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abraxasooc2022-07-20 10:26 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2022-07-20 10:26 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #8
TEST DRIVE MEME
Welcome to the eighth test drive meme for Abraxas! This meme is run a little bit differently than most in that you'll be asked to choose one of the three different arrival scenarios below for your character to take. If you have any questions about this mechanic or anything else related to the TDM, please take a look at the questions below or ask one of your own under the Questions header below. For general game questions please still use the FAQ.
Our Setting pages are full of information on the world of Abraxas, and an overview of the story so far can be found on our Game History page! Anything on that page - including information about the Horizon and the Singularity - can be assumed to be told to newcomers after they arrive, no matter which faction they are received in. For more information on Ambrose and the apprentice mages, Marlo, and Rowan, please see our NPCs page.
You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective questions threads.
◎ Rumor has it that two emissaries - a werewolf and a vampire - visited from Nocwich in early July. With them came some wares distributed to shops throughout each faction. A few sparse items may remain for purchase, such as glowing flowers or fine ales, but much of it has now been sold.
◎ New arrivals in THE FREE CITIES may hear a bit of chatter around Cadens about art, politics, and recent performances involving its sister city, Libertas. It's all standard fare - the kind of topics spoken about over a beer or in line at the market - but there's a small stir in the air.
◎ Lately, locals in SOLVUNN have begun to approach the Summoned with a sort of awe and respect. New arrivals will find themselves treated much the same way and may be asked for advice or given gifts that seem like offerings such as wine, harvest bounties, or some delicious goat cheese. Your character is free to turn these down and should they turn down enough people, they will not be bothered further as no one wishes to offend them.
Arrival
You awaken suspended in the abyss, silent darkness stretching out in all directions. If you try to yell, you'll find that the sound doesn't carry. If you try to move, you'll find it's impossible to tell whether or not you're actually getting anywhere. If you reach for an item you were carrying last time you remember being awake, your hand will only touch bare skin.
You're naked and floating helplessly through the void, and what little air you have in your lungs is running out.
There's a pinprick of light that almost looks like a faraway star but as it grows it becomes clear that it's actually quite close. Through the opening you can see a bright room, but it's hard to make out any individual objects, as if you're looking from beneath rippling water.
Scenario One: Welcome to Thorne
A hand plunges through and you realize water is just what it is. Whether you take hold of the hand or not it will grab you and yank you up through the surface, lifting you out until you're sprawled on solid ground. Once you catch your breath, you can get a better look at the surroundings: tall trees and even taller stone pillars surround the platform you're laying on. Behind you is an ornate fountain, the base of which is so deep and so dark you might be compelled to scramble away from it lest it suck you back in to that endless abyss. Ahead of you are the walls of a large castle with several tall towers reaching up towards the sky.
If you had any powers, they feel unusually weak. Attempts to use magic or enhanced strength or powers of any sort fizzle out without any effect, but they don't feel completely gone, either.
Set into an indent on a marble slab behind the fountain is a card bearing the image of one of the arcana.
An apprentice mage - the one whose hand lifted you out of the fountain - brushes the water off on their robes and runs back to join a group of three others, who all stare intently at a mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. He peers up at you for a moment and starts flipping through the book.
"One moment," he says, not bothering to look up from the tome. He looks tired. "I am Ambrose Rhett, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne. We’ll explain everything in a moment, but for now, please calm down. You’re completely fine."
Regardless of your response, he keeps flipping through the pages, until he stops on one specific passage, stares at it for a moment, and then sighs with relief:
"Finally!"
Ambrose's expression brightens, relief visible across his features. He waves one of the apprentices over with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals and with a wave of his hand they reshape to fit you perfectly.
"Oh, thank heavens," he says, closing the book and approaching you with a sort of worn-out relief. “I was beginning to believe we’d never get it exactly right.”
Now that he's not hunching over the book, he doesn't seem quite so stuffy and inapproachable. The apprentices all seem to visibly relax, and the one that handed you the tunic stops to take the tarot card down from the marble slab. If you show any curiosity about the card, they'll let you take a longer look, but won't let you touch it.
"Please, come with me," he says, motioning for you to follow him towards the castle. "As promised, my pupils will explain your current situation. And, ah - if you had any magic of your own, or other special abilities you can't access right now, fear not, they'll return within the week. The summoning takes a lot out of you."
