lostcarnival | ⇨ EDEN

Entry tags:

⇨ EDEN

Who: Everyone!
When: Day 79 - Day 85
Where: Eden
What: Everyone arrives in Eden with their new animals forms - unfortunately, the welcoming party is a bit more intense than expected, with a ritual called 'The Anointment.' Better get this place figured out before anything gets any crazier.
Warnings: Hopefully no ritual sacrifice!

FLAME OF INSPIRATION↴

So it begins. After everyone has been given their new animal form and have had about an hour to readjust to it, the Ringmaster begins the infiltration. You don't see a lot of the specifics of the magic - all you know is that Pru's sword, the Hand of God, is somehow involved. It alone can tear through the wardings of Eden's realm, and once that entrance is made, the teleportation is instant. Everyone will find themselves in an open grassland overlooking a dense forest, with buildings and lights poking up out of the leaves. Behind you, there is a darker place - the barrens, the Ringmaster has explained. It's were the Outcasts are sent after they're banished.

You are scattered across the area as if you've been dropped in with nothing. You've been given specific instructions - act as if you have no memory besides the vague life of being an animal. None of you know each other. You don't know how you got here, you've just been suddenly found yourself enlightened. Hopefully feigning ignorance will be what the residents are expecting, as what information the Ringmaster could find suggests it should be.

Before the beasts of Eden come to claim you, you'll see the Ringmaster once last time, in the form of a giant serpent. With a nod of her head, she slithers away towards the barrens - she'll be in touch.

► THE WELCOMING: It's not long until you're discovered. The first to find you is a pigeon, who seems rather surprised. She'll ask the first few new arrivals she sees a couple questions - 'did you just get here?' 'did you meet the great Lilith?' Regardless of your answers, she'll hurriedly say she's going to go get help, and will fly away back into the forest. A short while later, an entire welcoming party of different animals will have come to greet you, sweeping out to find every straggler and explaining that you are the newest of the chosen. After they are sure that nobody is being left behind, they will invite you into Eden.

► THE GARDEN: Eden is a beautiful place. Every street, every structure, is surrounded by flowers and vibrant plant life - every bit as idyllic as its mythos would imply. The architecture is ambitious and creative, as if the residents have been perfecting the art for thousands of years, which they almost certainly have. There is the sweet smell of perfumes and incense on the other animals are you are led into the city. This is your home now, the locals will explain. You have been chosen by the Creator to serve Her cause. You will become one of the Honorable, one of Her artisans working towards the Divine Clarity. But first, of course, you must be sanctified.

► THE ANOINTMENT: On that first night, everyone is brought to a vast cathedral, covered in unknowable writings in a shining script. You are brought in through several gorgeous hallways lit with shining crystals and blue flame torches, only to emerge in a great hall built around a circular, sparkling pool of water. There are several braziers around its circumference blazing with fire, with sets of tools hanging out of them, like iron pokers. All of the new arrivals are gathered into the grand hall, and scriptures are read in the background that you can't really make out the specifics of.

You will all be made to stand around the outside of the pool, and the local animals will gently explain to you what needs to be done. To become a new Honorable, you must be Anointed with the Flame of Inspiration - that is, they are going to brand you with the metal pokers they have heating up. If you go along with it, they will burn the mark into a highly visible part of your person (they have smaller brands for smaller animals), and then cool it off in the pool of water, where you are encouraged to bask until you are comfortable again.

There are obviously a couple concerns with this. The biggest one is that it's sketchy as hell. The second one is that the brand is definitely made of medium grade iron. While the painful difference it makes won't be super obvious from the outside, long-term veterans and those with superlative fae qualities will find it very uncomfortable, and it will blister for a fair while afterward, which is seen as unusual. If your character refuses, or tries to get around it somehow, please explain in reply to the post down below.

► THE DAYS AFTER: After everyone is branded (or isn't, as the case may be), you'll be given the opportunity to dry off and head back into town. All of the fancy structures here are communal, they will explain, and you can choose wherever you'd like to sleep. There are a few buildings that are mostly empty that newbies seem welcome to hole up in, though the locals assure everyone they will be nearby in case they need help.

In the days that follow, everyone will be welcome to explore Eden and find their bearings, and begin to discover what gifts the Anointment has bestowed on them. Whether or not you were good at a creative pursuit before, you will find yourself filled with inspiration for something - any artistic talent will do. It's like a creative talent will have been born in you overnight, or like an existing talent of yours has been boosted to near perfection. This effect will last as long as the characters are in Eden unless you are told otherwise.

