Event Log: Fourth Wall, Part Two

[hadrielmods]

Who: Everyone in the city + Fourth Wall visitors!
What: Part two of the fourth wall event, hosted by Sorrow, Rage, and Hope!
Where: All around the city
When: November 1st-November 7th
Warnings: Visitors from other worlds!

Welcome to Hadriel! Or, for those who have been here, please continue enjoying your stay. Perhaps you arrived here last week, and have been wandering around since then, making new friends. Or perhaps you've just arrived, and have no idea what's going on. You may have woken up in the colosseum, or near a temple, or in one of the numerous other locations in the city. You might be confused and frightened to find yourself in this underground city, or maybe you're just wondering why you haven't been sent home yet, when others have.

Whatever the case may be, the situation in the city has changed somewhat. There is still a gently glowing path leading you to a nicely-outfitted party, but the specifics of it have changed. If you're a new arrival, it'll be easy to follow the path and find the party - if you're not, well, the color of the light has changed, signalling that something's different. Maybe you want to check it out?

Around the clearing are gently glowing flowers, illuminating both the tables and the rest of the area, bright enough to make things clear even when the larger light at the apex of the cave is gone. On the tables are an array of different kinds of food - however, sampling this food will quickly make it clear that nearly everything is spicy, whether subtly so or with a burning heat. The cookies seem to have chili oil in them, the dip has jalapeno-like peppers. It's hard to find anything that won't burn your mouth a bit. If you're lucky enough to find something that doesn't, though, it will most certainly be somewhat bitter or quite sour. That doesn't mean the food tastes bad - if spicy and sour are your sort of thing, they're delicious! If you're looking for something more normal, though, you're out of luck.

Also on the tables are a variety of drinks, and these at least are not spicy. Instead, they're the sort of warm, comforting drinks that might remind you of home, of curling up in a soft blanket while rain falls outside. Warm cocoa, hot cider, teas of various flavors. Just the sort of thing to soothe a worried newcomer.

Decorating the area are various banners with welcoming messages saying things like 'HADRIEL' 'THIS IS A PARTY' 'EAT FOOD' and 'DO NOT DIE'. They are all identical, with large black block letters on plain white paper. They look very similar to something that you might print out on a standard office laser printer at the last minute if you have no discernible sense of humor or fun.

Scattered around can be found exciting party games such as pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs. Here and there can also be found various pinatas of different types. Break them open, see what comes out! If you're really lucky it'll be candy - if not, it might be full of bouncy balls or cherry tomatoes. Good times!
_

Or maybe you don't like parties? No worries. The rest of the city has plenty of places to explore- maybe you'd like to stumble in our Silent Hill zone, have a quick look around the alien orchard, or check out any of the god temples that can inspire their chosen emotion. Be careful not to get lost in the tunnels leading away from the cave- none of them can actually move you above ground, but you may run into a few monsters on the way.

For those of you who came last week, here's your chance to help out newbies along with the people who have been here forever! Join in on the festivities if you like, or try to orient as many of the others as you can. Rule the newcomers at musical chairs, continue your fight club, pick up a second weird cave girlfriend and then watch as they dump you and hook up with each other! There's no end to the possible fun.
_

Enjoy the fourth wall event at Hadriel! Once you're settled in feel free to explore the rest of the city! Find a house, find a new monster, or simply scavenge for supplies.

Fourth wall characters do not enter with phones so they cannot reach the network- however, if you'd like to handwave that they somehow got ahold of Mello's Newcomer guide to avoid the 'where am I/what is this' sort of questions, then feel free!

Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers November 1st-November 7th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well! Fourth wall characters will not have posting access, so grab an in-game friend if you wanted to do anything separate from the main log.
► Fourth wall characters will be in the city for at least one week. If you want them to stay longer, our applications are now open!
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Comments

Edward, the Black Prince | Bladestorm: Nightmare | Open

[princeofhearts]

[That gently glowing path is not at all easy to follow for some of the newcomers here; weary from both battle and the weakness in his own body, it is quite impossible right now for Edward, Prince of Wales and heir to England's throne, to walk far. Hadriel had swept him up from his time of recuperation, away from the battlefield where he had been sat going through reports; the timing could only have been worse had he been undergoing the 'delights' of treatment his doctors provided.]

[Right now he's pulled himself away from the path to sit against a wall, somewhat shadowed, as he tries to gather his strength. Without his armour or any weapon there is no real way for Edward to defend himself should hostiles appear, though in truth it would be hard to fight even with a sword in his hands.]