One of the apprentices steps forward and rattles on and on about the castle, Thorne itself, the names of a bunch of royals and nobles, and of course, your reason for being here. The Kingdom and the world itself is in great peril, and tales of your exploits have reached far and wide across universes. If asked about these exploits, the apprentice will simply smile and shrug. The High Mage was happy to see you and that's good enough.
Once inside the castle you're taken to the North Wing, which has been set up as living quarters for you and your fellow newcomers. There are four people to a room, but each generously-sized bed has opaque curtains that can be drawn around it. You can meet your roommates here and discuss your shared situation (those who were previously brought in may have a great deal of information to tell you), or you can wander around and meet the others.
There's also a dining hall stocked with a rotating 24/7 buffet in celebration of the new honored guests. Somehow, your very favorite food is part of the rotation (or at least an attempted recreation of it given the limited technology available to the Thorneans). The town surrounding the castle is all abuzz as well, with most shops and services willing to give free samples of their wares to the new arrivals.
You may also notice that your sign is embroidered on your tunic: the same image you saw on the card from before with the name of the sign itself beneath it. If you ask the castle residents, they'll tell you a little bit about your sign (and will mostly stick to the positives, although some might point out the negatives).
Last (and, if you ask anyone else in the castle, least) there is a worn stone staircase leading underground to the dungeon. You can go there, if you wish, but all powers are restricted in the dungeons and most of the cells stand empty.
Scenario Two: Welcome to the Free Cities
You find yourself pulled from the water by a pair of strong hands. Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a warm hard floor. As your senses return you realize you're on dull ruddy stone and surrounded by strangers. Men and women in unfamiliar uniforms of brown and red leather stand in a semi-circle around a small pool of water. The very pool you were just pulled from. The water is still now, rimmed in pale gold tiles with odd symbols etched into them. Across it on the far side is a raised pedestal with a card propped on it. The card bears an arcana symbol.
You feel weak. Drained. Any abilities or magical powers you have seem far away and impossible to access. You're in what looks like a cave lit by dozens and dozens of torches set into the wall. There's no furniture or decoration to be seen besides the pool. It's almost uncomfortably warm and there's the sound of rushing wind somewhere in the distance. Flickering shadows obscure the faces of the guards. A robed woman stands off to the side, looking at you anxiously and then to the authoritative woman standing before you. She's grinning, dressed in a fancier uniform than the others. There's a sword at her hip. A guard covers you with a blanket and returns to their place in the semi-circle.
The woman with the sword gives a nod of approval and smiles warmly.
"Sorry about the circumstances."
She gives you a good hard look before standing again.
"Take a minute, catch your breath, you've had quite a shock. Take it nice and easy. I'm Prime Minister Marlo Reiner and you're in The Free Cities. That nice lady over there will explain everything to you and get you settled." A nod to the robed woman off to the side.
Marlo Reiner steps back and the robed mage approaches to help you up.
"Come with me, please." She brings you out of the cave through a corridor that angles upwards until you emerge in what looks like some kind of storage facility. Shelves of wooden boxes and cloth bags line them, unidentifiable parts of what might be machines are tucked into corners and propped against shelving units. "This is one of the Free Cities' outposts," the mage explains as she leads you. "We're honored to have you with us, I'm sure you have many questions but please save them. You need to recover!"
You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military outpost on the outskirts of Cadens city. You're brought to a room in the barracks that's been prepared. Each barracks room is rather sparse and utilitarian. Six simple beds set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You're told the world is in a delicate and dangerous times and you're needed to help. You're important, you're told, and they're very grateful you're here.
You're asked to stay close for the time being, but to make yourself at home. The outpost is more a proper military base than the name implies, with full facilities. The barracks have a communal bathing room at the end of the hall, with curtains that can be pulled around the individual raised round tubs for privacy. There's a mess hall that has food available from sun up till a few hours after sundown. You're even encouraged to make use of the training grounds, if you'd like, with non-lethal training weapons available for use and obstacle courses set up. And the city of Cadens is only a couple of hours away by wagon - though you're asked initially to please be back at the outpost within a few hours of the sun going down.
