Happy Naberus! [Party post]

[labrathor]

There's a chill in the air and a distant howl, and the sun is nowhere to be seen. On the outskirts of the Plaza, grinning faces carved into squashes tempt passersby to follow their lighted path, leading visitors down twists and turns through darkened streets, fog swirling around their feet. Did you already pass this way before? Are you going in circles, lost forever? Doubling back on yourself will lead to much the same result. And you don't remember when or how, but your clothes have somehow become a costume - whether funny, horrific, or downright bizarre.

Eventually, you find yourself in a small street carnival, tucked away far beyond the beaten path. Lights and lanterns run the length of a darkened street, the smells of fried and baked treats in the air, a light haze of smoke gathering under the awnings of food stalls. Beyond the food stalls, a haunted house beckons the brave to venture into its dark, cramped corridors, the sounds of distant screams coming from deep within. To the other side, a mountain of pumpkins waits to be carved, scoops and wicked-looking knives laid out on a tall table. Further still, wooden washtubs full of dark red wine host a small flotilla of apples to be bobbed, leaving all participants with deep red stains running down their necks from trying.

But before you can investigate the many wonders this strange little celebration has to offer, you must first be confronted by the host.

What looks for all the world like a fleshy flower writhes in the entryway to the festival, already towering over most visitors at fifteen feet high. But then that flower opens, unfolding into the form of an even larger young woman, bloody handprints painted on her exposed skin and shards of glass seemingly jammed directly into her head, and papercraft severed limbs hang in a necklace around her throat. She grins at you with unrestrained glee. "Couldn't resist, right? This is the happiest time of the entire year! Happy Naberus! You do know what that is? The Orokin festival of death, darkness, and deviance." She peers down at those in her presence. "We're all equal on Naberus night now, under our masks. Who's to know who's powerful and who isn't?"

She straightens up and laughs, waving her arms towards the carnival behind her. "Don't say I didn't warn you!"



[ooc: Happy Naberus, Nexus-goers! This is a party post, so feel free to tag around under the activity tags or just with each other! And remember, everyone must have a costume to participate! You can make it as mundane or as terrifying as you like. If you are open to spooky and/or horrifying events happening to your character, please also contact me through DMs here or to Ael on Discord so we can plan it together beforehand. The horror side of this event is opt-in, and threads containing such content should be tagged in the subject line.]

Comments

Snacks and Treats

[labrathor]

A long line of food stalls runs the length of the festival street, each one manned by a masked worker hard at working serving up the next batch. A huge array of treats are on offer, from spare ribs and karaage to grilled matsutake mushrooms and lotus root. Chestnut rice, takoyaki, and grilled whole fish join their savory brethren in adding a meaty aroma to the air.

For those with a sweeter tooth, never fear, there are plenty of sweet treats laid out in neighboring stalls, from mooncakes to momiji manju and pumpkin mochi.

Dripping fat sizzles in open flame as one worker cooks up another batch of treats, flickering orange casting shadows from the crowds gathered around the food stall. Another woman wearing a canine mask and a patchy furred jacket turns to the next person in line. "What will it be?"

[welcomingembrace]

Death is a fan of Halloween. It is her favorite time of year. And in perhaps an ironic twist of fate and destiny, the magic of Naberus has changed her usual black attire into a white-flowing dress, with a pair of angel wings and a halo over her head.

A white feather mask covers her face, and instead of her black umbrella, she now carries a small quiver of arrows on her back. An Angel of Love perhaps?

Death approaches the long line of food stalls, and beelines to the sweet selections. The mooncakes look most appetizer, as she hovers closer to them.

She looks up at the woman with the canine mask and smiles. "Mooncakes please."

[bloodedsakura]

Mira's dressed in torn jeans and a cropped leather vest, her already pale skin seems paler now, or it might be the dark makeup she's wearing smokey eyes and black lipstick. Only color on her that isn't black or white is the thin red lines that looks like it's dripping blood... She had finished a show in her Gotham, only to come here because her boyfriend told her that the garage wasn't safe. Looking at the dishes though...

"Takoyaki and a mochi please. These smell amazing." She smiled brightly, forgetting her bandmate had helped with the dead look, so yeah, oops some teeth looked blacked out. Oh well at least the colorant would wear off.

Re: Snacks and Treats

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

Aal's eyes light up at those sights and lovely scents As she scans the area. While Dor scouts for a spot that'll fit their fam of five. "Ooh love the costume." She murmurs warmly, As she pulls up her leather trenches' collar and searches her pockets for a scarf. "Ooh could I have some of those wee pumpkins and " She squints at the pretty designs of the moon cakes and asks, "What's in those?" She tilts her head some sort of filling mayhaps.