[Alone and hindered by his sickness, he is more vulnerable than he has ever been before and it's rather a strange feeling. No prince is ever left unguarded, after all, much less the heir to the throne.]

[It is unfortunate, therefore, that the shock of this situation to his system causes Edward to lap into unconsciousness...]

[svensk]

[He's been here for a couple of nights now, and while he isn't starved yet, he can feel himself getting quite hungry. So when he finds a clearly unconscious but still alive vessel lying around the city, he's not going to say no to snacking on it a bit.

Not too much, he has no interest in dropping bodies here - the population of this place is terribly small, really, and that is the main reason why he is this hungry, he hasn't dared to feed ever since coming here - but just a little bit...

He picks the unconscious man up and carries him a little distance to a safe and hidden corner. Hm... talking about not dropping bodies, he should probably get this guy to the clinic that he saw earlier once he's done. The guy really doesn't look good, and doing your civilian duty, so to speak, can earn you positive points in any kind of society. And most humans consider helping the wounded a good deed.

After feeding.

He throws a quick glance out onto the street to make sure that nobody is watching and then sinks his fangs into the guy's neck. It won't hurt - if Edward feels anything, it will be almost ecstatic bliss. There is a reason why donor cults can form around Kindred. It will take a little bit, though, also because he doesn't just drink but monitor the vessel's physical status as he does so. Can't have him collapse...]

this is terrible and I love it

[hotspurred]

[The continued influx of new people necessitates the presence of some guardsmen, as far as Henry is concerned. He doesn't partake of the festivities -- those who make it to the party are no doubt safe -- but rather doubles the time he patrols the streets, keeping an eye out for those in trouble, or plain old trouble.

In the distance, he just catches sign of movement. He pauses, brow furrowing, wondering if it just his imagination. Then he decides that he has enough doubts to justify inspection.

He heads up the path, turns the corner, and squinting into the darkness sees.]

What in God's na--

[He cuts himself off, and in an instant, as he recognises the unconscious figure as Edward, he draws his sword and lunges, thrusting its point straight at the second's mans face, attempting to kill him without a split second of hesitation. White-hot anger twists his expression, replacement the brief flash of recognition as he roars:]

You shall pay for this defilement!

[But even then, his eyes immediately and desperately look to Edward try to determine what has been done to his prince. But it's too dark to see whether Edward even still lives--]

[svensk]

[Rasmus's reaction is instinctive and fast, and he springs into motion the moment he sees a movement of attack. He's not blessed with disciplines of speed, but he is still fast, and as the sword thrusts forward, he jerks his head back and pulls the body in his arms up to serve as a shield, hanging between him and the attacker.

This is actually not in Edward's favour - the wounds in his neck might be small, but they are still there, spilling a few droplets of blood. He would have closed the wound once he was done, but this really is not the moment for such actions.

What the hell he thinks as he makes sure to keep Edward between himself and the tip of that sword, handling the unconscious man like a ragdoll. He'd rather the guy not die, but not nearly enough to put himself in the danger of beheading.]

Stand back.

[hotspurred]

[Henry's reaction is swift, and the moment Edward is used as a shield he pulls back his sword with an inarticulate noise of rage. There is blood on Edward's neck and that horrifies him further while intensifying his hatred.

But he cannot endanger or defile Edward, whatever the case may be.

He takes a step back, and circles restlessly, look for a opening, for another opportunity that won't risk Edward's life, if indeed Edward yet lives.]

What have you done to His Royal Highness?! Release him!

[Henry snarls. If looks could kill, this stranger would drop dead.]

[svensk]

I checked if he was alive still, and once I found that he was attempted to stabilize him so that he could be brought to the hospital which the natives have erected a few streets down from here.

[There is no opening. He's making sure to not move the body between them too harshly, so that he won't be damaged from being jerked around, but he's also going to react to every move of that sword swiftly.

Sure, he could attempt to use mind control and make this guy go away, but if he can at all he would rather not use up any of the precious blood still running through his veins. He gained too little from Edward to use it without dire need, and perhaps this can be resolved without such measures still...]

[hotspurred]

[Henry keeps his sword low, the tip pointed down at the pavement, but still unsheathed. He continues to watch and wait. Alive then, if this stranger is to be believed. Not that there is anything remotely trustworthy about him.]

In a dark alley.

[It's said with complete disbelief. Henry narrows his eyes.]

What aid attempted you to administer? That looked like none I have seen. Put him down.