For your own safety.
Scenario Three: Welcome to Solvunn
The feeling of floating is the first sense that comes to you as the edges of unconsciousness start to ebb. Sunlight filters through the rippling water as you open your eyes, making you squint. Before you have the chance to panic and inhale, firm hands grasp your arms and pull you to the surface of the water. Moments later, soft warmth is wrapped around your shoulders as you're guided on unsteady legs out of a pool of water. You're lowered to the soft grass. Men and women in simple garments with lavish embroidery stand by, waiting with bated breath, glancing seriously at an old man in an ornate robe. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and in the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. His eyes move quickly over the page, and he mumbles idly to himself.
Any strength you may have possessed feels as though it has slipped through your fingers. Any abilities or magical powers you have don't come to the surface no matter how hard you try. You're in a grassy clearing in the midst of a circle of large stone slabs stacked to look like doorways. In the middle is the same glimmering pool you were just pulled from. A gentle breeze blows through, carrying the scent of flowers and herbs from an ornately decorated altar set off in front of one of the stone doorways. The mage closes his book and steps out of the water, addressing a matronly old woman. Behind her are two younger people, a rough-looking man, and a meek young girl, both of whom are also watching the mage.
“I detect no ill will from the gods, it seems we've been blessed with success.” Those that had gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased.
The old woman smiles and steps forward, offering to take your hands and help you stand. “Any gift the gods give us is one we will happily take. I'm certain you have many questions, and they will all be answered in time. For now, rest and know you will be taken care of.”
She pats the top of your hand and steps away with a serene smile, letting one of the others come forward with some clothes that seem to fit you perfectly. Once you're dressed, someone approaches to drape a delicate-looking charm depicting a long-horned creature with large wings on a thin chain over your neck. Ask around later, and you may find that it is a symbol of Vielehauffe, the God of the Herd.
The rough-looking man from before steps forward once you're decent and motions with his head outside of the stone circle. His speech is informal, his consonants harsh.
“Hold your horses, I can see all those questions coming about! Rowan March, at your service. I'm one of the council members of Solvunn. There's a lot to discuss, but it's best talked about over a hot meal.” He leads you to a horse-drawn carriage and helps you up into the back. He talks the entire ride to the settlement.
You find out you are in the Primary Settlement, the first of three that make up Solvunn's great territory. The settlement is situated between two lakes and is humming with life. You're brought to the center of town and escorted to an apartment above one of the establishments in town. Rowan explains that the living conditions are temporary if you'd like them to be, that local families would also be happy to host you in their home. That there are others like you who have also taken up residence within the three settlements. You're told that the world hangs upon the brink of disaster and that there are those in this world that are happy to see it fall to ruin with their meddling.
You're important. The gods have graced them with your presence. They're delighted you're here. Welcome to Solvunn.
Everything you need has been provided in this humble apartment, and if it hasn't, there are shops that line the streets and a marketplace in the center of town. Owners of some establishments or stalls are more than happy to give out samples or barter with your time for their goods. Babysitting can be a very lucrative business. You're told of the other settlements, that they'd like you to stay here for now, but if you can find a family to host you, the secondary and tertiary settlements are best to get to with an escort.
There are tales of travelers visiting the secondary settlement without invitation disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective, young traveler.
You’ll find that there are more than enough activities to throw yourself into to better settle into your new life in Solvunn. Work is done in the first part of the day so that families can spend the rest of it together in leisure and work on their crafts - whatever those may be. For those children who are not of school age, they need nannies or storytellers, and there’s always a gaggle of them running about unsupervised. Families with livestock can always take a spare hand, especially since farms are so spread out, they have a tendency to wander. Whatever skills you may possess can always be of use to the community or to honor the gods.
If any of these options are no good for your lifestyle, the main roads between settlements can always use a bit of monster clean-up… just make sure you don’t go alone.
How many slots are open?
Please check the Taken page for how many player, franchise, and canon slots are available. Activity check will be processed before applications open, so the count may change between now and then. Existing players can apply for a second character without restriction.
How do I choose a scenario for my character?
Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Which faction your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their personal morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their own accomplishments. Anyone can be put into any one of the situations.
Can I try out more than one scenario?
