❪ event ❫ a moment in eternity

[natha]

TO THERE AND BACK     It has been a month of chills uncharacteristic of what you might remember as summer — cold days and even colder nights. The days are short and the nights feel eternal. With the recent disruption of the network and no sign of a resolution for the world outside of Nadril, one has to wonder what the future holds for El Nysa. What of Olympia, Wyver, and their residents? The animals you cared for - are they destined to remain as frozen as wretched Ysverai forever? What will become of the sleeping ones in Thesa when there is nowhere else to go but this icy city? Yet not all hope is lost just yet. The woman that appeared at the start of the network errors finally shows up again in another network post. Greetings to you all. I apologize for my abrupt appearance and departure before… My name is Nurray, and I am the closest thing to a monarch that you will find here in Nadril. Magda is... indisposed, so I am here to speak to you in his place. First and foremost, you will notice that your network devices are fully functional once more. Should you experience any further issues, please report them to me immediately so that it can be taken care of. Secondly… Investigating the strange frequency interference we've been experiencing has brought some troubling data to light. The passage of time outside of this colony has been halted, of course, but the hold seems... unstable. Whatever it is that Darma has done to contain the calamity, I doubt that it will last for long. Time is an unpredictable force, and attempting to control it can only have adverse effects on the world. You could stay here if you so chose, outside the reach of that magic... but to do that would be to abandon the rest of this planet to an unenviable fate. ...ah, but there is no need to take my word for it. You can see the effects for yourselves, if you wish — merely look outside. "Seeing is believing"... isn’t that the phrase? Nurray has a point: refugees have not been given a chance to see the outside. The frequent snowstorm barrier of Nadril has made it impossible to see what it's like beyond the colony. Soon after the network post, as though the snow has been "turned off," clouds will clear. With the barrier created by the snow gone, the red sun shines brightly upon the dreary city with its warmth. You can see a purple haze on the south horizon, a indication that Yservai wasn’t all just a dream. He's still there, so far away, yet so close anyway. Near the entrance, a mound of snow melts, revealing steps leading towards the underground. It seems to be a part of the subway station you might have found earlier during your exploration of the colony — this time, the station has been powered on. Two trains lie in wait — their destinations read: Olympia and Wyver. — El Nysa is waiting. FREEZE FRAME     The technology found in the subway station of Nadril is truly out of this world. The combined efforts of Natha technology and alien minds have truly created state-of-the-art transportation never before seen by the typical Nysan. It takes no longer than one hour for the intercoms to announce their arrival to the outskirts of the Dranbu Kingdom — though, even with the platform available, the train never stops; it instead continues for another half hour for it to reach the North Gate of the Olympian Empire, where it sits until it's time to return to the tundra. All in all, it takes a mere hour and a half for this high-speed subway travel from Nadril to Olympia. The second train does make a quick stop at the Olympian Station, but it will be another painless hour and a half until it reaches the jungle of the Wyver Kingdom. Because Wyver is its own island, connected only by a bridge, you might notice that a small part of the travel was underwater. The trip takes only a total of three hours, but there's plenty of time for sightseeing. After all, isn't that the whole point of this trip? BE STILL MY HEART. Leaving the train, you are immediately hit with the still, warm air of the underground. It's hot, much different from the winter of the north, but perhaps a welcome change. The station is old, but it still has a fairly new smell to it, and not just because it's been unused for so long. It feels out of place compared to the rest of this world, and this is especially true when you reach the surface. The entrance was hidden under the earth right near the North Gate. Upon leaving the station, you're immediately hit with the familiar wretched smell and atmosphere of the undead. Even if you're new, you won’tt be able to miss Ysverai, the risen Great Dragon. You see this massive creature on the horizon, mouth wide and ready to blast El Nysa into nothing. Yet he remains still — as are all the terrified residents