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I'm going home. [She couldn't sound happier about it. Kamala is practically glowing from the high of being so close to her goal.] I am also going to rescue the Marvel who still needs a codename on the way back. Maybe start my own version of the Avengers too! America, remember you are going to be my first recruit!

[She takes a breath and grows a little more somber.] This time I am not going to forget you guys. That's the best part of this for me. I know things haven't always been perfect. Actually sometimes they really sucked. I really love you guys. You saw me. You didn't roll your eyes and tell me to fend for myself. You had my back. I really hope I had yours. Now I'll never forget you. I'm so happy I won't.

[Her eyes well up with tears. She's still smiling.] You're welcome to come with me. My world isn't perfect. Actually it kind of almost ends a lot, but a lot of great people step up to save it. One day maybe I'll be one of them too. I promise I'll protect you. My family will help you get set up there. We're actually pretty good at taking people in when they need to start over. Think about it, okay?

Until then, someone help me charge my phone so we can have a dance party or something! We still have time for a good party before I leave! I swear I have the best music on here!

[A tear does shake loose. Kamala laughs wetly.] And... wow this is hard. I guess endings always are. Final thoughts? I hope Cossette finds peace. I hope everyone who got caught up this craziness does. Even if we don't? Remember that I love you. Meeting you will always be one of the best things that ever happened to me. We'll meet again someday. I promise.

[She holds up her fingers to show scout's honor. The feed ends there so she can have a good cry before responding.]

matermali

[ Her voice is a low rasp with her murmured poem—melancholy. ]

"Though fate ordains we now must part
Companions true a little while
I grasp with firm and grateful heart
The gift of friendship's gentle smile

Shared roads together we have walked
O'er hill and dale, mist dark and light
Enriching bonds between us talked
Dispelling shadows with delight

With backward glances fondly cast,
Cherished mem'ries I'll keep secure.
Though winds of change now blow by fast,
Affection's ties shall yet endure."

[ Onward to text. ]

My dear allies and friends,

You are, all of you, stunning fighters — in violence, yes, but also in wit and heart. It has been a strange blessing for me to have known and fought among you all. I am glad for it, and I thank you for the company shared in these arduous trials. I have never known anything quite like it, and it has allowed me a modicum of peace — or something like it — in our final days together. Something I did not think possible for any world that had me.

This war has been won, but the city still recovers. I will remain to help where I can, and keep watch over the beacons.

Should anyone else have nowhere to return, then you are welcome company.

For all who return home, however we have known one another... I shall miss you, and will not forget you, and I may selfishly hope that you will remember our time together.

Sincerely,
Vanessa Ives

weifinder

( Wei Wuxian holds both hands up, fingers pressed over fingers, and offers a bow to those watching. )

For those who have not yet heard, Anurr has been sealed within his human form, and his powers sealed away. He, ah, and the... bear. Are around. Try not to aggravate them, those who plan to stay, and those who plan to go. I don't think the goat's here?

( He lets his hands fall down, and smiles, bright and cheerful. The shadows under his eyes are lighter than they have been, albeit not banished; it's been an exhaustive recent weeks and months. )

It has been an honour and a pleasure traveling and fighting alongside each of you. I've a few gifts for those who'd like them — well wishes in your future travels. Especially those of you who plan to stay.

( He lifts up a... hah. A jar of alcohol, and waggles it invitingly. )

I also have these. It's nicely drinkable, and plenty to share! Let's have a nice send off for all our number, ah?

bravelyrunsaway

( Licyn runs his hand through his hair, which is for the moment loose over his shoulders. )

Good on all of our ragtag group for surviving until now. Only one question left as far as I'm concerned before we do or don't step through the gateway lovely miss Karsa is working on for us.

( He grins, lashes lowering as he says: )

Anyone up for making love now that the war's over?

( And then laughs as he ends the transmission with a wink. )

reparo

[The video isn't accidental this time, and focuses on Hermione - her face rosy-cheeked and smiling, actually smiling.