You can! But please keep in mind that only the one you eventually choose can be game canon, if you decide to keep any of your TDM threads.
What happens if my character refuses to comply with the NPCs?
They will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and the faction leaders will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, they will be warned once that everyone is willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight they will make good on that promise.
My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the cities, murdering the NPCs, etc.), what would happen to them?
Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other NPCs would be thrown back in the well (which will mean drowning in the void, not returning home). Brawling with other PCs and causing minor damage is fine and will be greeted with a cranky attitude and intervention from various NPC guards, and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now the Abraxans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.
I want to wildcard a prompt or use one of the prompts from an earlier TDM that isn't on this one (eg. the library), can I do that?
Yes, in terms of the settings. As Thorne is no longer imprisoning any newcomers, that option is no longer applicable.
Is the power loss for characters permanent?
No, but it does take a week or so for their powers to be back in full, and certain powers (determined on a case-by-case basis) may require nerfs. If your character has world-breaking powers, please discuss with the mods what modifications may be necessary.
Can my character leave the bounds of the faction?
In Thorne, characters can leave the castle but not the city. In Cadens, they can take a trip from the outpost to the city. In Solvunn, they can explore the entirety of the Primary Settlement.
Can my character eventually change factions?
Yes. While the faction borders are currently closed, there will opportunities in the future for characters to relocate. For the time being, they are stuck where they are.
How much will my choice of scenario affect my character's plot later on?
This choice will determine where your character initially lives as well as the bias of the information they receive from NPCs (although other PCs can and most likely will give it to them a bit more straight). This decision - and every other major decision you make in game! - will also be used to flavor some mod surprises that will be coming down the line.
Don't get too anxious about this choice, though; this is just one choice you'll get to make in a game that has a lot of them, and every character in every scenario can work their way towards many, many individual goals and outcomes. You're not locking yourself out of anything in the future via the choice you made on the TDM. It will primarily impact the immediate future with the far-reaching effects being up to each player.
Are TDM threads mandatory for my application?
No, you may use other samples, but we encourage you to post to the TDM and get a feel for this game and its mechanics before you join. If you do not have a TDM thread you will still need to choose one of the three scenarios on your application.
What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?
You can ignore sign-related prompts if you're undecided (or try out different signs in different threads).
Can my character go to the Horizon?
First time visitors to the Horizon must be taken there by other characters, through either shared meditation or a physical journey to the Singularity, and all first-timers experience memory loss. For the purposes of the TDM, we suggest against using the Horizon.
What about making use of the network?
Much like Horizon they would need to be introduced to it by another PC, as no NPCs would be aware of the network or be able to access it. Because of this we would advise against using this mechanic for TDM top-levels.
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no subject
His thanks are brief, effortless, and come as he does indeed sit- a single flyaway statement as he smoothes down his robe accordingly. It is not a robe of Amaurotine origin. Such, after all, was quite the ordeal to wear in Solvunn's seasonal warmth, so his attire here is distinct by thinner material- yet it follows the same convention of those from so long ago. Long, nondescript. Dark, with long sleeves and a large hood- though perhaps a hint of sentimentality could be detected for the fact he would not wear Amaurotine black here.
Yet were his choice of attire a signal of sentiment, he had his limits. There is no mask. Not even secured about his person. And as he glances to and from passers by, he is silent. Not awkwardly so; absolutely not. The silence they share, to him, is akin to the comfortable, easy silence one is prone to when they are by themselves. Remnants of their link, perhaps. He knows not.
"You find yourself in the first settlement of the Solvunn commune." He states, softly- at uncannily, perhaps the most fitting moment. "To the north is the Kingdom of Thorne, and to the east, the territories of the Free Cities. Each of these nations, rather presumptuously might I add, have seen fit to use their magicks to call souls forth from other stars, other realities, and other time periods in order to further their designs upon a marvel that exists just beyond the borders of all three."
His gaze moves to a young boy in the distance, running along the square with a crudely carved horse statuette held aloft. A girl- more than likely a blood relative given the identical hue of their hair- runs after him with an identical carving in her hand. Quite an adorable sight, most certainly. But he finds his gaze returning.
"Thorne would use this relic's power in order to change reality into something they, and only they, deem better. The Free Cities would champion mankind as the masters of this star's destiny, and destroy it. Solvunn claim it sacred and wish not to interfere with it... in any sense."