She can't help but lick her chops at the scent of meat. Still pondering what to get for whom in that department.

She brightens a moment as her fingers brush..and she pulls out a pair of ..leather..fingerless gloves..lovely but not the best for warmth. She makes a 'really?' face as her shoulders slump a bit. Well..maybe there were other sorts of vendors about too? surely. As she puts them on anyway better then nothing she supposed.

Haunted House [Horror]

[labrathor]

The flashy banner makes no secret what kind of experience lies ahead, a red walkway leading from the lighted street into the darkness of the haunted house. Strange animal noises seem to react at your approach, scurrying sounds coming closer, impossible to see where they're coming from. Was that something breathing on your neck?

A distant scream splits the air, coming from far away. Another festivalgoer... or possibly something worse?

The only way out is forward, now. The entryway funnels you into a narrow hallway, a shadowed maze of twists and turns, quickly darkening to black. The sound of the carnival outside is muffled in here, but neither is it silent - something tells you that you're not alone.


[ooc: The haunted house is, by its nature, going to be a spooky event. Tagging into this particular activity will be taken as consent to horror-themed events involving your character unless otherwise discussed. Feel free to enter your character solo or with friends, if you want a group scare! Or just some moral support. ;) ]

Horror

[bloodysacrifice]

(OOC: Linked pictures, especially the second one, are horror/demonic)

There are few things that lure this particular angel out of the woods and among the masses but this is one of them. Moloch is out in a visage much closer to his natural form than most see. It's near the antithesis of a costume, a loss of the guise and mask he wears for the comfort of others. Though as the night wears on and the demons start appearing, out in the roadways for their parade, others might see form not seen since he was first thrown to Chaos as Moloch's illusions fade to let more of his true form through. His presence in a house of horrors is appropriate but as the halls twist and turn the angel becomes frustrated. The winding unending halls reminding Moloch too much of the prison built for him on Earth. The snorting of a bull starts to fill the halls nearby and the smell of sulfur and brimstone and he becomes angrier with his predicament.

[iwillcatchup]

A maze is one of those few things that forces a super-speeder to slow down and take things step by step. When Peter first arrived at the Naberus event, he was not sure what to expect for the evening.

The magic of the evening has changed Peter's clothing into a skeleton-esque attire, and now he sports face makeup to further complement the costume.

The makeup shines differently in the dark lighting of the Haunted House, giving it a slight green and eerie glow. He stops at a fork in the maze, checking to his left and to his right, and takes a moment to decide what to do next.

The feeling of not being alone is a little creepy. But at least his X-Men training has prepared him to be cautious.

Horror is okay.

[itmeanstruth]

“Come on, Bro. Let’s check out the obakeyashiki!” Minoru grinned as he finished off some pumpkin mochi.

“The haunted house?” Isamu cringed slightly. “…manipulating vision to induce disorientation, mildly-nauseating scent pellets permeating the air, carefully-crafted illusions based on motion-sensors and jump scares just for the sake of causing adrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins to surge through your body? No, thank you.”

“We’re in the Nexus! Who says they have to be illusions here?”

Ismau’s thoughts immediately went to the gauntlet that was Hunger City, and the traumatizing experience of holding onto a galloping horse for dear life as live machine gun fire blanketed the entire area for miles. “I am not certain that would be an improvement.”

“It’s safe. It has to be. There’s an anti-violence field here.” He rolled his eyes. “Besides, if there’s any ACTUAL youkai, you have two swords.”

“They are not even sharp.” He countered. “Which… is probably a good thing, for my own sake.”

Minoru sighed. “Okay, okay, fine. But I’m going in!”

Isamu watched his brother disappear into the narrowed hallway, and into the dark, shadowy maze. Most haunted attractions didn’t take too long, so he opted just to wait outside the entrance for Minoru to return. Or get into trouble, whichever came first.

Pumpkin Carving and Bobbing For Apples

[labrathor]

The air is thick with the smell of wine and pumpkin pulp, a stack of towels next to a clear washbasin at the very edge of this area. Already there is a line of carved squashes slowly encircling the perimeter, grinning faces lighted with flickering candles, displaying varying levels of skill (or lack thereof). Rough brown paper covers the tall tables hosting the knives, an attempt at making the scooped guts easier to clean up, though it's clear it's a losing battle. Especially when children are involved - with adult supervision, of course.