[svensk]

My kind can give the human body a pleasant warmth and positive stimulation to the subject's mind, warding off the cold that will befall body and heart when too much ill has befallen a person - shock, the call it in medicine.

It is that what I was doing.

[He's lying through his teeth for the most part, but he has perfected that to an art over the last centuries and seems perfectly earnest. And if this guy wakes up in time, he will even be able to back him up - the bite does feel like body and mind are warmed from the inside, in a way.]

I found him lying on the street where any monster could have come and preyed on him.

[...Not putting the only thing that is between him and the tip of that sword down, nope. Not when he doesn't have a blade to answer with. He prefers guns. They only make single holes. He can deal with that a lot better.]

[princeofhearts]

[Fortunate, then, that Edward is now at the point where noise and movement both are enough to wake him again. It's a somewhat slow process, his body betraying the rise of consciousness before his face does; the gentle warmth in his chest is comfortable enough that he's not bothering to fight to open his eyes.]

[Eventually, though, they snap open when he realises: something is holding him upwards. That's not good. Neither is the enraged Henry Percy stood before him, a raging fire just barely keeping himself in check, no doubt for Edward's sake.]

What is this?

[His body can barely handle it, but in this instinctively threatening situation he musters enough energy to struggle in his captor's grasp.]

[hotspurred]

[What the stranger even means by that, Henry doesn't grasp, and he remains suspicious, ready to accuse the stranger of preying, but then Edward stirs--

His sharp shifts to Edward. Despite his fierce anger, Henry still breathes a sigh of relief, giving voice to the pang of the same he feels in that moment. With Edward conscious, Henry springs forward with the intent of passing his sword to his prince. He has his shield on his arm, and that remains his greatest weapon.

Just in case.

If the stranger is speaking the truth, then he should have the sense to release Edward.]

[svensk]

You should cease struggling, as you are still weak and might fall if I-

[Or not.

He abruptly releases Edward when Henry springs forward with the sword and backs up a few steps, which has the advantage of bringing him a few steps up, too, even if his feet stand on rubble and thus on unsteady ground.

He would make an excellent Brujah, if Nils were here I should tip him off about this guy he thinks with amusement, as dangerous as the situation otherwise is.]

I advice for you to cease your hostilities, if you wish the wounds at his neck to be closed. Though that will be the last thing that I will do for him, if your contempt is all that I earn for it.

we're just switching our tagging order for the sake of flow!

[hotspurred]

[Henry acts on instinct, and simply drops his sword the moment Edward is released to catch Edward and break Edward's fall. Edward is obviously in a poor state, and he cannot allow further harm to come to his prince.

Henry grits his teeth.]

You would--

[But swallows back further words, trying to restrain his temper. Still simmering, instead he says:]

Your Highness.

[And forces himself to wait to see what Edward wants, and needs. He concentrates on steadying his prince.]

[princeofhearts]

[Wounds? The pain is barely obvious to him right now but the wetness on his neck really noticable, now Edward is more aware. He grips onto Henry, trusting in the way he always has, the way he once outright expressed he did.]

Let him do as he must.

[He says it with quiet firmness. If fighting becomes necessary then so be it, but without knowledge of what kind of damage has been done Edward knows the most sensible option is to calm this situation.]

Be at peace for now, Henry Percy.

[svensk]

[Rasmus will stay where he is for the moment, waiting until Henry calms and somehow indicates that he will do no harm if he approaches his prince. And use all the body language that he has to signal a lack of threat, which... isn't the easiest thing to do, but it mostly works.]

I will need to access his neck again for this in a similar way to the one which I used before, yet it will be brief.

[mismanagement]

[It's happened yet again. For the first time, there's been a second wave of newcomers at the start of the month. Not all of those brought in the initial wave have stayed, but the results are troubling nonetheless. Clearly the gods are plotting something new. Their manipulations rarely end painlessly.

Thus, she's ordered the guardsmen into high alert and instructed them to gather as much information as possible. Maybe half will actually turn in written reports, but she'll make do. Thus far, the only thing that can be done is prepare for the worst, and deal with the newcomers as needed.

She pauses, rifle slung over her shoulder, and touches the wrist-guard hanging heavy on her arm. The armor fits and the worst of the damage has been repaired. It still feels odd to wear it now, carrying something like a legacy into the caves. None of the weapons are exactly functional, but the armor ought to protect her from at least a few things. In secret, Maketh took a soldering iron and caved a list of things onto the inside of the chest-plate. The names of all the people she loves. Emily. Chris. Henry. Rey. Nick. Lilith. All of them over her heart, so she won't forget.