You won't feel the need to eat, but there is breakfast available, if you'd like it. The locals are very courteous, though they seem a bit confused. Something about your entry seems to strike them as different than usual.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[THE ANOINTMENT]

Since Tyki was already use to walking on four legs, it didn't take him long to adjust to walking in the body of a timber wolf. He had spent most of the hour they were given teaching himself how to decently howl along with picking up objects without the use of his non-existent hands.

Eden was beautiful but then he had always pictured it that way. Still, nothing could vastly describe it in detail and he had to admit if this was his home for a while it wasn't all that bad in appearance. Yet Tyki, being a conman himself, couldn't quite play into the welcoming gestures and guiding animals. He was ready for something to happen especially since a lot of information he himself would've wanted, schedules or floor plans for starters, on a missions like this was vastly missing. It was never this easy. There was always a catch to paradise. It's why the cathedral doesn't surprise him, the tools hanging on the wall are given little to no care, nor does he startle at the way the air feels ominous when explained what needs to be done. He takes a quick look around for any other animal with brand marks and then down towards the pool of water like a lost wolf unsure about everything.

It's why he plays along, banking on the fact that this is new to a freshly enlightened animal. If no one else steps forward, Tyki will towards the animals beckoning him to be branded. Either way, he's one of the first, if not the first, with clear determination to join them. He offers his flank, high upon his left hip. The brand is hot, scalding and painful but Tyki's ears shift back at best for any reaction of pain and his claws extend momentarily with a scrape along the ground. It's nothing like the sting of Innocence nor is he going to show any aversion to pain in general other than an instinctual growl. He's use to it from years of brutal battle in his own god forsaken war. Even when slinking into the water to soothe the pain he is silent, showing clear pleasure and relaxation at the water easing the burn. Otherwise he doesn't really talk nor speak to anyone except to nod in someone's direction in greeting should they pay him any attention.

[Communal Housing - After the Anointment]

For a little while Tyki will keep to himself, listen to instructions, and will follow along with the general crowd. The only time he pipes up or offers any specific greeting will be if he spies other wolves around. He's working on instinct, a need to integrate like he would do so with humans of his own world, and will excuse himself when necessary. He's eager to learn, follow along, and be part of the social society that this place has to offer. Tyki hardly seems to pay attention to anyone of the carnival but that doesn't mean he isn't watching or looking their way.

Wolves are social animals and Tyki is no exception. Eventually he'll make his way into the communal housing and find somewhere to claim as his own, for now at least while he's not part of any social group. He enjoys comfort, pillows and lavish things, but he's careful to watch any locals for their usual signs of resting and any comforts they might provide or have. To anyone that seems in distress over their wound from their branding or needs to be comforted, Tyki might absently make his way over to sit near them with a casual lick at his own branding just to soothe it when things quiet down.

Those in distress will get an "Are you alright?" with a tone from one stranger showing concern for another in a similar circumstance. To someone of interest he might simply greet them with a "Oh, hello. Is this spot taken?" He's not overly polite as usual and he's regarding them with some offhanded curiosity than anything else.

If not alone, Tyki will wait to be talked to before addressing anyone else like he was tired and minding his own business. And to anyone, that Tyki particularly likes, that passed out or was in great pain during the branding he might be simply laying nearby until they awaken themselves as if he was just there. He's kind of a creeper like that. It happens.

[Exploration]

His first stop was usually a bar or a restaurant in order to gain information but with the lack of need to eat or drink, he found that area lacking. It's why Tyki will simply take to the streets, getting use to his surroundings and animals within it. He's watching groups as they pass, picking out the weaker species and noting where some go in and out of buildings in order to access them himself. At least this time he's not sticking his nose where it doesn't belong so he doesn't accidentally end up where he doesn't want to be.

He'll stop to casually ask an animal a question, get directions to somewhere new in order to talk to someone, and will nod along with sage and wise advice even if he'll never use it.

He's still himself, at least for now, and he looks awfully shady at times the way he ducks into alley ways and watches others from the shadows. Tyki only revealed himself as a wolf to a few people, those he trusts, before they left the carnival. Yet it doesn't stop him from popping around a corner at the last minute to catch someone off guard if he recognizes a voice or an animal he came in with.