For the parents, perhaps the apple bobbing might be of more interest, though none will come away unscathed by winestains. Barrels of wine sit to the side, ready to replenish that which is lost, though no one will judge if you simply ask for a glass instead.

[desertpowered]

When Paul comes, he has picked up a knife to cut pumpkins and he's dressed up as a great Arakeen sandworm. He smiles at the host, his own smile hidden within the vast toothy frame of the worm. It's been a useful costume, allowing Paul to move through the party relatively unrecognized to grab goodies and explore.

He selects a pumpkin and decides to set to work right away, skilled with the knife as he is with knives in general - skilled in a way that almost suits an adult. But he pauses before he begins, less scared and more curious.

"Is there anything I should know before I start?"

[guitar_voodoo]

As soon as Mick got to the pumpkin carving area the scents of Halloween invaded his nostrils. The guitarist enjoyed the events the Nexus put on each year revolving around the seasons and Halloween was no different. This year Mick had come as a werewolf of sorts. It wasn't really a scary costume as such more a fun idea that Joe had come up with for the guitarist. The fluffy ears and wrist bands Mick really liked.

"I bet I look a bloody fool wearing this get-up. But--it's Halloween so Ziggy should like it."

He touched one of his large grey fluffy ears and giggled before picking a pumpkin to carve. It had to be a decent size because he was going to carve stars and guitars around it so that he could share it with Ziggy. As for scooping the guts out--that would be the messy part.

"I've not carved a pumpkin in years. Any advice on doing this right?"

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Mick was at fault for this, in part, and the Danes encouraging him to do something matching. The guitarist didn't know that Ziggy was showing up as Red but he was also here to see friends. With the tour and all the chaos the past year he hadn't had much time at all to return to the Nexus.

The host gets more than one glance and he's polite enough to stop and talk if she wants before he heads off to bob for apples. The thought of a haunted house as an empath is not something he wants to endure. Who knows how he would come out of the other side of that, so apple bobbing it was while watching for friends he hadn't seen in far too long.

[armornomore]

Alphonse for the most part was just realizing he was taller. Instead of having his body back everything felt... hollow. He wasn't going to freak out though. Or at least he was going to try not to.

Though didn't mean he still couldn't have fun. And bobbing for apples? something worth trying, maybe the armor would have an advantage since he didn't need to breath, nor close his eyes. So have a full suit of armor attempting to bob for apples... at least until he loses it in one of the barrels.

"Gah! Come back here body! You're walking away without me!"

Said armor could be flailing a bit, he'll try not to hurt anyone.

Re: Pumpkin Carving and Bobbing For Apples

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

Aal gives a wee wiggle, half as excited as the wee ones to crave their first pumpkins. Since they were very very little last time around. "Mmmh let's see here.." She murmurs admiring and sizing some up. Something smallish or medium perhaps?

Dor pads along with their two girls in their stroller and their eldest son is strapped to his chest so he doesn't wander too far or near certain things he shouldn't.

There's a small chorus of oohs and coos at the interesting and pretty things. Dor gives a small wolfish grin and chuckles bemused, glazing at his little pack tenderly.

Though a regal blonde eyebrow goes up at another semi-familiar scent. "I wonder which Realm this lot is from?" He half murmurs curious and duly cautious. Though there may be the mulled kind back home as the weather got colder.

Dunking into such was new to either of them. Well unless one took an erm stab at trying to help make such the old-fashioned way.

[onward_and_upward]

After being greeted by the plant woman host, Astro wandered along the spooky street carnival with wide curious eyes. He had forgotten it was close to Halloween season; and couldn't help but recall a previous year where he had been turned into a human boy at a Halloween party in the Nexus. He looked down at himself. No, he was still a robot - but he was now wearing an astronaut costume complete with visored helmet.

"Ha! Cool. I wonder if Tom is here, I'd love to show him this...." The costume even had a NASA logo on it. The bottoms of his red metallic boots were visible which would make it easy to fly if he needed to. He was pretty used to unusual happenings in the Nexus by now, so he took this whole situation in stride. Making sure the visor was slid up so that it wouldn't obstruct his vision, Astro explored and kept an eye out for familiar faces.

Of course, he had to stop at the pumpkin carving. He had a vague memory of Toby where the boy had carved a jack-o-lantern before and Astro decided he wanted to carve one for himself. He looked over the selection of pumpkins, wanting to pick a good shaped one, all while pondering over ideas of what he would carve.

