usir | Mini Event: Aftermath and The Oxen Gods

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Mini Event: Aftermath and The Oxen Gods

🜙 The Aftermath

	The re-animated fighters attacking both Krimnos and the City of the Free Peoples burst into flames as the waters of the glass ocean flooded back into the bay. Now nothing but ashes remains of the bodies and the bay has gradually returned to its crystal clear calm waters. Not a trace of the cloaked figures or the fog that had accompanied remains, and the phoenix marks on the survivors of the pit have faded away. The cities have been quietly dealing with their individual recoveries. Didymos' people pulled together to help clean up the shores of the bay, repair damages and recover boats that had been damaged or knocked loose into the bay. In Krimnos, efforts to clear away and repair damages from both the avalanche and the siege continue. With no one certain what has become of Captain Lykos in the general population of the City of the Free Peoples even the end to their second war with Tsekour's Stormers has not brought calm to the civil unrest as the Defenders attempt to force the city to fall into military control and the people of the city continue to resist with violent countermeasures. In this state of recovery, conflict, fear, and uneasy confusion the day of the Oxen Gods comes with few people truly in the spirit of what would normally be seen as a warm and cheerful holiday. An uneasy lull of peace settles on all three cities as people attempt to be faithful to honoring the spirit of the paired gods. Vodi and Voda's day of celebration is meant to be a time of community, love, and reflection. The day of the paired oxen gods of marriage and fertility marks the true start of the thaw, when the snow and ice begin to melt and temperatures begin to rise. Spring is still months away but the first true thaw comes mid-February, right on schedule. The snow in the foothills, plains, and open lands has begun to melt, small patches of greenery appear near the edges of thawed rivers and lakes, the outer edges of tree branches sprout new growth and small, fresh leaves. Animals that have been hibernating or hiding through the winter freeze begin emerging from their homes and can be seen exploring the land for more abundant food sources. Whispered rumors from Didymos about a dragon rising from the bay reach other cities but are never discussed outside of hushed conversations in the shadows or in huddled gatherings that quickly break apart. Speculation is widespread and varied over the origin of the fog and the masked figures that stole away over a hundred people in the night, the strange attacks, and the ultimate fate of those kidnapped. Many citizens who had lost daughters, brothers, sisters, sons, mothers, fathers, friends, or other relatives and acquaintances to the pit continue to desperately seek out the missing, their bodies never recovered and the truth behind their disappearance and eventual death unknown to any but those awakened who had come back from the pit and those they chose to share their stories with, if they chose to believe such horrifying tales.
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🜙 The Oxen Gods.

