jim rocks up against his erection. one of the advantages of old age is more patience in this, so there's no hurry, no franticness, but oh, how he wants jim. he's so ready to be touched, to touch some more, and he pours it into the kiss, letting more and more of his weight rest against jim until they're touching everywhere. ]

[willrevile]

[ Jim is more than happy to keep him pressed closed, all that skin together, the feeling of the other man's hard cock exciting him even in his own spent state; he wasn't kidding about being able to go again soon. He likes the over-stimulated feeling of them rubbing together, the way the raw feeling of it blocks out everything else in his head.

His hands wander, over Thomas's back, his hips, down to his ass, tugging him to rock against him harder before he squeezes at him. He makes a low, pleased noise as he gropes his ass and pulls his cheeks apart, a bit lewd, a bit teasing.

After a bit of that Jim rolls them over, his oversharp mind clearing enough for more focus, and his focus is on Thomas. ]

[chickenhearted]

Well, most of them do...

[ but it's his rotten personality people don't like. he can't say that though....

and anyway, any reply he has is cut off by how close Keaton is to him. ]

Why are you standing so close?

[chickenhearted]

[ Waver nods, still looking down in the pool and at the plants growing along the bottom. ]

I feel like I always have something to worry about. Even when there's nothing, probably. It's the way I've always been.

[ Granted, he is more relaxed right now than he normally is. But as soon as this drug or the nice bath wears off, he's bound to worry about something all over again. ]