He doesn't apologize, not as he is now, nor helps them up should he have knocked them over unless they are canine in nature, "Oh, hello, I didn't see you there." His head tilts and he'll lean forward to inspect them, "Hmm, didn't I come in with you recently?"

[Wildcard]

More prompts may be added later. Feel free to tag in with your own should you want to. Or hit me up on plurk or discord. I'm always up for anything. Tyki can be found just about anywhere given he's a wanderer.

Strange is still a bundle of nerves and worries. And he's a bundle of nerves and worries with someone who he's supposed to look after almost dead. He had gotten booted out of the healing tent and was on his way back to the healing tent, when inspiration decided to strike at the worst possible moment. Combine that with Strange's scatter brained tendencies and this means that poor Ignatius is forgotten for a moment as Strange grapples with this overwhelming urge to practice dancing.

He's humming a song to himself as he practices. Unfortunately, birds are really awkward dancers on land and Strange isn't sure enough in his flying ability to practice some aerial maneuvers. He doesn't even notice himself when he smacks into Tyki...but he does recognize that voice.

"Oh!" Strange exclaims, as he gets to his feet and flies over to Tyki to try and perch on his back. "I've been looking for you!"

Because scatter-brained Strange straight up forgot to tell Tyki something interesting before the carnival left for Eden.

Edited (eta because I've thought of a better way to make timelines make sense) 2018-07-10 02:50 (UTC)

Normally, he'd allow an animal to pass through him, sometimes startling them and othertimes letting them touch him after to see if that had really occurred. At times like this when he's been mostly avoiding carnival people except for someone here and there, he'll allow Strange to smack into him, careful in his steps to slap a paw to the side like he's regaining his balance.

He doesn't growl, get frustrated, nor make any scene between the two of them. He does give a rather level stare at Strange phrasing it like that, "You have?" His tone is full of skepticism, annoyance, and mild pride. Seeing as others allow smaller animals to ride on them, Tyki plays along. Not to say he isn't interested and he'll stride forward as he walks to at least get out of the street so he doesn't run into anyone else.

"I have," Strange remarks, with a small little smile. Now, how exactly to tell Tyki what he wants the other man to know without it being super suspicious...

"I had a dream about us." Okay, that's kind of suspicious. "We were both in a library and you found an interesting book about a woman. The dream continued on and then I spoke to a different woman named Shimmer about that book."

What an intensely round-about way of saying 'Shimmer told me something about the Mother of Invention that you found in the Athenaeum.' He looks over at Tyki to see if the other man understands what exactly he's trying to get at.

"That sounds awfully shady," comes his instant response. His facial features don't portray the usual grin and excitement he has around Strange. In fact, his ears will bend back in slight worry and agitation that he's feigning. He's been avoiding people like Strange that have been causing a scene whether they wanted to or not.

Also welcome to Acquisitions. Time to get hazed. "And disturbing," he continues. Technically he understands what he's trying to tell him, "But do continue about this dream of yours." His left ear flicks just once, a clear sign he's interested if Strange knows him well enough.

"The way the library works, you find books based on what you need. So if you find a book about a certain woman, that means your fates might be intertwined."

Strange is saying this 100% seriously: he believe Shimmer's theory. What that means about Tyki and the Mother of Invention having intertwined fates, he doesn't know. But it's definitely worrying enough that he at least wants to tell the other man that.

"That's what Shimmer said, at least. And I've no reason to think she's lying."

He drops his head to the bag he is carrying around, more like a few babbles wrapped in a cloth, and picks it up as he listens to Strange's words. He pads onwards towards the next spot he's investigating and sets it down again, nosing into trinkets to pull out glass bits here and there. He's not bold enough to put anything up in town yet, instead admiring the work of others and taking in inspiration for himself. He had to blend in after all.

"Hmm, yes, still shady," he repeats, hoping to get a point across but Strange is at least trying. Tyki is just giving him shit for it because he can. "You mean like my art buddy or something?" Since animals here seem to have no libido and thus what else would he possibly want with a female animal. Also, he's not having it. Nope. He wants out of this immediately, "I think I'll pass on your dream. I'd rather not."

Trusting person is someone like Strange. Not that he really has anything to suggest Shimmer is lying either. She was there at the carnival to help.