	Outside of these concerns, rumors, and the general unease across all three cities, attempts are made to forget for just a little while and focus on the celebration. Vodi and Voda are honored by a show of community and compassion. Gifts of fruits and flowers, usually those grown in greenhouses or by magic, are given to loved ones. Ceremonies take place at both dawn and dusk, offering food, gifts, and music to lift spirits and symbolize a union of peace. In Didymos a pod of fin whales can be seen returning to the bay, unusual for this time of year. They linger near the center of the bay, singing mournful whale songs to one another. Celebrations in the city have a heavy focus on Vodi, the moon god. Vodi's impact on the tides makes him a highly respected god, especially among the fishermen and sailors. As the moon rises and reflects on the bay's reflective surface the city comes together as one unified community. In the open squares people from both quarters gather over music, a fresh bounty of fish dishes from the repaired ships, sea shanties sung loudly over various types of liquor and beautiful displays by wild magic entertainers, pairing water, wind, and fire magic to create visual plays, displays of talent, and melting ice sculptures. Didymos' specialty of sweet and salty ice creams are offered by various inventive food fanatics who offer up new and exciting flavors and naming competitions. A pair of young ox calves are paraded through the town, dressed up with ribbons and colorful paints. People pet them as they go by, and the oxen are eventually taken to the temple of the oxen gods near the outskirts of the city where they will live out the rest of their years free from expectations and protected by the temple caretakers as symbolic creatures of honor. In Krimnos as most of the snow is finally cleared away from both sides of the wall, the great sundial is cleared off and the light of the sun's rays reflect off its many-faceted surface, creating dozens of rainbows in the light fog of the warming sky above the city as a colorful artificial aurora borealis. Voda is honored most strongly in the cliff city, the warmth of the sun praised for the thaw that pulls the city out of dangerous freezing temperatures. People throughout the city provide her with offerings in the hopes of ensuring a slow and even thaw that won't bury the city in snow or mudslides. Celebrations across the city happen near midday and are most often celebrated by couples in love and close friends or families, celebrating passion, family, and love with sweets, plants, and crafted goods made of rare metals or glass. Normally celebrations in the City of the Free Peoples revolve around a parade of oxen from local farms, banquets, music, and a celebration of the vastly diverse community of varied cultures with a heavy focus on the rebirth of a new year, the start of a new planting season, and a celebration of the farmers that help keep the city fed and prosperous. This year the city is divided by the conflict between the resistance and the defenders. The city is actively pushing back against the militant hold of force the defenders are attempting to keep over them with the preface of keeping the citizens under control and it is widely assumed Captain Lykos is dead, with the prevailing theory being that the current leaders of the Defenders have killed him. Several members of the resistance broadcast across the city a video of them in possession of Lykos' hooded cloak, claiming they recovered it from the Defenders' warcamp and insisting that the Defenders are the city's enemy. A pair of large orc captains, the duo currently in charge of the city's defensive army, return fire, claiming that the members of the Resistance have kidnapped or killed Captain Lykos and are attempting to destabilize the city so they can take it over for themselves. A hefty reward is placed on the heads of the Resistance and people who speak out against the Defenders are routinely taken into custody and locked up. Before the celebration in Krimnos, during the celebration in Didymos, and following the celebration in the City of the Free Peoples, a strange feline can be seen pacing about the trade district, meowing insistently at anyone with a vial like hers who passes her by. Did you see her? After the full moon on the 19th, several farmers report sightings of werewolves around the city outskirts or report close encounters with the dangerous creatures.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I think it does too," he'll admit. He looks over at the locket, giving it a once-over. Pity that he doesn't have any pictures to put in it. He didn't wake up with any on his person and he highly doubts any pictures of Arabella exist this far in the future.

"The problem with the locket is that I don't have anyone to put inside." He drops the necklace in his pocket, with a little shrug. "Still, it might sell for a little bit."

Of course, once he sits down with the thing and realizes just how magical it is, those dreams of selling the locket will quickly vanish.

"Put it on Bell~" She could suggest that he give it to whoever he was talking about when they were last drinking in Didymos, but that might be a sensitive subject if things weren't working out for him. That and she doesn't want to know who Strange thinks might be a good smooch, she might not be able to keep herself from laughing if she saw them. Bell was a much safer option, and with the way Strange dotes on her, probably something he might do anyway.

Bell gives Shura a look that plainly implies she thinks this is a terrible idea. Strange does not think it's a terrible idea and scoops up Bell with one hand. The hare starts wriggling uncomfortably as Strange attempts to slip the necklace over her. He succeeds! But as Bell hops to the ground and frees herself from his hands, it becomes apparent that the human sized necklace looks a little ridiculous on the hare sized animal.

"I think I can loop it around her neck twice without choking her." Strange is obviously trying not to laugh as Bell starts pawing the locket off from around her neck. "Whether she'll tolerate it or not is something completely different."

Bell's annoyance is Shura's joy, and it's about as awkward as Shura might have imagined. Shura doesn't hold back a snicker, reaching over to poke at Bell's cheek.

"It looks nice~ I'm sure she'll get used to it ♥ " Meanwhile, Shishi just waits, wondering if it's worth getting in between Shura and murder bunny to try and get some attention for himself.

Bell's managed to paw the locket off of her neck. It falls to the ground and she gives everyone involved an annoyed glare, blatantly sulking when Shura pokes her cheek.

"If the metal's bothering her, I'm sure I can find some way to prevent it from touching her fur." Strange suddenly gets an idea and turns to look at Shura with an expression that is blatantly someone trying to repress giggles. "What if I put a picture of myself in one half of the locket and a slip of paper that says 'if lost, return to this man' in the other half?"

Bell is not enjoying this at ALL.

Unfortunately for Bell, it’s not going to get any better. There’s just something about a cute animal wearing an annoyed expression that Shura finds immensely entertaining.

“That’s a good idea! Maybe she’ll wear a little scarf. You can tie the locket on a bow, then everyone will be able to see it.” Nobody will expect the murder bunny for what she is if she has a cute little bow around her neck! Shura thinks for a moment, glancing around real quick, then motions to the fabric tied around her neck. “Hold her still and I’ll try putting it on her.”