A scenario that he, personally, had little interest in. More a curiosity than anything else, to see whether or not the flourishing life upon this star would end itself and all of its possibility in such petty squabbles over ownership of something none of them could understand. Or, whether or not mankind would overcome.
The sum of his interest, however...
"It is said that this relic is connected to all realities."
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Hythlodaeus may not need it; their kind had fewer needs to eat as regularly as mortals as far as he remembers. But it's a courtesy, after the other begins to speak in smooth transition away from the interlude, to silently slide the small spread in his lap a bit closer to the other. The offer will remain open but does not need to be indulged.
Elidibus nods. He finds it no surprise to hear the other nations have summoned others. It was as much implied in the opening rush to silence him with a brief overview of why he shouldn't ask questions now and get some rest, get to know the community
see things their way, however well-intentioned. The names of the other places had come up in conversations, rumors and the like which he'd since been quietly listening to."We have called to be their weapons." Whether for protection or mutual assurance or literally wielded as a force against the other nations. It would be no surprise. Their ability to call them at all, however primitive Hythlodaeus claims it to be, does bring with it a query. "Do they have the means to enforce their will?" The question is asked quietly. No one but the one sitting next to him should hear.
Unless these clothes and trinkets he was adorned with allow their summoners to spy on the conversations between the Summoned. He would not be able to tell. But it shouldn't matter; these are common questions.
Each described intent has its merits and flaws. Though what is said of the Free Cities could prove the least favorable to the Summoned; given its rumored connection to all realities. There is a stillness, but this one is contemplative, illuminated blue eyes closing in reflection as the Emissary raises a hand to his chin.
"It would be best to learn more, either way."
The careful thought, setting aside personal pride to regard the circumstances as what might be the best choice... even if it might not benefit one group over the other. Those traits which earned him nomination for the seat of Elidibus so young, once upon a time.
"I'd like to hear more. Though I fear there isn't much I can actively do until I recover."
biiiig long tag, sorry! a lot to get through!
And there was an enjoyment to be had. As convoluted, as uncertain, and as confounding as growing and rearing food rather than just simply creating it was, there was something to be said for the way it tasted by comparison. ...Mostly. When harvests were good and when no disaster had befallen the farmer's year-round work, anyway. And the grapes, thus far unto this year, were quite sublime. Sublime enough to call to mind something long ago within Amaurot, some incident with a volcano...
Still. For that sublimity, that enjoyment, a single grape is taken. And not a morsel more. Of the pair of them, Elidibus had strength to regain, so it stood to sense that he should consume what he wanted unhindered.
"Perhaps so. Solvunn certainly appears keen to give the impression that we heroes- brought to stop those that would harm this star. The other nations, from what I have heard, offer different purpose to their summoned... though I have a feeling our reasons for being here are something else entirely."
He was no hero, for a start. Why he was summoned in place of someone far more capable was something he had jokingly (always jokingly) referred to as some mistake on Solvunn's gods' part. Or to those natives that would clutch their pearls at the mere thought of their gods being wrong- a misreading of the tome their summoners relied upon to make the incantation. Yet even with this repeated to all that would ask him, it was only part of his sentiment. Only a single person had been presented with the entirety of his feelings upon it. Elidibus would be the second.
"I could be wrong. But my feeling is that we are more tools than aught else. Those native to this star cannot approach this relic... much less use it. Perhaps we serve as their link toward it, and through our cooperation, they seek to control it."
He shakes his head to answer Elidibus' question of enforcement. A faint, almost rueful smile moves across his features at that point.
"I know that in terms of force, all three nations are somewhat lacking. Solvunn is a land of ritual and faith, seemingly with little advance in all else. Thorne's grasp of magick is greater than the other nations, but still quite feeble. The Free Cities have a focus on technology and automated weaponry. They eschew all forms of magick. They have open distrust toward both it, and those that practice it."
Perhaps a little deviation from his answer would be best here. Not that Elidibus would need it. For he always was, always had been, so very shrewd. But...
"By the by, when your considerable power reopens itself to you... which it will, I would advise caution around the Free Cities in particular. Their summoned are like us. They, mostly, have little say in the role they are to play in all of this. Some, I think, are men and women to be trusted. Yet I think the government is becoming stricter."