of Olympia. You've only seen this on the monitors of Thesa Station, and now you're able to experience first-hand how utterly quiet and still the world is now. The native Olympians are all over — you see most of them running away from the Great Dragon. Others equipped their armors and rode their steeds straight toward the danger in hopes of protecting their Empire. And the civilians, having lost all hope, are huddled together — at least they would have been able to spend their final moments with loved ones. Up on Thesa Station, you felt dread when you'd observed Ysverai for too long — this remains true here. That dread reaches your heart and clutches it. You feel his pain and suffering, and for those too in tune with emotions, it may be too much for you to be near him. Best to steer clear from him, or perhaps return to the underground. There is much more to be seen, after all. PRAYING WITH FIRE. Another hour and a half south on the subway, and you'll reach the Wyver Station. It's far warmer here in the station this further south, but Ysverai's dread doesn't reach here. On the surface, you are instead immediately hit with the overwhelming humidity of the jungle. With summer in full swing, the layers you've brought with you from Nadril become a burden. In Wyver, the mood is far different. The Great Dragon Yservai was once a being that was respected and worshipped by the Wyver people — not to mention that the one responsible is none other than Prince Raysc — thus his revival is met with somber resilience. Most of Wyver natives, instead of running away, had gathered around fires in prayer. Trained dragons that were unaffected by Ysverai's influence bow by their master's sides in acceptance of what they feel in their heart is to come with the Great Dragon's final blow. You may even spot your own dragon, eyes beamed up toward Thesa, like it knows you were up there at the moment time stood still. It's hard to imagine where one can go from here. You might start thinking about clean-up efforts, how to achieve proper burials for the fallen ones... but with time frozen, you will find that you cannot actually move anything or anyone. It will be dusk, as Thesa's shines across the skies, when storm cloud gather before Thesa's light. And from the clouds is a familiar figure — Once again, she has descended. TIME & TIME AGAIN     Darma is glowing as bright as the naked eye can perceive. Her massive, true form floats before the world she's built from dust. Is this world salvageable in your eyes, Refugee? We held time in hopes that we fould find a way to dissolve this Ysverai back to the ashes from which he was reanimated. Unfortunately, we continue to be unseeing, thus uncertain of the future... after all, our powers are near depleted. Nurray was correct, Refugee, in that I cannot hold time for much longer. There is... another way, however. It is not ideal by any means, but we shall do what we must to keep Ysverai frozen. As for us... we have expended far too much of our energy — Refugee, I am too aware of the misfortunes you've experienced in your time here. I have failed in my promise to provide better living... perhaps, with more time, I may yet see a better future. Until then, I leave Thesa, our hearts, in your hands. Farewell, Refugee. Her brightness dims as she says her final words — at the same time, raises her arms, palms wide, then closes her hands into a fist. In that instant, time is resumed. It's slow at first, as though time is trying to catch up with reality. It takes a several moments until the slow-motion picture before them reaches normalcy. Darma turns her attention to Yservai, whose motion is also returning, but not for long. In her true form, they are comparable in size; Darma's glow continues to dim as she draws closer to the Great Dragon, and then she coils herself around him, holding him still before assimilating into the wretched creature. By the end of it, time has completely returned to normal, and all residents were able to witness the Natha holding time still for Ysverai — The process turns the Great Dragon, as well as Darma, into stone. HIT PLAY TO REPLAY     Darma has resumed time, and Ysverai is no longer a threat. However, it comes with a hefty price for the Natha. The massive, stone statue of Darma embracing Ysverai looms in the valley between the cities of Olympia and Wyver. It's no doubt an intimidating addition to the world, but there is some peace in knowing it's all over. When civilians finally come to, they can't help but look upon the statue in awe — and their respective cities. It's much to take in all at once. Much destruction has been wrought— buildings lay in ruin, and of the citizens still alive, many look to be in poor physical condition. 