Once again, Bell tries to make a break for freedom. However, Strange is a very tall man with very long arms: he's able to grab her before she darts away. And now he just has to try and finagle a hare while also picking up a locket from the ground.

"Hold still," Strange gently chides Bell. "I'll buy you those vegetables you like if you behave."

Bribery doesn't work as Bell tries to kick him in the face but succeeds in smushing his nose with her paw.

Good job, Strange. Shura will do her best to 'help', reaching to pick up the locket from the sand for Strange before she unties the scarf from her neck. Shura makes quick work of looping the material around Bell's neck. The bow is going to be way too big, but that just makes it even better, even if it is a little messy. Even if Bell bites her, it's going to be worth it. Probably.

After a moment, Shura will finish with her work, somehow or or other tying the chain of the locket up in the bow. Both the chain and locket are dangling down, but it's mostly (kinda) secure where it is.

"There~ You see how it'd look. It's cute, ain't it?" Well, Bell being annoyed with them is cute.

Bell continues to try and kick Strange in the face, but he's holding her still. Animals wearing things are absolutely adorable and he wants to see Bell in a bow. Once Shura finishes tying the locket and chain up in a bow, Strange looks over at Bell and gives her a wide smile.

Bell looks miserable. But she also looks adorable. Strange gives Shura a wide grin as he gives Bell a few head scratches.

"It is very cute. You look adorable, Bell. Perhaps we should have you wear the ribbon all the time?"

Shishi watches from his spot beside Shura. On the one hand, Bell looked really unhappy. In the other hand, any attention was good attention?? He’s that Bell is getting more attention from Shura in the last five minutes than he has all evening.

Shura continues to ignore Shishi in favor of annoying Bell. It’s just such a precious look on a small creature, that annoyance and frustration, all wrapped up in a floppy bow. Also, watching Strange get kicked in the face is entertaining on its own.

“Yeah! They have some little lace ones you can get, it’ll look real ladylike~”

It's a battle of wills as Strange continues to hold Bell down while Bell continues to kick him in the face and try to wriggle out of his grip. Strange comes out on top as he manages to work a hand underneath Bell's stomach, holding her close to his chest.

"I'll have to pick out one that matches her fur. Perhaps a white or a dark blue would look nice?"

Strange is also ignoring Shishi, as he continues to try and awkwardly wrangle his bunny.

"White's gonna get dirty, so you'll have to get a couple of those and swap them out if you want it lookin' nice." Because Shura really doubts Strange knows too many laundry charms.

Shishi does not enjoy this. This is totally not cool. Just what does he have to do to get few pets or scritches? Screw this, if everyone else is messing with the hare, he'll get involved. Which means he's going to be stepping up on Strange's leg in order to try and get a better sniff of Bell, so good luck with that.

Surprising no one, Strange doesn't know many laundry charms. He nods a little, listening to Shura. Maybe he'll just start with navy blue for now and then go to white later.

As he mulls over the idea of colors, Shishi places his paw on Strange's leg. At the same time, Bell wriggles and makes a break for freedom. One animal pushing on him and another animal trying to move out of his hands is enough for Strange to completely lose his balance. He moves to grab onto Bell a little tighter, but Shishi's hugeass lion self is now up in his business so nope, Strange is eating sand as he wipes out.

"Shishi! Get off of me!"

He just wants to be included, why are you yelling at him?? Shishi grumbles, trying to find a spot to get a good sniff of Bell.

Shura is, of course, laughing her ass off at the hot mess, trying to cover her mouth but failing to hold any laughter back. Give her a second, she'll call off Shishi when she gets control of herself.

Strange is trying his hardest to look indignant and annoyed. However, this entire situation is kind of ridiculous and comedic as hell. So, the annoyed look lasts for just a moment before he breaks into a grin as well, looking up at Shishi.

"I'm serious, you know. Get off of me."

Bell is taking the opportunity to hop far away from the chaos, darting between Shishi's legs as she heads six or so feet in the opposite direction of the three.

Just keep running, Bell. Keep running. Who cares about being part of Strange's soul, there's probably a better world out there.

Shishi looks down at Strange, considering his options. Bell's escaped Strange, so what was he supposed to do now? He leans his head over to sniff where Strange was holding Bell tight, snorting to blow up some of her smell from Strange's clothes.