Night Parade of One Hundred Demons

[labrathor]

It's impossible to tell how late it's gotten, how much time has passed. No matter the hour, the sky still seems dark and chilled, making it easy to lose track of how long you've been here. Fog gathers along the edges of the rooftops, enclosing the little carnival in a bubble that seems to shrink as the temperature drops, bringing a faint rime of frost to the cobbled stones beneath your feet.

For those who stay late, a chime rings out through the darkened street, and something begins moving in the dark. First one shape, then another, and another, rapidly sweeping a veritable army into the streets, marching an off-cadence tempo, an echo of an unheard drumbeat. Are they costumed? Real? You find it's impossible to tell, but the longer you watch, the more it feels as though there is something tempting you closer. Tempting you to join them...

[coldsong]

The world holds its breath.

It's a familiar feeling to Loki, the burst of merriment, the hush that follows, and then the rumble of something darker and more primal beneath. It's the same dance that he will perform, later in the winter, with the Mari Lwyd, followed by the Odensjakt. He wasn't certain of what would follow the celebrations, and upon seeing the parade of demons he still can't be completely certain of their intent, but the pattern is familiar: the appearance, the drumbeat, the curtain between worlds thin and torn for a single night.

How could he possibly refuse to join in?

The children, fortunately, have been taken home and tucked into bed a while ago, and so the figure that approaches the parade is alone, a smoke-colored mare with blue irises, but red eyeshine that catches in the torchlight. If there is space to weave between the marchers, she'll do so, darting and circling lightly on soundless hooves, but it won't take long for her to settle and match the pace of the others.

Isamu and Minoru are wandering around, feel free to come say hi!

[itmeanstruth]

Neither Isamu nor Minoru had any idea what they were getting into when they happened upon the spooky street carnival. But a stand with karaage and takoyaki? Fresh pumpkin mochi? A spooky-looking obakeyashiki? The party itself decided that they needed to better fit the theme…

Moments upon entering, the twins found themselves looking very much like fantastical samurai warriors. (Isamu | Minoru)

“Woah… check this out!” Minoru chuckled, checking out the lacquered armor.

“I am aware that Halloween is never a time to be a stickler for historical accuracy. However, I cannot believe the host of these frightening festivities decided that out of the two of us, you should be in charge.”

“Say what?”

“She gave you the gunbai. I merely have the traditional daisho.” Isamu replied. “Clearly, you are the commanding officer or military leader.”

Minoru laughed, “well, as boss of you, I say we get some treats! Everybody’s gotta be hanging around here somewhere!”

[rockandroll_swede]

Erik was indeed impressed with the twins' efforts regarding a Halloween costume. Samurai! The Swede himself had come as pirate! It was some of the others from the tour giving the young guitarist some ideas on mischievous costumes. The choices were bat, goblin, pirate or ghost and pirate won out.

"Hej, twins! I really love the detail on your armour. My brother said I should be a pirate because I'm always stealing things from his room. That and I used to hobble around on crutches so now I have a wonky pirate leg."

He had spent a good few months hobbling about on crutches with his leg injury so being a pirate with a wonky leg made total sense. The Swede jingled a small leather purse at his hip filled with fake gold coins.

Re: XD ello ello Boys :3

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

Aal's ears go up at the sound of familiar voices. Currently, she's on a bench next to two of her wee ones, while Dor fetches them some more goodies and napkins with their eldest who wished to do some walkies before pumpkin craving time.

"Hey laddies over here" She murmurs warmly waving at the twins once she spots them.

For the Funnzies (*Also makes concerned wolfie noises about the glass in the noggin; ouch.)

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

Aal wraps her trench coat around her a bit more and tries to suppress a wee shiver. This is one of the reasons why she usually layered. She glances over toward her Hubby whose trying to find the hot drinks and not stray too far. As one never knew which such places what and or who might be around the corner.

Mary shyly but curiously is peeking about from inside the covered stroller looking like a mini Dorothy whereas Lizzy looks a bit like a Christmas angel topper with that tinsel halo.

Wee Gawain is dressed in an outfit much like Max from Where the Wild Things Are and cutely rawring from behind his papa's leg.

[littlescribe]

[[ooc: I couldn't resist! Here's a pic for reference! She's above average human height. Probably almost 7 feet tall if standing straight.]]