1. I. The Sanctuary has sustained much damage, and with the high demand of medical care, cannot serve as the central healing place for those in need. Instead, it is up to individual citizens to find resources and establish places of care. Those with a medical inclination or healing powers may set up medical tents, or work out of their homes. Not everything has been destroyed, and it is still possible to obtain supplies from the market or request them from The Sanctuary. There is also, unfortunately, the tragic task of transporting corpses to graveyards and giving fallen citizens a proper burial. The Temples thank you for your service. II. In order to have a functioning city again, buildings and facilities must be repaired and rebuilt. It's possible your own home was demolished in the battle. With so many important buildings needing to be repaired, city officials are too overwhelmed with the coordination of such tasks to double-check that buildings are restored to their original form. What's more, they seem to encourage design innovation, believing that a new, fresh look to the city will revitalize people's morale. Now is the time to put your own unique flair on the interior or exterior of Olympia's infrastructure. Even parts of the Palace need repair. Time has resumed, yes, but the magic that Darma employs isn't flawless. As powerful of an entity as she may be, to tamper with time is difficult. Some would say it defies the laws of nature. Nature seems to agree, and in the next few weeks, El Nysa will be facing a few hiccups as it finds its equilibrium once more and citizens try to return to normalcy. Strangely enough, El Nysa natives are not disturbed by the occurrence of these events. III. Characters may find that they occasionally (or frequently) suffer from lapses in memory. These difficulties with memory may range from light to severe, although they are thankfully not permanent. Within the span of a few minutes to a few hours, difficulties in remembering people and events are resolved. That isn't to say a similar problem won’t happen again tomorrow… IV. Is it just you, or is your housemate looking a bit old lately? No, it isn't just stress making some citizens appear older. For a short amount of time, some characters may find themselves advancing or regressing in age, both physically and mentally. This particular kind of time hiccup is rare and may be particularly disturbing to the affected person’s friends. Thankfully, there have been no cases of this effect lasting more than an hour. V. At times, it seems as though objects and people in El Nysa will feel a bit out of place. These are beings and things that belong to what some may call "alternate universes." Their presence is transient, and some will only appear for a few instances before returning to their rightful existence. The ones that linger a bit longer, however, may make your day more interesting. Before you stands a pet just like yours, except it talks...? Perhaps you'll meet another version of yourself, a more bloodthirsty version of yourself. Or maybe you'll run into a version of your friend that really enjoys your company. The possibilities are truly endless, and potentially mortifying. VI. Towards the end of the month, the frequency of the aforementioned disturbances will decrease. Following this will be an increase in a different sort of disturbance: one that will either make literal seconds seem like an eternity, or force you to move and talk at a speed you never thought possible. It's as though some higher entity is pressing the fast forward or slow down button on life, and considering your mind works at the same pace as normal, the phenomenon is as frustrating as it sounds. Hope you weren't planning to be on time for anything, because it might be awhile before the universe allows you to take that next step. But these phenomena does draw to a close — and with it, you may wonder what will happen now to those sleeping ones in Thesa now that Darma has turned to stone. After all, it will be near the time of which more refugees should wake... Repairs to Thesa Station should remain ongoing so long as parts can be salvaged from Nadril, at least. And with speed travel via subway possible, it should make travel far easier than ever before. Even with Darma gone, you will have to move forward. There is still much to be done. FINAL OOC NOTES     You may acquire REP for Nadril, and either Olympia or Wyver in this log. An AC-eligible thread for ONE (1) NADRIL REP POINT may be submitted HERE BY AUGUST 26TH, 11:59 PM EST. A second AC-eligible thread for 1 REP for either Olympia OR Wyver may be submitted HERE OR HERE BY AUGUST 26TH, 11:59 PM EST. Please direct questions to the questions thread below! Thank you! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[sullenstallion]