To the observant eye, one can tell she's in the old, dilapidated house that some people used during the final battle in Hatthevar as a sort of refuge. (It's the Macarena house.)]

Friends - ah, I've been thinking all day what I'd say to us all after a battle as final and difficult and hard as this one. I didn't get to say this to my friends back home, I didn't get the chance to say this to Harry, but...here goes.

Well done. You did your best, and you somehow saved the day. Look at this place. Look at this world! I know the beacons are being repaired, so it's still sometime before we leave but I think we could say we're leaving it better than we found it?

[Like it's hard. She lets out a tiny laugh.]

Also, I think - and I'm not taking any feedback on this - that I've earned myself this.

[The view focuses on the floor, where she is sitting currently, and specifically on a half-empty bottle of wine. Hermione gone wild.]

valeas

[ Wrath is beside Emilia, as are Wrathion and Wei Wuxian.

She has been here before, blood-drenched and weary. A bearer of violent tidings. The only difference is she speaks with a bluntness she could not afford in Alem, a compromise that stings her to this day. ]

Matthias is dead. I killed him, though I could not have done it alone.

[ It was not pretty. ]

For those of you who feel some of Matthias's power now, I have a suggestion.

[ Here, Wei Wuxian taps a finger on the side of his nose before smiling, small and tight: ]

Help seal away Anurr's power and bind him to his current body. Then disperse anything remaining.

weifinder

( Is it the sound of the sea swelling and escaping the shore behind him when he speaks? Or is the the shrill cries of the winds that batter at the walls and gates of the city? Who's to say, who's to say?

What Wei Wuxian does say is this, throat parched, picking slivers of wood out of his hands: )

Miss Hermione and I fell into the knowledge of why Cosette was at sea on the Headless Dancer, a decade ago or so. They were investigating a mirror shard attracting watery beasties offshore of Ellethia, under Ellethia's governing council or court or whatever it was. They weren't the only ones looking for the shard, but they were worried if they didn't find it first, that the institute of technology and magic might, fearing what that would mean in their power-hungry hands.

( A breath of laughter, tired, sad. People do not deserve the massacres that find them on the heels of other people's grasping greed. Or arrogance, a folly which he cannot claim himself innocent. )

We know how that race ended. So. How are we laying Matthias low without letting Anurr run wild in this city of death?

companionsgrasp

[While the ghost ship has entered its final stages on the 'Other Side,' Benedict posts a quick message on the network.]

To anyone still on board the Headless Dancer: there's an object on board this ship, a knife used by Matthias. The tool he used to- to leave parts of himself behind. No time to explain, but I think we should look for it!

[It could be useful after all! Maybe. Hopefully, if they could find it.]

------

[A few hours later, after the ship has sunk for another time and Benedict has had time to recover somewhat and catch his breath at least, he makes another post to the network. This time he has a bit more to say and can say it without hurry. It's not a lot, but it's something he wants to share and there is a clear hint of roiling emotion buried beneath his otherwise calm relay of information.]

Matthias does not return to the Headless Dancer anymore. He lost something there, and so he doesn't return anymore. We'll have to find him elsewhere.

I spoke to her. To Cosette.

She was on that ship when it went down the first time, and she's on that ship every time it goes down now as it cycles through that fateful day. It was Matthias's actions that caused it and many others to sink. She said he's careless with the ones he loves, and that he won't be as forgiving to anyone else that gets in his way. He isn't pitiful. She said that. Not to pity him. That his actions have always been needlessly cruel.

[So he gathered from her intent anyway.]

I won't hand her over to him. All she wants is to rest. To find peace. That's all the dead want. They don't want the dark waters, the madness to fall over them, they just want to find a final rest. Being brought here doesn't help them, doesn't do them any good, it just traps them here.

[A pause ensued as he tried to decide whether he wanted to say more or not. If he did, he knew it would be even less objective than the rest of what he relayed.]

I told her I would help her. That's what I intend to do.

[Even if that meant confronting and even killing Matthias. Some people were just beyond saving.]