"C'mon, Hairball, leave him alone." He can hear Shura calling to him, but Shishi won't immediately leave Strange alone, giving him a few last sniffs, then leveling a blank stare at him. There was nothing interesting particularly interesting about the way Bell smelled, so why did she get all the attention?? Gosh, rude. But he'll move off of Strange with a huff, returning to Shura, very insistently rubbing his face against her shoulder. It's a pretty blatant hint Shura gets, and she'll lift a hand to rub at his ears.

"What's with you? Jeez, you're needy."

Alas, Bell stops running when she's about eight feet away from the group. She sits down in the sand, watching everybody with a wary expression. The codependent nonsense runs both ways, sorry Shura.

As Shishi gives him a blank stare, Strange gives the lion a little stare of his own. You heard Shura, listen to the boss and hop off of him. When Shishi does get off of him, Strange props himself up on his elbows and starts a round of blatant teasing.

"You know, there are stories of an animas's personality reflecting it's owner's. I wonder what that says about you?"

It's a good question, even if it is just to rile her up. Shishi is happy to invade Shura's personal bubble, leaning his weight against her and pushing her back on her tush.

"You're Shiro's revenge, aren't you?" Shura asks the lion, reaching to take his face in both her hands and squeeze his cheeks. She's letting him get in her face, and he seems pretty damn pleased with himself. Any attention was good attention!

There was the question of what a murder bunny said about Strange's personality, but Shura won't go there just yet.

Strange gets to his feet. Idly, he starts brushing the dirt and sand off of his trousers. Carefully, Bell hops towards Strange and Shura, still keeping a healthy distance, but moving a little bit closer.

"Who's Shiro?" Strange asks. He suspects that it's someone Shura knew from back in the past, but he's not going to make assumptions. "Friend of yours?"

Shura doesn't reply immediately, considering how to answer. She didn't really want to get into her past life, but Strange liked to know things. Hopefully a short answer would satisfy him.

"Him? Ah, not really." Squishing turns into pulling, but Shishi is happy to take the abuse. It isn't like Shura's pulling hard enough to hurt. "He was my teacher."

Her teacher? That's interesting. Strange's expression shifts from something interested to a gentle sort of smile.

"My teacher was a man named Norrell." He's obviously indulging a bit in some nostalgia as Strange's position shifts slightly into a more relaxed pose. "He taught me how to use my magic. What did yours teach you?"

Shura is listening in spite of her half-interest. A man named Norrell? Never heard of any. But she wasn't too interested in academia and its politics, so that isn't really a surprise. Shura did have to wonder whether or not that man was the one responsible for Strange's showiness or if that was Strange himself.

"Mm, seals an' stuff like that." Mostly other stuff, but Shura is too sober to go into that subject. She gives her lion's face one last squeeze before rising to her feet, laying a hand on Shishi' head to keep him from headbutting her for more attention.

"You gonna look around some more here?"

He desperately wants to be nosy and ask Shura some more about what sort of seals she learned, but she changes the conversation before he can do so. Hmm. He'll just have to ask her later.

"I don't think so," Strange responds. By now, Bell's hopped over towards Strange and is still frowning up at him. Strange reaches down, picks her up, and starts to resume the head pats—though he isn't taking off the ribbon just yet.

"It's already late. Besides, I found some things of interest. Might as well quit when you're ahead, right?"

He shrugs a little, in a sort of 'hey, can't hurt' sort of way.

"It is getting late." Shura replies, glad that Strange isn't pursuing anything else about Shiro. She'll realize later that maybe she should have lied about what he taught. For now, she'll think it half-charming that he's keeping the bow on Bell. Poor Bell, Shura only meant it as a joke, but she was probably going to be stuck with a pretty ribbon for the rest of her life.

"I want a drink~ C'mon, let's go." There's the assumption that Strange doesn't have anything else to do, but Shura likes drinking and Strange is becoming familiar company. She'll take him over a stranger tonight.

Strange looks a little surprised at the fact that Shura wants to get drinks with him. That moment of surprise only lasts for a second or two as it soon shifts to a smile. Hell yeah he'll get drinks with Shura. He likes her. And being around her is always fun.

"You'll have to pick the tavern," he says, with a little nod. He gingerly sets Bell down on the ground, mostly so he doesn't have to walk and carry an animal at the same time. "I'll drink whatever's put in front of me, but I don't know what you like."

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