❪ 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

[thetaintedsorrow]

[It’s almost hilarious that Atsushi fell asleep like that, but Chuuya should probably get him out of here.

Okay. Looks like Atsushi is out cold. Which means that Chuuya will have to float him out of here. Chuuya bends down, glowing red with his activated ability, and-

Scoops Atsushi up into his arms. Sure he could just float the guy through the air all the way there, but there’s the risk of slamming him into a tree on accident since, you know, they’re everywhere. He will, however, make them both lighter to make the trip quicker, and once he arrives in the village he finds a nice, plush couch in one of the lounges to lay Atsushi down on.

Maybe some secondhand smoke will wake him up? They’re alone in this particular lounge, so Chuuya grabs a nice bit of fyrra to light up before smoking it within breathing distance of Atsushi.]

[gekkajuu]

[Maybe it's the smoke, maybe it's just the time that passes after he's left whatever magical barrier was put up, but as he's sprawled out on that couch with uncharacteristic shamelessness, Atsushi slowly but surely starts waking up. There's just a twitch of an eyelid at first; then his nose follows suit, and... he sneezes.

Yeah, he needs time to get used to the whole smoking thing.

Rubbing his nose with the back of his hand, he belatedly opens his eyes and sits up, trying to make sense of his surroundings. What's the last place he remembers being? Oh - but at least he recognizes someone!]

Chuuya-san..?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Ah, he must not be used to smoke, judging by the sneezing. Meanwhile Chuuya smokes on occasion when booze isn’t quite enough to take the edge off, or, you know, just for shits. It’s not really a habit, more like an occasion indulgence.

When Atsushi stirs Chuuya puts out the bit of fyrra he’d been smoking, the nice, warm feeling lingering for now.]

Hey.

[Chuuya melts into the couch next to Atsushi, more relaxed now that he knows he’s not gonna have to slap Atsushi around to wake him up.]

You were passed out in the forest. I found you and brought you here.

[He snorts.]

I’m gonna have to teach you how to smoke properly.

[gekkajuu]

[Oh... So that's what happened. Well, that's embarrassing... Atsushi wouldn't normally be ashamed of failing at something like smoking, but in front of someone as cool as Chuuya? It makes him feel kind of like a kid.]

I did smoke, though... [He's pouting.] Even if it made me cough.

[Welp, he sure didn't do well enough to get through that magical barrier. Go figure.

With a sigh, he leans back on the couch, making himself more comfortable.]

So, this is...?

[thetaintedsorrow]

Not enough, apparently.

[Hm...that fyrra he just smoked sure is a lot more potent than the other stuff. Chuuya feels overheated all of a sudden, on top of pleasantly buzzed.

Ah well, it’s probably fine.]

Khalo Village. It was easier than just taking you back home. Plus I thought you might want to see it. Once you stopped snoozing, anyway.

[gekkajuu]

Please don't make fun of me.

[Not that he really minds, but it's the principle of the thing - or something like it.]

Of course I wanted to see it... That's why I was trying to get here.

[He looks around the lounge, smoke hanging in the air like a gentle blanket. He still doesn't feel completely awake yet, but it might well be the fyrra making him kind of lightheaded. It's also making him oddly reluctant to move, when he would have been eager to head out and explore the town, normally.]

They sure do enjoy their smoking, don't they?

[thetaintedsorrow]

Relax. It’s just an observation.

[Chuuya, on the other hand, inhales as much smoke as he can.]

Seems like it. The stuff in this lounge seems pretty powerful, too.

[Chuuya feels oddly giddy, and he ends up giggling laughing stupidly.]

You missed it. I turned tiny on the way here because I stepped on a mushroom. Like thimble-sized.

[gekkajuu]

[Ohno, Chuuya is kind of adorable when he giggles... Wait - Atsushi is supposed to feel sympathy!]

You did?! And by stepping on a mushroom...

[Something to keep in mind for the way back - or whenever he decided to come here again.]

Sorry. You had to carry me on top of everything...

[thetaintedsorrow]

It’s not like it was hard. I made you weightless. It’s a good thing that I came across you first though.

[Chuuya won’t admit it out loud, but he’s been...not worried, per se, but much more wary of lingering in the streets or out in the open for too long ever since the whole incident with Faust. He’s not afraid for himself, because he can definitely take care of himself and kick ass; no, it’s the idea of someone using him as a weapon against his will that chills him to the bone.