On her gauntlets, she's carved Henry's family sigil. Absent completely is the symbol of the Empire.

It's important to remember where you stand.

Regardless of threat or personal feelings, the patrols must continue. Maketh drops her hand. Don't be foolish, soldier.

She almost misses the man slumped against the wall. His hair is so dark, it blends completely into the shadow. She hurries over with a curse, checking his pulse. The skin is hot to the touch.

Alive, but not well.

Maketh curses again and shakes him, hard.]

Up! Get up.

[Part of her wonders if this man - with his hair, she remembers that hair from the mirrors - might be someone known to her, at least in the abstract. But there are other, more immediate concerns.]

[princeofhearts]

[It's enough to waken Edward, though it takes a few moments; the weakness runs deep in his body right now, past the worst, but nonetheless a struggle to fight against while it makes his skin burn red. Their single small fortune, perhaps, is that Maketh's gauntlets are the first thing he can focus on. Edward speaks up, slow and pained but clear nonetheless.]

You are kin to Henry Percy, or bound to his family.

[What she wears is unfamiliar for the most part, but the sigil? That he knows very well. If he were at full health and capable of walking, running or defending himself in any way he would not be so immediately trusting, but right now there is no other choice. It's hard enough to think as it is.]

While my shield arm is gone from my side and my body weak, I must ask for your aid. I am Edward, Prince of Wales, and I am grateful to you for waking me.

[mismanagement]

[She freezes. It's one thing to suspect. Another entirely to know.]

You're his prince.

[The one he stood next to in the mirror, both of them looking down on the grave of a loved one. The one he's quietly in love with. Maketh takes a breath to steady herself, then offers him a hand.]

I call him brother. I'll protect you as long as I am able, but we cannot stay here.

[princeofhearts]

[So this is Henry's... sister? Something to ponder later, much later, when Edward's battered body has found rest and they are in a safer place. He bows his head and takes the offered hand.]

I am grateful.

[The implication that she knows this strange place is obvious, as well as the fact that Henry himself is here; it's motivation enough to summon the little energy he has right now.]

My body is weak, but I shall push it forward as long as I am able.

[mismanagement]

[Good, he's sensible. Maketh tugs his arm over her shoulder. The height difference makes it awkward, but she'll make do. It has to be done. Therefore it will.]

Lean on me. It won't be far. But if I tell you to drop, you will stay out of the way. Understand?

[princeofhearts]

[Only one person has ever given Edward an order in such a manner; his own father, the King of England. Later on he will no doubt find something almost refreshing about that fact, but for now, he does nothing more than what he is told; leaning on her as much as is safe.]

As you will.

[The sooner they are in a safe place, the better.]

[mismanagement]

It won't be far.

[The guardpost is close. Once she gets Edward secured, she can call Henry. Perhaps even have him stop by the clinic and get some medicine. Edward doesn't look well and likely won't be moving under his own power anytime soon. Not a good situation when one finds themselves stuck in Hadriel's caves.

One thing at a time. Maketh grits her teeth and walks on. It's a tricky balance with Edward and her rifle alike, but she makes it work.]

Henry--he will be glad to see you.

[princeofhearts]

[Even in his current state Edward can pick up on the implications of what Maketh is saying. He knows of Henry's suffering, of course... none of them escaped pain and grief during the Diabolus war, none at all, and Henry's affections for Iamarl in particular are well known to the Prince. What more has occured to his firebrand?]

Much has been endured by Henry Percy, I see.

[Step by step, moving onwards...]

Beyond the fight he has already known.

[mismanagement]

[Maketh huffs, not quite a laugh.]

Yes. Though it is not my place to tell.

[Not to Edward, who she knows only from Henry's stories. The pain is too raw, too real. This place does that to everyone here. She shakes her head, keeps moving. The guardpost is coming up.]

Not much further, see?

[princeofhearts]

Pain upon a grieved heart that does not allow itself to mourn. [Edward sounds somewhat solemn, which shouldn't really match up with what he says next.] When I am well, he and I shall fight.

[If they are siblings in any sense, Maketh will probably understand why the Prince says that. But his attention is back on the journey when she brings up the distance; a good thing it is close, least he collapse again and cause more problems for her.]

That is fortunate indeed.

[His step is getting slower, obviously so.]

[mismanagement]

[It takes a moment, but Maketh thinks she does understand. She and Henry fight too. Sometimes even with real venom. But it helps, in the end. It makes things clear. She smiles just a little.] Do you know the nature of your illness? We have medicine here. Perhaps something could help.