My Waver. No fakes.

[He repeats it, and he listens. His stern expression falters as Waver tells him something he only mentioned once—the fishing hook. With wider eyes, he looks Waver up and down again, looking for any trace of the 'pup' he's used to bullying. It's all gone. No puny face, no scrawny limbs. Everything is...thicker, and before long there's a slight blush creeping onto his face. He just checked Waver out like he was a piece of meat.

He fumbles in his pocket for something and shoves it at Waver's chest, wating for him to grab it. It's something wrapped in a sheet of cloth, and once Waver opens it he'll find a black fishing hook tied to a necklace of twine. The shape is more crude than the image suggests, there are obvious flaws...a tiny nick there, a scratch there.]

You mean this. It's not embarrassing, I...cleaned up a blacksmith's house just so I could use his smithy.

[He shakes his head.]

How long...are you okay like that?

[chickenhearted]

[ The longer he's stared at, the redder he gets in the face, but luckily he's able to push those feelings of embarrassment aside as Dylas fishes in his pocket and produces that fishing hook. Waver's eyes go wide for a moment as he looks that little package over, taking it in his hand. He undoes the cloth wrapping and holds the hook up to the light. ]

.... You actually made one.

[ He honestly doesn't know if he expected this to be. No one actually makes things for Waver, even if they say they're going to. It's... really touching. Enough so that even the hardest lines of his grown up face soften a little. ]

Thanks.

[ And no, it's not embarrassing. But just about every other memory of Dylas is. He wraps the hook up again and sticks it in his coat pocket before considering the next question. ]

I don't know how long it will last, but I actually feel fine this way. Maybe even better than before.

[sullenstallion]

Of course I did. I wouldn't forget that.

[He briefly considered sending it by messenger so he didn't have to stand here red in the face and present a fish hook necklace to a guy he's held more than hands with. He scratches at his neck, his tail flicking anxiously as he averts his gaze, pretending to be lost in thought.

It should be easier because he looks different, he thinks to himself, but...he looks sort of...nice?]

Y-yeah? That's good. You look great. [Wait. Shit.] You look fine, I mean, you don't look...like you're in pain.

[He turns his attention back to him. Man, that Wyver humidity is so awful, making his face red like this.]

Should I stay? Or...

[chickenhearted]

Well... thank you.

[ He tucks the hook away in his pocket for now, very carefully, before he looks back at Dylas. Luckily he doesn't really think anything of the guy averting his gaze. It's a move that Waver has used many times before. Right now he just feels...bolder in his new form. ]

I'm not in pain. [ He nods sagely, though he did falter a bit with his cool facade when Dylas said he looked great. ] I feel pretty good, actually. Like this is how I'm supposed to be.

[ He pauses a moment, letting the awkwardness just bloom between them before he finally shakes his head. ]

You can stay. I mean -- I wasn't doing anything else really.

[sullenstallion]

[He looks Waver up and down again. It's really a lot to take in. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't care. But he knows Waver. He knows his body. The body he's staring at right now, the thought crosses his mind that this isn't the body he touched over and over that night, with his hands, with his mouth.

He's not 'Pup' at all. He's a wolf, too, at least when he's older.]

I probably sound like an idiot. I guess I can't call you 'pup' when you look like this.

[His face softens a little with a helpless shrug. It feels weird. Waver's hair is so long now, the voice is different. He feels a little sad. He knows he's talking to his friend, but it's not as readily apparent as it used to be, which is something that...shouldn't happen, right?]

Yeah? Where do you want to go? If you don't want to stand around here. I'll come with.

[chickenhearted]

[ He tries not to take note of the way Dylas is looking at him, but it's almost like he can feel those eyes moving up and down, and he feels embarrassed. His ears tinge red and he clears his throat, tossing some of that long hair over his shoulder in a move of ultimate defiance. ]

That's right. Because I'm not a 'pup'. I've told you that before, anyway.

[ Now he's just extra not a pup!! He speaks like he knows what he's talking about, when in reality, he probably doesn't. He peers at Dylas for a moment, studying his face and his reactions. Part of him still wants approval from others, especially his sort-of-friends, so he's looking for any remnant of that. ]

There's nowhere in particular I had in mind. But some place without a lot of people... [ he blushes a little bit. ] Not that I want to be alone with you or anything.

[sullenstallion]

Yeah, yeah. But up until now, I've never had to take you seriously.

[What will he look like in twenty years? He's not even sure if he's going to age like a normal person. He's already over seven hundred years old, and he's not sure what being trapped as a monster for that long does to a body. Really, he doesn't feel like he looks any older. He stares at Waver more while he contemplates his own mortality before shaking his head to get him out of it.]

That's tough for you, isn't it? Because I want to spend some alone time with you.

[That sounds lewd, but from the expression on his face it's clear Dylas doesn't know what he sounds like.]

I didn't come here for anyone else.

[Maybe he'll even tell Waver what's on his mind. They're friends. Does he want his friend to know he used to be a monster and that he's so old chronologically that even he's not sure how old he is?]

[chickenhearted]

That's just rude.

[ He huffs, keeping his arms folded across his chest. Waver's not even sure how old he's supposed to be in his new body right now, but he knows he feels fine and that nothing is really wrong other than the strangeness of appearing this way in the first place.

He's about to comment on that lewd-sounding thing, but he catches sight of Dylas's oblivious face and decides to let it go. Aside from a slight blush on Waver's face, there's no trace of it being an inappropriate comment. ]

Yes, I... suppose it is. I'll get over it, if you really want to.