Even worse is the idea that Atsushi could be captured again while Chuuya was none the wiser...]

Anyway. How’re you holding up?

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi has had his moments of worrying about that kind of thing, but in the end... he just can't. If he keeps worrying, if he keeps being afraid, he'll never manage to live his life anymore, and he's gained too much to give it all up. If that means he has to selectively ignore things that he maybe shouldn't, making him look a little dumb even when he isn't, then so be it.

He still feels bad about making Chuuya worry and making him float him over... but he's trying not to apologize for every little thing anymore. One apology will have to be enough.]

I'm all right? Just a little lightheaded... [And lazy. He definitely feels lazy, which isn't something he's used to.] Do you think it's the spell? I don't know why anyone would come here to smoke just so they can feel this way...

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Living in fear is definitely no way to go through life. Shit happens. That doesn’t mean Chuuya won’t think about the worst case scenario happening on occasion, though.

Ah well. Might as well bury those thoughts under a heaping helping of fyrra.]

Might be lingering effects of it, yeah.

[Chuuya huffs a laugh at that. Oh Atsushi, you sweet summer child.]

Plenty of reasons. Maybe they wanna forget shit for a while. Maybe they’re stressed and can’t sleep and need something to take the edge off. Or maybe they’re after the strain that makes you horny just for fun. Who knows?

[gekkajuu]

Horny!?

[Hearing it is a shock; saying it himself is more or a shock.]

But... what's the point of wanting that kind of thing if you don't already want it?

[Which is "Soosh can't say the words" for: why would anyone make themselves horny if they didn't get horny? It's not like sexual release is a requirement for living, and if you don't feel the need, then why would you bring that need upon yourself?]

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Heh. Hearing Atsushi say the word “horny” is pretty damn amusing.]

Just because. It’s probably better if you’re already in the mood, then the fyrra can enhance the feeling.

[Chuuya hasn’t messed with aphrodisiacs too much, but it makes sense.]

Besides, people might just try shit they’ve been secretly wanting to do but couldn’t work up the nerve to try otherwise.

[A kink enabler, if you will.]

Not saying that’s a main reason. Just one draw of the stuff.

[gekkajuu]

I don't think it counts as courage if you need to use things like this to make it happen.

[Not that Atsushi hasn't accidentally aphro'd himself a few times, but. You know.

He lets out a long sigh.]

I really am still kind of tired... [No, maybe that isn't the right word.] Or... lazy?

[thetaintedsorrow]

Maybe not. Who knows?

[It’s called lowered inhibitions, soosh.]

Maybe you need something to kickstart your energy.

[Chuuya doesn’t have any caffeine or anything to offer, unfortunately, but-]

Like a dip in the pool.

[gekkajuu]

That sounds reeeaaaally good...

[Swimming while intoxicated: always the best plan.]

There's one here, isn't there? Can we go?

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yup. It’s right outside.

[Listen, has Chuuya ever steered you wrong, soosh?]

You gotta get naked though. It’s the rules or whatever.

[Chuuya thinks, at least. He hasn’t actually been there yet.

Either way he’s just going to start taking his clothes off, because a bath sounds really good right now. He’s pretty quick at it despite all those ridiculous accessories he wears, and soon enough he’s down to nothing but his hat and collar. He supposes he can part with the gloves for now.

Just naked and looking at Atsushi expectantly. No big deal.]

C’mon.

[gekkajuu]

[... Define "wrong"...

Naked..? Atsushi isn't too shocked - public baths are usually meant to be enjoyed fully nude, too - but the way Chuuya undresses on the spot is still -... It's like something about it should feel wrong, or at least awkward, but... it doesn't. So Atsushi follows suit after a moment's hesitation - though he does keep his underwear on for now. Because they're still in the smoking lounge, and maybe nudity is no big deal, but Atsushi still has some sense of modesty deep down.]

All right, let's go.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Oh good, then he won’t have to drag Atsushi out to the baths.

The pool isn’t far, and it turns out that Chuuya doesn’t get a second glance from any wandering Khali around the pool. Embrace your nudity, soosh.

Once they arrive Chuuya slides into the water with a pleased sigh,]

I used to take my subordinates out for hot springs trips every now and then. You should’ve seen everyone trying to peel Akutagawa out of that coat. I thought I’d be short several men after that, but he got in eventually.

[Because Chuuya ordered him to. Go figure.]