------

[[ooc: Wrathion is the one set to find said knife, of course, but Cosette mentioned it to Benedict so I thought to add that first part for flavor! He'll be too busy to reply to much while still on the ship, but hit him up with any questions/concerns during anyway! After his second post he'll be free to reply in more leisure as he catches his breath. o7]]

damnable

( godsfuckinghells, her head hurts - its full of a bunch of memories that aren't hers, because turns out a good dog's always a good dog. no matter what magical compulsion power happens to be at work. fought against one - only to be done in by the next two compulsions happening swiftly after. she fought against the third too, but. she's got a lot of info to share though so. here goes as she cradles her flask and hopes the alcohol will last. )

So the power in the middle of the lagoon was a well with memory debris from people who chose to give up their memories. I grabbed some. Karsa says it can be used to make potions to regain or retain memories. If we... take one of these potions, we can remember this place when we go through the beacon. Y'know, if that's- yeah. ( she still sees her last moments in her own world - her final moments of existence, and she's afraid of not having any choice in that matter. she'll down some of her flask then before she continues. )

In the picking up of the well liquid, I... got, uh, compelled to drink some of it. Cause y'know... that's how it goes. ( long breath out. ) Hard to keep track of what's known or what isn't, but I saw a couple of Matthias' memories in the mess of memories that are not mine but are now... rattling around in my head.

One was in the Ellethia Institute of Technology and Magic - about some source of power on the coast. He gave the go ahead to grab it when his superior was hesitant to give the order. He made a storm of blood to scare away all the other ships after it.

The other was of a young blonde woman who hadn't admired him since she was a child. She was in an academic uniform. Maybe his daughter? At the end, the fuckin Merchant came up in the memory, covered him with an umbrella, and said it was time to get back to work. ...so seems like the Merchant was directly working with the Institute of Technology and Magic after all. Coy bastard.

Both are memories Matthias chose to get rid of since they were in that well of lost memories. He must have had a reason for losing them. They do say ignorance is bliss.

spoilers

As long as we're sharing, I acquired some interesting incense.

( For a very brief moment, she looks vaguely troubled, but it passes quickly. )

It seemed to impart a memory, one belonging to a young woman. She was on a ship, it was storming, and she was having quite the argument.

If this woman is Cosette, she was far from being a little girl when she died. There could have been a wife, I suppose. In either case, they were hardly contending for family of the year.

northerndragon

[Jon looks pensive, and not a little dismayed, and perhaps a bit winded.]

I went to the Oracle Hall to try to find what I could of Cosette. I spoke to the Oracle -- bloody lot of stairs that was.

A woman had been there. Blonde hair. She fears that she will be forced to stay in Hatthevar against her will. She knew Matthias's heart well, and he had called her from somewhere else. The Oracle told her that the foolishness and stubbornness of men can't be cured by reason.

Can it be her? If it is her, she doesn't want it. Not Hatthevar. Maybe not a return to her father, either.

[Who would want to return to a madman, a man who has done such harm? Who would want to claim that legacy?

Before Jon cuts away, a hand tugs at his sleeve, and a voice says, "You can help me, can't you? I heard you know everything." Jon mutters "Seven hells," with exasperation and feeling, and ends the message.]

(but he'll be back with replies if anyone wants to chat about it.)

companionsgrasp

I know a couple of us went to the bazaar to search for Cosette there, and I wanted to share what I found out about that mysterious puppet show that was the center of attention for quite a while. I talked to the puppeteer himself, a kindly old man by the name of Jasof, and he said that wasn't the original show he had been planning to put on that day. Instead, I found him coming out of a stupor and wondering what had happened--but he dismissed it as fortuitous since it earned him quite a crowd.

He mentioned that sometimes strong ghosts haunt his puppets to tell their stories... and I confirmed that he had been recently possessed by a ghost. Someone very much wanted to put on that show. I suspect it's exactly who one would think it to be: Cosette.

The story, for anyone who didn't catch it, was of a daughter arguing with her father about his absences and in the end she ran off into the wild where she ended up killed by animals. There seemed to be some sort of connection or compulsion over the crowd as well since every woman in the crowd started crying once it was over almost as if on cue.