[ He turns some and begins to walk, gesturing for Dylas to follow. ] Come then. We'll find a place.

[sullenstallion]

Yeah, yeah. It's rude.

[Whatever. Standing next to Waver, he can't help but wonder if he looks like the younger one now. This is still a lot to take in, but his concern over Waver's well-being is the emotion that's leading the way, even if he's masking it as best as he can (and failing).]

I really want to. I know I'm an ass, but try to put up with it for a little while.

[He falls into step behind Waver, his tail swishing idly. Wyver's state looks so different than Olympia's. It pain him; he likes this city, even if it hadn't always been great for him.]

You have a place to stay, right? I mean, we don't have to go there, it's just...I hope you're taken care of.

we don't have to continue this if you don't want, it's old as balls!

[chickenhearted]

So you shouldn't say it.

.[ There. He sure told him. He scoffs quietly and begins to walk. Where he's going, he's not sure yet. Maybe home? That big oaf shouldn't be there, he seldom hangs around at home when there's adventure to be had elsewhere. So it would be quiet... ]

Fine, I'll put up with it for a while.

[ He nods then, glancing back at Dylas with a quirked up brow. ]

Yeah, I have a place. Someone from my world...woke up. I live there with him.

well it's kind of my fault since I told you I was dropping but lied

[sullenstallion]

I'll say whatever I feel like. [A beat.] For the most part.

[He follows behind quickly, taking in the damage around them as they go. There's still a pang in his stomach from just how much death the planet has seen. He also feels bad for not feeling worse--he feels so relieved and, honestly, happy to be with Waver that it overrides the negativity he feels when traveling alone.]

Good. I came a long way just to see you. And now you're all wrinkled. It's almost a waste of a--

[Wait, what? He hops in front of Waver, putting his hand out in front of him to stop him?]

A friend of yours woke up?

[Ears perk up, his tail stills, his mouth hangs open.]

but I let it sit forever anyway!

[chickenhearted]

Yeah, I know you will!

[ He hmphs and gets to walking, for the most part trying to ignore all the death and destruction around them. It gives him a weird feeling in his stomach too. At least Dylas is distracting enough to keep him from feeling too nauseous about it. He stops to snap at the other. ]

I am not wrinkled. I'm just — huh? [ He stops moving with that hand in front of him, blinking a couple of times. ]

Ah, yes... It seems impossible, but he did.

that's true, but smut is still on the table if you want it so just lmk what you want to do ♥

[sullenstallion]

Good. You're starting to get the hang of me. I like that.

[It's a line that almost makes him sound cool, right? ...Right?

Hearing that, though, he's a little jealous. His ears are lopsided, one completely perked, the other flicking independent of the other. With Cinnamon back asleep, he's the only person from his entire world on the planet again, he thinks.

But mostly, he's happy. He reaches out and pats Waver on the shoulder, purposefully using a bit of force to mess with him.]

I'm happy for you, Waver.

i'm still down for it!

[chickenhearted]

Hmph.

[ Yeah "cool" is a word for it alright.

Waver's definitely seen people from his world come and go, but he never expected Rider to be among them. He thought that big oaf would sleep forever and leave him alone. But he didn't, and the thought makes him smile a little despite himself. It lasts up until he's pat on the shoulder and jostled a little by the force of it, resembling more his younger counterpart for that instant. ]

Watch it, will you? [ HUFF. ] But...thanks.

[sullenstallion]

There you are.

[He leans in, suddenly invading Waver's space. He can't help it. Or he doesn't want to help it. Out of all the people left here on the planet, Waver is one of the people he's most comfortable with. Unfortunately, he's still not great showing how comfortable he is with someone. He moves from the pat on the shoulder to grasping Waver's chin and tilting his face up, forcing him to look up at Dylas' face. It's a rough, almost threatening--or intimate--gesture, the tone of which starkly contrasts the previous mood.

It's hard to guess what Dylas is going to say until he says it.]

Right there. You looked like yourself again, all young and cute. Hah. It was weird.