"You know what I mean," Strange responds, with a little roll of his eyes. "And you know that whether you like it or not, it might happen." At least to him, it seems Tyki's being difficult for the sake of being difficult. He's trying his best here, it isn't Strange's fault that he isn't the best at lying!

And then, because he's taken Childermass's role as 'asshole bird' for the event and also because he wants to see just how Tyki reacts, Strange takes a light nip at one of Tyki's ears.

Is that power to choose still going even now?

A paw lifts to work at the underside of his chin, contemplating Strange's words like he doesn't understand a single word of them. Yet he's processing the fact that he might be sucked into something bigger than he wants to. Admittedly the Mother of Invention was fascinating to him on a higher level. He necessarily wouldn't mind helping her achieve her goals yet would rather not make the Winter Court more powerful by proxy. Defying ones weakness and ascending higher than ones birth was just something all Noah strove for.

It is and because it isn't an intent to attack, that ear is only flicked when he takes a nip at it. Yet the reaction is much stronger, his own jaws opening with his head swinging around to take a chomp at Strange. He's not out to harm, even as an act, and if he's fast enough Strange might feel hints of his jaws passing through his body. Move fast, bird boy.

Of course, regardless of how it goes down, there is a low drop of his head, one paw up with a waggle of it, "I would rather defy my fate than agree with it. Just as I defy my own fangs with my power."

Nope nope nope bad idea. Strange tries to fly away from Tyki but shivers a little at the feeling of Tyki's jaws passing through his body. That feels weird and he doesn't like it.

He also doesn't like Tyki's stance on fate. Strange believes in destiny and prophecies: with hindsight and actually remembering what the damn thing says, the prophecy that he heard when he first became a magician lined up fairly well with his life. The Starlight's prophecy to Childermass also rang true. As for his own...well, Strange isn't so sure of that one yet. But that doesn't change the fact that Strange 100% buys into fate, destiny, and prophecy.

"It doesn't have to be agreeing," Strange points out. "Take ownership of it. Take your fate and approach it in a way where the circumstances benefit you."

Now that (at least in Strange's mind) Tyki and the Mother of Invention's fates are intertwined, the best thing for Tyki to do is take charge of the playing field and find a way where his fate benefits him the most.

Truth be told, Strange is a sizeable bird and it would take a lot of effort to wolf him down should he end up going feral or he would have to fake it somehow. Not that he would ever do that to a cherished friend. Were Strange not making such a target of himself he would've allowed the pecking to continue without much thought to it.

It's not that he disbelieves such things as prophecies and fate. Noah inherited the goals of the former without much question. They were already roped into their destiny whether they liked it or not. He just would rather he had nothing to do with fae other than the Ringmaster, who he trusted for now, to influence this fate any longer, "As if I would allow one single card to fall from my deck..." ...good sir. He knows what it means to defy fate. It never went well and usually trying to avoid it caused one to barrel into it on accident.

"Hmph, a dream is sometimes just a dream. A pretty thing."

"This one isn't," Strange simply responds. Because though he doubts it will happen, he's really trying to press on Tyki the importance of what Shimmer said. There's no use trying to ignore the fact that their destines might be intertwined. Because if Tyki does, then it's sure to bite him in the ass.

"Still, no matter," he explains, making a small birdy sigh. "We've got better things to think about at the moment." Like his skink friend, who Strange (at the moment) is convinced is sleeping soundly and safely in the healing temple. And like the fact that they need to find the Mirror...and Strange doesn't have a clue where to start on that.

"By the way, what sort of art do you make?"

"I hear you," is the only confirmation he will give that he understands. There's also the fact that the Mother of Invention is someone that interests him. If she can overcome her weakness to iron then perhaps she could also help him overcome his weakness to Innocence. Tyki's not above using various immoral means to get a job done and her methods aren't exactly anything he would bat an eye at.

He stares down Strange for a while and processes all of this. In these worlds he never had an ounce of control like he did in his world. "Having trouble in paradise?" Not that he hasn't been watching Strange. This time he's been actually avoiding him. Tyki visited often in this worlds. There's been a significant lack of his presence for good reason.

He slides a paw into his hip pack and drops a glass ball on the ground. Lights illuminate from it from the refracted sunlight and metal pieces within along with the carved glass inside. He spins it gently and the leaves designed inside flow like an autumn breeze across the floor.

Tyki Mikk | OTA

exploration

sorry work ate me again

no worries!

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► ADDED PROMPT : Talent

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