epidemiology | MINI-EVENT ★ WELCOME/RESCUE PARTY

WELCOME/RESCUE PARTY

The temporal insects have all either been squished or hopped into another dimension and all of Oska's inhabitants have gone back to their (relatively) normal selves. However, they didn't leave before chewing through some of the rift magitek, causing the new arrivals to end up in a slightly less safe place than the castle.

The new Audentes recruits are dropped right at the edge of this pocket universe in the untamed forest. It's easy to lose your way in here, and to make it even harder, it's dark and storming. Going off without a buddy or two isn't recommended; you may walk in circles for hours. Meanwhile, a select few recruits receive a frantic message from Dagny begging for their help in locating these members and bringing them safely home, promising a reward in return.

The forest is home to a whole host of unusual creatures, some friendly, some not. While you're avoiding a run-in with them, you'll also have to be careful not to step into the pockets of distorted reality left behind in the temporal insects' wake. Each pocket seems to be from the time before Oska was ALASTAIR's HQ, when it was still just a crumbling universe. The feelings and sensations are vivid; the earthquakes feel very real, as does the falling debris, so watch your head.

When everyone has returned safely to the castle, Dagny will be waiting with the promised rewards. Each established recruit who participated in the rescue and all the newcomers will receive two bracelets, both made of a thin gold chain, and the instructions to give the extra to somebody close to them to tighten their bond.

OOC NOTES

Established recruits are entrusted with diving into the forest and bringing the newbies back to safety. Once they have, everyone is welcome to get situated in Oska until the next mission starts.

Characters aren't required to give their second bracelet away, but those who do (or have their bracelet stolen/lost/found) will find that the moment both bracelets are slipped on, they'll share a significant memory of theirs with the other wearer and vice versa. This is a one-time effect and will not work after the first time, even with different wearers.

Please note again that this log occurs after the temporal bugs have been cleared out. Due to the OOC extension of the previous event as well as this mini-event, the IC time between the bug extermination and the start of the mission has been extended past the 24 hours stated in the dossier to around half a week.

As a reminder, this log is open to newcomers and those who signed up on the OOC post only.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ While Koltira's busy walking the regal elf walk, Lancer's amusing himself by watching his ears. Like a hare's. Fascinating. He's distracted enough by the question that he forgets decorum (of which he has little), and flicks lightly at one. ]

...So much for subtlety. [ He's surprised, but no sense trying to backpedal. ] Sorry, I gotta stock up where I can.

[ Archers already had the luxury of flying solo for a while—meanwhile, he needs to play it a little smarter. ]

[ Lancer, you son of a bitch. Koltira hisses at the touch to his ear. He bares his teeth, if only for a moment, and recoils. ]

If you do not touch my ears again, I will share magic with you freely.

[ ...Wow, not a hare. More like a cat? Lancer looks lowkey delighted, a sparkle in his eye. A good piece of Koltira trivia: go for the ears. ]

I'll think about it. [ No promises, because he doesn't make oaths he'll break. ] You already know how this works?

[ Though it sounds that way, it's an awfully generous offer. And he's not fool enough to turn it down, but he's got just enough decency to make sure. Just in case. Not everyone's so chill with vampirism once they recognize it for what it is. ]

[ His ears flick back against either side of his head. Like a cat.

He sets his jaw, looking irritated. Well, more so than usual. ]

I have an inkling. Take what you need.

[ Koltira's something of a vampire himself, so he's not in a position to judge. Besides, despite his sour attitude, he likes Lancer. ]

[ Aw, what a gooey, magical center. ]

Now who's being generous?

[ The mana transfer schools of thought are wide and varied—a businesslike sapping from a distance, handholding, full-on, bloodsucking vampirism—so who knows what Koltira's expecting. He hasn't kept up with how the other spirits got their fix, and doesn't plan to start.

But Lancer's preferences should be obvious. And while knocking boots on the forest floor is fine and dandy, he politely refrains from jumping his bones. He steps ahead of him, reaching up to cup his face. The way his fingers brush past his ears is purposeful, teasing as ever, but his smile is harmless. The almost unnatural warmth in hands is less so. He wastes no time, skimming off the top of his magic as he speaks. ]

Stop me if I get greedy.

[ Koltira's eyes widen slightly, and his posture goes absolutely rigid. It's not that he dislikes being touched--the opposite, really--he just assumes other people would recoil at the very thought. Meeting someone who doesn't is always a surprise he has trouble handling. ]

Ah--

[ As far as the magic itself, Koltira has plenty to spare. His people were born to the arcane, and his body now is a chimera of flesh and spellcraft. The shadows are heavy, an oppressive, sickly sweet weight. The fel magic burns volatile and searing; its power is a drug still sought after by nearly all of Koltira's still living people. It tastes dry and bitter, like a brimstone wine. ]

[ He nearly puffs at his reaction, eyebrow arching up. Get any stiffer and you'll snap, Koltira. That said, poor guy wasn't much of a flirt earlier—maybe he's not one for intimacy, and Lancer doesn't press the physical envelope with people who aren't.

Besides, he's busy. His expression sobers, eyes dropping to an aimless spot on Koltira's chin. His father was a deity, and his own magic stemmed from druidic roots—and this was very different. Not repulsive (too far from it, actually), but like sipping whiskey after a lifetime of water. It leaves him thirstier than he started. ] Hmm.

[ Curious caution aside, he's still relaxed, hands drifting down. He taps thoughtfully at his jaw, looking back up with a slanted smile. ] Looks like I didn't have to worry about you. [ Whatever the hell kind of magic this is, it's far more potent than he'd given it credit for. ]

[ Koltira's cheeks are ever so slightly warm from Lancer's palms; he lifts a hand and touches one spot, his expression unreadable. The heat fades fast, absorbed into the unyielding chill of his skin, and he sighs.

Lancer had taken his fill, it seems, and Koltira had felt the pull, but not to any significant or painful degree. Not enough to override the rest of his constant pain, anyway.

His fingers curl against his cheek. ]

Are you satisfied?

[ Lancer watches lazily, assessing. That reaction probably wasn't Koltira's Gleeful setting, but it wasn't disgust either. This had seemed like a one-way street—mana thievery more than transfer—but maybe he'd been wrong.

After a moment's consideration, he pats Koltira's hand, clapping it lightly against his face as though to say oh, you. He holds on an extra second longer than he needs to. ]

What, seriously? Of course not.

[ Koltira's a little taller, but it doesn't deter Lancer from slinging an arm over his shoulders, draping onto his side like an old cloak. ]

I'm stickin' right here until we get back.

MINI-EVENT ★ WELCOME/RESCUE PARTY

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