[chickenhearted]

Wh—

[ He starts to complain, until his chin is just grasped and he's held in place, forced to look at Dylas. It catches Waver off guard and he blinks a couple of times before his cheeks start to fog over with pink. What does Dylas think he's doing?! He huffs softly and tries to move his eyes away regardless of where his face is being aimed. ]

Well of course I looked like myself. Don't be ridiculous.

[ He looks at Dylas in the eye again and brings his hand up to the one at his chin as if to pull it away. ]Come on, let's keep moving.

[ He's almost...eager to be there? But he doesn't know why. ]

[sullenstallion]

You looked extra like yourself.

[There's an almost child-like pride in the way he announces it, like he's found something Waver was trying to hide. Or like he's found the hidden man wearing red-and-white striped clothes in a picture book. Triumphant. He holds the chin for only a moment longer before letting go so Waver can get back to leading the way.

This time, when he follows, there's more bounce to his step than before. He feels a bit more at ease now that he's convinced he's gotten under Waver's skin a little...or maybe he's just a little happy he touched him. He's not going to think about it.]

What kinda place is it? I'm living in a mansion, so my standards are pretty high.

[They aren't, but. Y'know.]

[chickenhearted]

That's ridiculous.

[ He snorts as if he's been caught doing something he didn't want to, turning his head away once his chin is released. Yes, time to continue walking and not think about that or how embarrassing it kind of is to hear that.

I actually have no idea where he lives so we'll just say they're coming upon some residential areas now. He waves a hand. ]

Well sorry to disappoint but it's no mansion.

[ Actually with how big Rider is, it seems a little small. But Waver doesn't mind. He doesn't need a big space. ]

[sullenstallion]

It's only ridiculous from where you're standing. I bet there's someone out there who would agree with me.

[He keeps pace with Waver, tail swishing, occasionally kicking up a piece of trash or some fallen leaves.

Eventually, they arrive. Dylas doesn't seem put off by it. He's happy to finally see where his 'pup' lives, completely unaware that he's living a dangerous game by using that term.]

I'm glad you've got a roof over your head, at least. I can stop worrying about you now.

[chickenhearted]

Too bad we're not going to find out.

[ So there. He ends the argument there and leads Dylas to his humble home.

Rider isn't there at the moment, which isn't really a surprise. He just hopes he isn't getting himself into trouble.

He hmphs. ]

You didn't have to worry about me in the first place. Of course I have a roof over my head.

[sullenstallion]

[He would've had a comeback for that!!!

But whatever.

Dylas kicks off his shoes to be polite, taking him down...nope, he's still pretty much the same height. He's still taller. Not even Waver's growth spurt is enough to beat his natural height that has nothing to do with the fact he used to be a horse.

He moves a little further in.]

I didn't mean I...worry about you, I just think about you and wonder if you're alright sometimes. It's different.

[It's not.]

[chickenhearted]

[ Waver closes the door behind them and rejoins Dylas, looking him over with some skepticism. It's different, huh? He kind of fails to see how. ]

Whatever you say.

[ He decides not to pick a fight for once and just let it go. But he gestures around them. ]

Make yourself at home. I know there isn't much.

[ But there's places to sit and whatnot. If Dylas finds a spot, Waver's just going to.. sit right by him. ]

[sullenstallion]

[Waver says 'whatever you say.' Dylas hears 'what you say goes.' That's right it does.]

No. It's nice. It's cozy.

[That might sound like an insult, but he means it! He takes a seat on a couch and moves his tail so that Waver can sit next to him without sitting on it, then sets it in his own lap, holds onto it.]

I like seeing where you live. For a while, I wasn't too welcome in your neck of the jungle, remember?

[chickenhearted]

[ That's fine... for now.

But he sits next to Dylas and nods a little. He's glad it seems cozy, at least. Like a home? ]

It's not much, but it works.

[ He looks at Dylas and frowns slightly at the memory, giving another nod. ]

Yeah, I remember. I'm glad you aren't getting yourself into trouble lately!

[sullenstallion]

I can always get myself into more trouble later. Right now, I've had enough of...everything.

[He waves his hand dismissively, and the tip of his tail flicks as he does. Too much dragon, too much death, too much destruction, too much trouble.]

Except for you, I guess. You can stay.

[It's Waver's house, but he's giving him permission to stay. He smirks as if challenging him to say otherwise.]