Eido spots the family and approaches with a wave of a clawed, three fingered hand. The tall lanky Eliksni bent a bit so as to not tower too much over the children. She appears to be dressed in a giant bat costume. It was black and fit close to her body, and flared at the legs like a long jacket with a deep hood over her head topped with large ears. The fabric of the wings encased her four arms. The symbol of House Light was visible on a sash about her waist.

"Hello! Are those your hatchlings?" She clasped the hands of her lower arms and gestured with her upper ones, clearly curious. Her voice sounded youthful and feminine, and spoke fluent English. "I could not help but notice the costumes." Her four glowing blue eyes blinked as she tilted her head. She was glad a mask covered the lower half of her face. Her toothy fanged maw tended to scare humans. Especially little ones. "Ah right. I gathered some candy to partake in the ritual of the Hall Between." She reached into a pocket and extended three of her hands. Colorful wrapped candy rested in each one for the children. The rawring hatchling behind one of the parents' legs made her chuckle.

"Oh, so frightening!"

Katiri and her Fireteam arrives!

[spacetaser]

It had been a while since Katiri or her Fireteam had been to the Nexus, due to duties and issues back in their home universe. So it was that the Warlock returned just in time for the Nexus's version of the Festival of the Lost. Sort of. It had similarities but a lot of differences. It was only her many experiences in this strange place that her armor shifting into a Witch costume, didn't phase her in the least. It was complete with striking green make up that covered her distinctive tattoos. Her bright, glowing blue eyes shimmered from beneath the brim of her hat as the Awoken woman wandered through the street festival.

Luce, hovered at her shoulder - the Ghost covered in what looked like a tiny white sheet complete with eyehole. The sudden costume change startled him as well and the Ghost spun in place, eyeing Katiri. "Huh...well look at that." He spun the other way, looking at the other two that had come with his Guardian. "Check this out! I'm a Ghost, dressed as a Ghost!"

"Pfft, that's so original." Kojin laughed. The Hunter was dressed in what looked like a Vampire costume. His dark hair was loose about his shoulders, framing his face that appeared to have make up to make his skin pale; making the dark eyeliner around his golden gaze pop from his face. "Hey wait..." He ran his tongue over his teeth. "I got fangs! Damn, this place provides." He grinned toothily.

"How the heck am I doing to be able to fight in this?" the third in their party groused. Widget tugged at the folds of her Grim Reaper costume. The gleaming scythe might be handy, but she wasn't used to robes. The tiny Titan looked at her hands, the gloves of the costume looked like skeletal bones.

Katiri laughed. "I don't think you'll need to be concerned with fighting tonight Widget."

"If you do, you'll just have to fight like a Warlock!" Kojin teased cheekily. His eyes lit up as the food vendors came into view. "Oh look! Goodies! I'm thinking I'm going to go over there and sample everything." Of course he'd be all about the food. The Hunter could eat his weight and then some, it seemed.

"I might check out the pumpkin carving." Widget mused. "What are you going to do Katiri?"

"Not sure. I'll just wander around, see if I spot anyone we know."

A couple of small demonic looking figures suddenly ran by with shrieking cackles. They moved too fast to get a good look at them before they disappeared into nearby shadows, but it made Luce squawk in surprise and bump into Katiri's shoulder.

"Well, this night is going to be interesting..." The Ghost drawled. Smooth.


[[ooc: You can catch Katiri wandering by herself if you don't want to interact with all three Guardians at once. :) I'll most likely have Kojin and Widget tag in other spots in the post!]]

((things I meant to do last year but never got around to))

[coldsong]

Loki is keeping a close eye on his four children, because Halloween parties have been known to get out of hand in the Nexus. Indeed, if the path they were already treading hadn't led them directly into the center of this one, he might have dodged it, but they were already out and about, and once they were headed toward the celebration, he couldn't have said no even if he wanted to.

All five of them have come out dressed up as Captain America, though each of the children has a slight variation in the costume. Una's features a sparkly rainbow tutu over the uniform, Sigrid's has an elegant scarlet Aesir-style cape, Agnarr's is half forest-ranger, half-soldier, with what appears to be a quiver of faux arrows and a very real bow, and Eindrid's has, inexplicably, a set of teddy bear ears and a fluffy tail. Whether the venue sees fit to leave them in their choice of outfits the whole time or not, the intent to troll is pretty clear.

The blood spattered on their host is unnerving and prompts a moment of uncertain staring from the kids, but the smile she(?) gives them is reassuring. Loki studies her, then bows, "Everyone is powerful here, and everyone is vulnerable. Thank you for your hospitality."

The children echo the bow and murmur or sign their thanks, before the entire entourage enters the carnival.