Mathias was unhelpful in confirming or denying anything about the story. As I'm sure some of you are already aware, he has a...peculiar way of talking. He's not a very reliable narrator of information, is he?

[Press X to doubt with him.]

aprescoup

( The transmission seems to come from an inside quarter battered by Anurr's howling winds outside. Somehow, the speaker seems unbothered. )

Is this wo — I'm never good at this. One, two, three. One, two, three. Hello? That's... that sounds right.

Hello, everyone! I'm Matthias. Awful weather, isn't it? Can barely hear myself think. ( As he finishes his sentence, voice increasingly chilled, the winds quiet. )

There! There we are. Much better, isn't it? You've been well? I don't know what you make of the place, but if you're hungry, there's... try old man Thrael's, down Gentian street. Best buns you've ever seen! And his food's not bad either, haha. Do try it! Kamala, have you tried it? I think there were... more nice little family shops with cookery, I just... don't remember. Don't exactly remember.

( An awkward pause. ) ...right. A little bird tells me your group has something of mine. Very... very literally. Some parts of mine, as it were. A heart here, a tongue there, a hand... small inconveniences. I think that was all of them? I don't quite recall. I was hoping to unburden you of them. If I may? It's just... very strange. Feeling part of yourself across a city. I'm, of course, open to barter. I know you've come a long way, I suppose you're expecting something for your trouble! A... finder's fee?

And... you haven't seen her yet, have you? My Cose — ...no. Of course. You've only just started. I'm sorry. Let's not speak of it! This is us: not speaking of it.

downswing

( Behold the beautiful view of one [1] Lan Wangji, blood-drenched in one of the dusty, downtrodden streets of Hatthevar, while rains weep down — clear, for a change. In the hand that isn't holding his pendant, his sword's drawn, bloodied. )

Slave masters know little of the man Matthias. ( A pause, then almost sheepish: ) When they yet speak. Their victims recall with difficulty. Shall search the waters for signs of his whereabouts.

( Small chance of it, but carrying on ) Beware wish makers. They tempt with that which is not theirs to give.

lonelydream

How long has it been since we've been allowed to see the night sky? Has anyone managed to pry their windows open? Where I'm from, peaceful nights are often spent drinking beneath the moonlight.

[ There's the sound of clinking ceramic--clearly, he isn't letting anything stop him from drinking, at least.

It's frustrating that he hasn't been able to explore to his heart's content, that he's cut off from investigating the mysteries of this place. How much longer does he have, here in this place of relative peace? What sort of place will they go to next? Is it worth the risk to wait? (No. He knows it's not.)

A brief pause, and then he continues, though his breathing sounds...not ideal. ]

My apologies for the late introduction. My name is Zhou Xu; I arrived not long before we left the last city.

It's been brought to my attention that we have a number of healers among us. I seek, at your convenience, Wen Qing, Anduin, Nynaeve, and Hermione. Any others with an understanding of medicine, healing, or magic would be appreciated as well.

[ Far more open and blatant than he'd ever been before, but he's running out of time. He simply can't afford to be discrete any longer. Just before he ends the transmission, something occurs to him: ]

--Ah. I've heard that I've been here before. If you once knew me, I'd also like to meet. Thank you.

mashiara

The Prince has been so direct as to exchange notes when sent inquiries.

In his words:

( here, an image, which isn't a photograph but instead her turning the watch pendant around to display the note she's received, several visible around the one she focuses on, reading: )

Until the witch does, in its name. The forest died. The animals perished. They will revive at their own pace. It is the witch who wants amends, who is never satisfied. The witch who taunts and teases. Who took everything, lives and likenesses.

He says he's doing what he can from his side. That he hopes for a change of heart from the witch. The witch who is male, yes, I did read what's been shared here. Men of all kinds, from the ones seeking blood, to the ones seeking reparations, all acting foolish.