It is then that the grape is finally eaten, and he turns himself, just slightly, as he sits- to keep him in his view as he speaks.
"Speaking of your power... I would ask you to stay with me, at least provisionally, until your strength is returned to you."
Longer, if he wished. He does not say it, but permanence is most certainly an option already. For even without their link, they are kin. They should not be alone.
"...Besides, someone, I expect, will be pleased to see you. ...And finally, I would not wish for you, or any of our brothers or sisters to feel adrift in this place. What say you?"
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He'd certainly gathered many of his own to use over the millennia. All the way to the end. Hythlodaeus' opinion also earns a slight nod of agreement and a glance after Elidibus finishes eating a piece of the meat skewer. He's steadfastly making an effort against being drawn into memories of grapes.
"Then our arrival here at least has ties to the relic." It certainly lends credence to the idea it in turn is linked to other realities... other stars. What is spoken then of the three nations' forces and their control on the Summoned... well it's of interest.
"I will take care to remember."
There's clearly much and more he will have to hear in detail. In private. More to study and learn.
The offer doesn't take long to consider. Though like all things it's clear Elidibus takes time to weigh the pros and cons. To be with like fellows while weakened, for don't think he'd missed the implied familiarity this other, vaguely alluded to individual. He won't pursue the puzzle, as agreeing will result in being led to the answer.
It's unlikely a community driven society would see anything wrong with what amount to kin gathering and supporting one another. Particularly if one were to maintain the right amount of connection with the population. Ah, provided this were more than a temporary arrangement of course.
And one might have the sense it would lead to permanent residency. Though Elidibus would not presume so far.
"If it isn't an inconvenience, I will accept your offer." The visage of a youthful man looks up and opens his eyes again to regard Hythlodaeus. "I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you and yours more."
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Elidibus certainly has the right of it. Tools, weapons- nomenclature makes little difference. What matters is that they are here to be used. And on that note, there is so very much more to discuss. About Thorne, about the Free Cities, and especially Solvunn- for Solvunn, at least recent discoveries regarding Solvunn, are among the most disconcerting. And indeed, Hythlodaeus intends to do just that. Not immediately, however. For two reasons- the first being that those matters cannot be discussed openly, not even in this square. The second reason is slightly more compassionate. That Elidibus had only just arrived, and that it would simply not do to bombard him from the off... no matter the stories he recalls would have the Emissary described. Capable. Prone to overwork.
So the matters will keep, at least until he has had rest, time to reflect, and time to formulate his own questions and own opinion of where he finds himself. And thankfully, it is no issue- no concern- to cohabit. Eschewing the offer of a native household taking him in, in favour of those known, would not be any cause for concern to the locals. It, like everything thus far, is exactly as Elidibus surmises. For the sake of maintaining established community and links, and fostering an understanding and connection to Solvunn's own- there would be no issue whatsoever.
And on a personal note, he cannot help but smile at the other's acceptance. For it pleases him to hear it.
"It is no inconvienience. Things can be moved to accommodate you. For that is all they are, mere things." He responds, easily- as the task of making room would be easy. For he would not be the one doing the work- that is something for his more broad-shouldered friend. "Perhaps in the future, you will choose to travel. Or, perhaps you will find Solvunn-" and what transpires secretly within it, "-interesting enough to warrant closer study. Yet that is a decision for the future, is it not? Regardless..." a lean back, and a glance to those that come and go around them once more, then a glance to him again, "He- and I- I'll have you know- are glad of your company, always."
Oh, he's bordering on sentimentality. He knows it, and sentimentality is a beast the aforementioned broad-shouldered friend tended to indulge... and most likely would, later. So. One more burst of it before he sobers himself.
"Aside from that, we are kin. And each of us, I think, have spent far too much time alone, in our own ways. So, I ask that you know that you shall always have a place with us."
Yes. Full-blown sentimentality. Clearly, a byproduct of his (relative) old age. How dreadful.
"There is another, though. ...Of the Free Cities, I believe. And not quite like us."
no subject
How wise it is for him to rest for the week of recovery will be sorely tested by what he's able to glean from his people. Though... there's probably a part of him that knows that and he's trying somewhat, to limit his actions. Or, letting himself be swayed by the small ways Hythlodaeus remains vague or pointed in talking about how these should be plans for the future.