[itmeanscourage]

While Minoru was in the haunted house, Isamu saw the gaggle of Captain Americas walking by.

“Ah, Loki! Pleasant evening to you and your family.” He nodded politely. “I sense a theme here.”

Technically, Isamu ended up as part of a matching set too. Both he and his brother were given fantasy-inspired samurai armor when they walked into the carnival. (Isamu’s costume, for reference)

a wild steeb appears

[shieldborne]

Once again, Steve has gotten lost looking for the art supply store. If this happens one more time, he's going to just start ordering his supplies online. At least in this instance, he can blame it on the Nexus' supernatural influence, rather than his own memory, and when he arrives in front of the woman in the dark flower, he blinks and sighs with a hint of wary resignation. "Yes, ma'am," he says, and while he appears to be less than enthused about the party, his respect is genuine. "I appreciate the heads-up."

It's not until he's past her and looking around at the apple bobbing and pumpkin carving that he realizes his clothing has changed. It's actually rather dashing, though it might have suited him better in his bigger, sturdier body. It's a stylized 16th century outfit, black with blue accents, a white ruff, and a red feather in his cap. He's not quite well-versed enough in the commedia dell'arte to recognize he's Scaramouche, but he can't help but feel the Nexus could have done him worse.

[pirateangelbaby]

Steve would be forgiven for assuming it's Nick Fury approaching from the corner of his eye. All black outfit, long coat, polished boots, even the eyepatch and a gnarly scar peeking out from underneath (though makeup has accentuated the latter a bit, building on the existing scar). The illusion is broken a bit once Steve sees his face in full, however; Fury has never had a beard quite this full, to say absolutely nothing about the long hair not quite contained beneath a black hat. Nor did he really ever smile like this at the sight of a friend.

"Steve!" Thor's hand delivers a solid - if careful - thump to Steve's shoulder in greeting. "What in the Nine are you wearing?"

Just a scribe, doing some research!

[littlescribe]

[[ooc: Unknown to Eido, she's dressed as a giant bat!]]


Eido had no idea where she was. Perhaps it was a part of the Last City she had never traversed yet. The metropolis under the Traveler was pretty large. However when she looked upward - the Traveler wasn't there. Before any misgivings arose, she had spotted the glowing and carved gourdes leading the way down a path. Intrigued, the scribe followed it until she reached what looked like a spookier version of the Festival of the Lost. The giant plant woman creature was startling, but Eido bowed slightly at the welcome to be polite before rushing past. She looked about her at the Naberus festival with all four eyes wide. All manners of costumed beings wandered about and a myriad of food scents filled the air.

"The Hall Between..." She whispered. "Glint. Glint? Are you receiving this? Oh!" She shivered, looking down as she realized that she wasn't wearing her usual clothing. Instead she was wearing a hooded, long jacket similar to her own that was jet black and fit close to her body and flared about her legs. Fabric stretched between all four of her arms like wings when she extended them and her hood had large pointed ears affixed to it. Relieved to find her satchel still hanging at her waist and the sash that marked her House, she reached in and pulled out a small recorder device.

"This is Eido, Scribe of House Light. I have appeared to lose contact with Glint, and have ended up...somewhere else." She murmured into the device in quick hissing Eliksni. She would translate and write it down later. She went on to describe the situation in as much detail as possible. "Evidence of rituals to do with the Hall Between seem to be present, though I have not heard the term 'Naberus' before. Further investigation is needed. Perhaps I will find a connection with the Headless Ones..." She turned off the device and pocketed it, feeling strange without the weight of her large pack or gear. Even her goggles were missing.

Well, research wasn't going to wait. The young Eliksni scribe waded cautiously into the crowd as she intended on making her way to all the food vendors, intensely curious about everything as she took it all in.

[desertpowered]

Glowing eye, insectlike structure, extra arms. It's clear what Paul is looking at.

Paul knows an Eliksni when he sees one, though this one isn't Variks and doesn't have House Winter colors, so he guesses that she's safe to approach. Either way, he won't be in any danger thanks to the anti-violence field. He swallows hard and approaches her, offering a hand in peace. He doesn't want any trouble and wants to establish friendly intentions immediately.

As for Paul, he isn't in any condition to fight. He had come across a pumpkin pie earlier and handily took care of it - he's too full and relaxed to be in peak condition for battle, so he's relieved that this Eliksni seems to have come in peace.

"Hello - welcome to the Nexus. I'm Paul. Who are you?"