[gekkajuu]

[Once at the pool, Atsushi takes off his underwear and puts it on a pile with the rest of his clothes, folded neatly(ish). Then he gets into the pool after Chuuya, even though he's still a little lightheaded. At least the pool isn't nearly as hot as onsen would be, so... it's probably safe...?

It helps that he doesn't realize (or just doesn't think about) how the pool is unisex.]

He doesn't like bathing? That's unexpected!

[LOL Aku, you pussy.]

Well... I guess it's not unexpected that he hates taking his coat off.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Luckily they seem to be the only humans hanging around the pool. Naked Khali are a thing, but at least there’s only a couple, and they’re a good distance away.]

I don’t think it’s the bathing itself that he hates, just the exposure.

[At least he never seemed to smell bad?]

He was awake before, right?

[And Atsushi is still alive, which means either Aku didn’t succeed in killing him (again) or just didn’t try hard enough.]

He wasn’t such a bad guy. To me, at least. Had a stick up his ass, but not a bad guy.

[gekkajuu]

[Maybe figs have unknown BO-blocking effects... REVELATION!]

M-hm...

[Yes, Akutagawa had been awake. It hadn't been as bad as expected - not with Atsushi working himself up in a panic before ever seeing the guy, training hard for the day of their inevitable confrontation - but it had still... been Akutagawa.]

That's easy for Chuuya-san to say. [Pouting, Atsushi lets himself sink deeper into the water, until his lips remain just barely over its surface.] He's wanted to kill me from the moment we met.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[That or Rashomon just eats the stank. We’ll never know.]

Can’t deny that.

[Chuuya remembers the ranting.]

It’s not because of you personally, though. I think. I dunno, I’m just guessing.

[It’s not like Akutagawa ever opened his heart to Chuuya, but Atsushi should know exactly why Akutagawa hates him so much.

It’s Chuuya’s turn to sink further into the water, but not enough to get his hat wet.]

If he does wake up again then you won’t have to worry about him killing you.

[Because Chuuya wouldn’t let him, but shh. If there’s anyone that can tame an Aku it’s Chuuya.]

[gekkajuu]

[Thank heavens for Rashomon, doing the responsible recycling.

Maybe Akutagawa's hatred wasn't personal - but it never is, is it? Does that really make it more acceptable? Maybe Atsushi doesn't know what kind of history Dazai and Akutagawa had, exactly - not in great detail, anyway - but it still shouldn't be an excuse for Akutagawa to take his frustration out on Atsushi.

That said, even knowing that, Atsushi feels childish himself to be feeling that way. He doesn't want to hate Akutagawa, but he's not sure how to let go of such feelings without being a doormat for all of Akutagawa's rage - and that's the one thing he can't accept. He's been kicked around and beaten up and almost drowned enough in his life; he can't - he won't - put up with that anymore.]

It's not so simple. [Whatever Chuuya's reasons for believing that Akutagawa won't kill him.] We promised we'd fight each other, six months from when we last met.

Well... that's over ten months ago by now, for me.

[Even so, Atsushi isn't planning to go back on that promise. If and when Akutagawa shows up, if he wants to fight, Atsushi will fight him.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Only Atsushi would worry about hating someone who’s treated them so terribly in the past. Perhaps Akutagawa thought his hatred was justified, but it certainly doesn’t excuse his behavior. That being said, Chuuya himself would’ve been as ruthless as necessary to capture Atsushi had that been his primary task. Innocent or not, orders are orders, and Chuuya would’ve followed them to the letter.

And yet here they are, enjoying a public bath together on a world that’s not their own.]

If that’s the case, then you gotta do it, right?

[A promise is a promise, Chuuya supposes, and Atsushi is far from helpless. He hardly needs a guardian devil angel looking out for him, and yet Chuuya still has his back, whether he’ll ever need it or not.

Chuuya leans back against the side of the pool, head tilted back to look up at the stars just visible through the thick canopy of trees.]

I dunno if any of the others will ever wake up, but I think there’s more important shit to worry about now than whatever happened in the past. Keeping a promise isn’t bad, but acting like nothing has changed is stupid. Akutagawa is the type of guy who’d need it knocked into him that the ADA and Mafia don’t exist anymore.

[It was hard enough for Chuuya to accept the fact that everything he’d ever accomplished in the Mafia meant jack shit now, but it is what it is.]

Either way, I don’t plan on holding onto the past. I won’t forget it, but I can’t live in it either.