A small piece of him is also reminding himself how blind he is. And whether these manifestations around him should be wholly, truly trusted. After all, he dreamed so many things in the spire of the Crystal Tower.
It doesn't mean there isn't a small wavering- a skip of a beating heart in his now-mortal (as much as their kind is) frame- when the other mentions 'he'. A person of their time could be as glad for kin. But what if. What if it were someone that Elidibus also knew?
Such thoughts have him look as though he's thinking again, simply over the words Hythlodaeus offers, though there's a short inclination of the youthful figure's head. "I will remember this. And it is a kindness I accept with gratitude wherever my path may lead."
More will be said on the matter, pragmatic rather than sentimental. And for now Elidibus is wrapping the paper carefully around the remaining food so that it can be finished later. With decisions made there will be things to arrange; the people in charge to notify, questions to ask about what necessities provided are allowed to be moved since he surely won't arrive without so much as a crumb of food or clothes. He stands up.
"Though I would like to spend more time here. And speak to those I need to if I'm to stay with you and yours. Perhaps you have arrangements of your own to make."
Elidibus doesn't judge whether Hythlodaeus is just going to breeze in with Elidibus like a surprise or actually give a warning to this still-mysterious individual. That really isn't his place to, as the offer's been made and reinforced as genuine.
Though there is a stilled pause at the last. There is another... kin but not quite 'like us'. There are a few things that could refer to but one of the most prominent is why Elidibus turns his keen gaze so intently toward Hythlodaeus.
"...Do you know their name?"
no subject
"...Both like us... yet not like us. The Fandaniel that was summoned to the Free Cities was not known to me initially, save for a soul long dead. ...It has been my great displeasure to refamiliarise myself with him, based upon experiencing what he is now."
A parasite that fed on that gentle soul, in his view. Not strictly the case, not really, yet it is clear he has yet to come to terms.
"Yet I would think you would not have to. For you would know him, would you not?" His tone stays gentle, but he is aware- very aware- that Elidibus would be surprised by the revelation. So...
"I was told the detail behind what became of the world... And of the awful task you bore. The failures. The successes. And among all of that- of Emet-Selch's desire to see the Convocation once again made whole. The lengths he went to." A glance to Elidibus' face, and his expression softens- a very distinct look of sorrow coming to him. Just briefly. And he stands.
"But I think that something best discussed when we are comfortable. Would you not say?"
An exhale, and a smile, somewhat sad still, comes to his face. "For now, I think it paramount that you are familiarised with Solvunn. And it would be my pleasure to serve as your guide."
no subject
"Is that so?"
The news may seem to be received calmly. Yet it's with a preternatural stillness that Elidibus's visage falls to thought once more. The piercing blue eyes grow half-hooded. Ones which are turned upon Hythlodaeus when gentle words express more than passing knowledge; not of who Fandaniel was but of what he is now.
Something Elidibus and Emet-Selch and Lahabrea had created out of the shattered, torn scrap of a whole man it had once been.
"Yes, I know him." There is enough to know there is almost no chance that it's any other. But Elidibus is watching the lavender-haired ancient. How much had he heard, did he know? In that sorrow, was there... condemnation? No matter how gentle the voice or joy in seeing another of their people. The kindness might be too much.
Yet any reckoning would not be now, certainly not aired in front of a community of strangers who know nothing, should be left knowing nothing. Of course that would not still the fluttering of unease, mayhap uncertainty underneath.
"You are right. I think we'd all benefit from a place of ease while talking of such matters. Along with the one who no doubt awaits us."
Elidibus all but knows who is there by now and that person will also be well aware of whom Hythlodaeus has met and is bringing home. The youthful features seem to ease and his eyes open fully. A polite smile is returned.
"If you've no other plans you would be welcome to accompany me while I make arrangements." There's those in charge of the newcomer's residency to notify perhaps and a surely a small collection of gifts to make use of as he mentioned wanting to do earlier before the matter of Fandaniel.
Back to one step forward at a time.
"But by no means should you feel obligated."
The smile is not reflected in Elidibus's eyes.