Who's for knocking them all on the back of the head and telling them to sort it all out like grown adults?

somebadnews

( How it started... )

[ Five clears his throat as he turns to the network. How to put this without admitting that he threw a tantrum and might have broken someone... possibly more than someone... several horrifically-cursed-people into pieces. For someone who can be fairly blasé when it comes to murder, this seems a little too much like insult to injury. ]

You're all pretty handy, aren't you? [ God, starting with a compliment. They have to know something is wrong, but he doesn't know how else to handle this weird problem. Maybe he should have written this down to not give himself away, but he's already started now. ] We have any carpenters, or... maybe some metal workers? I need something repaired.

A few somethings. I'm sure you can take a break from the mystery to do a mundane task. Call it a favor. [ Something crunches under his foot and he winces. That one may be a lost cause. ] ...Thanks.

[ And if anyone happens by his room (or heard the ruckus and went to investigate), he's at least trying to sort out the mess he made, and trying his best not to notice the statue looking much more accusingly in his direction. What's worse is he can't get a broom without worrying it'll snitch on him. Fucking magic castles... ]

paperbutterflies

After the message about being bored, I was thinking that, perhaps, I am better at listening to and remembering stories than telling them. Words don't necessarily come out... interesting when I try to give them back.

However, perhaps some music can alleviate boredom, too.

I know there are others who play the qin here, and all who know music well, please forgive me any mistakes.

[ And there will be some guqin music from Sizhui, for anyone who is interested in listening.

He does not imbue this will spiritual energy, unsure still how that might interact with the curse around them.

But the music itself tells stories. Stories from back home, and even stories from this world. He has been here for nearly three years, and while some of this time he did not have his instrument, he has been working on practicing for that time, and so here come melodies. Some that he has learned before, but now played with stories in mind, and some that he is cautiously weaving himself.

The qin's music is not loud, and it rarely lends itself to humorous. He tries to keep it from being sad as much as possible, though few stories from this world at least have ended up ... well. Some did hold hope, he believes. ]

northerndragon

[A young man, bearded and perhaps overly serious, addresses the party.]

If we haven't spoken before, I am Jon Snow. I have traveled with this party for two years, now. Some of you can say the same, or have traveled longer; some of you have just joined the group in recent days.

We've seen a number of places. Most were under one sort of threat or another from the Dead. A few were places of rest, or ways of travel.

I know that if I go back to where I came from, I may not be able to hold on to any wisdom I might be so lucky to gain here, but there's something I wonder about from time to time. I would hear your answers, if you have any.

The cities we've been in... what would you have done if you had been ruling them? How would you have answered the same challenges, faced the same threats?

I have been king of a land and a castle which will face the Dead in its own time. I ask because I do what I can to help my people. I hope it is not so easy to stray as some in this world have made it seem. But I understand their fear and their need better than most.

[He is finished speaking, so he presses his lips together and nods.]

[OOC: super casual post, don't worry about format too much. Assume Jon is matching anything you use.]

redhourglass

( natasha ... doesn't usually do these sorts of things. she prefers to take in what everyone else shares via the device, put together her own conclusions, share them with a select group of people. that said — she's had a pretty unsettling encounter with a candelabra and it feels relevant to share, particularly given what others have shared about julien, the prince, their relationship, and the castle.

so, here goes. )

the inanimate object servants who move were turned that way by a 'guest' — a witch. the candelabra i talked to called it a blessing, but seemed to be doing so under duress. it happened close to ten years ago. my guess is whatever changed the prince, impacts the servants as well.

i'm wondering why julien doesn't seem to be caught up in that too. anything that would touch the whole castle should put him under the same spell, right?

( ok, admittedly ... magic isn't her forte. )

the candelabra seemed very concerned that julien think they were doing a good job. makes me think it's not just the bird-like servants who are frightened of him.

one more thing: the witch is a man. felt worth mentioning .. especially when you consider julien isn't impacted by the spell.

( it's definitely a logical leap to imply that julien is the witch, but in lieu of other options? why not? she's curious to hear what others might think. )

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