abraxaslogs | WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

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WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

Welcome to Solvunn! Bright suns and merriest of welcomes to you! The portal opens in a vast field on the western side of town surrounded by cattle, with a distant view of the bustling marketplace. The first impression of the settlement is one of idylic, country charm. There are no looming structures or crowded streets. Instead, there are cozier houses on wide streets and community buildings made of stone and wood. A gentle breeze rolls across the field and the sun is high in the sky.

There's not as much magic here as in other locations, but it's there. No one will be stopped from entering Solvunn, though suspicion will be cast upon new arrivals. Citizens will be friendly and welcoming, but curious about their new visitors. It isn't often that they welcome new folks- especially not so many at once!

With tensions between the other communities, Solvunn will not be keen on ratting out those who fled Thorne, but with the knowledge that sanctuary will not be given for free. Everyone does their part, whatever that part may be.

Asking questions will result in being told to find Rowan March, one of the council members, somewhere in the marketplace.

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[ ... Huh. Amos can prepare his own food, sure, but where he comes from, real meat is a luxury. His familiarity is... incredibly limited.

And he already has a trade, as out of place as it seems here. He shakes his head, settling in a little more now that he's actually got something to say. ]

Nah. I'm better with machines. [ Y'know, stuff that was never alive at any point. That's his training; that's what makes sense to him. ] Not a lot of meat, where I'm from.

[ Truth be told, despite its incredibly low tech levels — to him, at least — Solvunn is maybe the most bountiful place he's ever seen. So much open land, so much of it used to grow food, whether by crops in the ground or raising livestock. It's almost overwhelming, knowing this was ever an option for someone's way of life.

He looks back at Himeka, back at the women. Might as well just say what's on his mind. ]

You're lucky, living in a place like this. [ Is it obvious how out of place he is here? Probably. ]

The way Estinien is staring down at his drink, Amos can't help but wonder what that's like. Things might have ended badly. Or, hell, they might have just ended. But that his companion has some level of fondness for where he came from is just something he'll never be able to comprehend.

He listens, respectfully; lets the silence stretch out a little longer when Estinien has said his piece. Kinda seems like a serious topic for him.

Then, "Yeah, there wasn't really any peace where I'm from." If there were any moments he could have looked back upon fondly, they're buried too deep under everything else. Nothing to look back on, really. Just a wholly broken society.

Amos takes another drink. It's not contemplative or anything; he just wants to. His voice is casual, conversational. It's all in the past. Nothing to be done about it now. "It's cool you got to grow up somewhere like this, even if it wasn't always great. Sorry that it's gone."

Which is a lot more than what he could ever say about where he spent his formative years, and then some.

[And now the redness extends down under his tunic, making his hair look particularly pale, and there's a few more notes of undignified sputtering as Nero leans in to help with his outfit. Those lithe hands so close to his neck make him uncommonly nervous.]

I-I-I, uhhm, I don't know? Y-yet? I, um, p-probably I should- I-I should ask, it- it's only people like us, th-that got summoned here that can go there at all...

[But when Nero goes to pat his shirt, Martin actually catches his hand by the wrist. Partly to his own surprise as well, judging by the quick flick of his eyes down to their hands and back up to Nero's before he quickly releases.]

W-with all due, uh, respect, Nero, u-uhm. You're... not... my type.

Which is a real kick in the nuts if you ask me!

[ Think of it? Being unable to access something that is right fucking there in their own world? Having to rely on people who they don't know to access it? It's a nice pot of suspicion, weariness, and eventual violence upon those summoned.

He smiles, pleased with it all. ]

Huh. [ His smile doesn't fade as much weaken slightly when his wrist is taken. He gives him a look and bats his eyes comically at him. ] Oh, Martin. [ But the moment passes quickly to lead to something else entirely! ]

Not your type? Is it because I'm too fit? My abs intimidate you? [ Insert sad face here. ]

It's a comfortable level of reaction for Estinien, really - he doesn't say these things with the hope of inspiring heartache, he's just not a person that's particularly inclined to hold back things that are simply true. As much as it hurts him to think of it too deeply, to fully reflect on what's lost... there's nothing he can do about it, and there's certainly nothing anybody else can do about it.

And he knows that there is enough pain and suffering to go around, which is plainly evidenced by Amos's own comment. It would be easy, he thinks, for Amos to be bitter, hearing about something like that, if he never managed to experience the same. The fact that it's so casually acknowledged gives the sense that he's not, which says something in of itself.

As usual, he doesn't really know how to react to the apology, even though he knows it's probably just being polite. In the end, he just shrugs it off. He's grateful for it, in one sense, but he's also aware of how much that loss nearly ruined him as a person. It's not something that is entirely resolved in his own head.

"I'd like to know more about this place," he says instead, looking up to watch some of the locals as they move about the tavern. "To know if it's truly as pleasant as it appears. But I suppose it needn't be perfect to be better than places we've been before." Especially when Amos is ostensibly coming from grim circumstances himself.

"What brought you to Solvunn to begin with?" he asks. "That man's descriptions left something to be desired."

I'm not yet convinced those concepts are unrelated.

[If the Singularity is seen as the source of everything, presumably it must be the source of the gods as well. What he really wants to know is how inclined those gods are towards actual intervention. The knows the Twelve he's familiar with are particularly quiet, and wonders if it's different here.]

Have you seen the Horizon? The realm of the Singularity?

[He has no idea if that connection is innate.]

[ She isn't the type to hang onto regret in most situations, but it does give her a new perspective on how some may have felt slighted against Thorne even if they were not in the dungeons, nor held any bout of empathy for those that were. A valuable point of view, at least.

But one of these two people is. He plays it off as if it's not a threat but would there be any other reason to share it? ]

For "good reason"?

[ She tilts her head to the opposite side. Himeka really isn't sure what to make of this man. ]

We should both hope that we don't have reason to "cross blades", in that case.

[ She is far from the type to toot her own horn, but she also doesn't want to paint herself as an...easier target than she probably already has. (Really, given her proclivity to talk to anyone and offer assistance with little in return, she should be trying harder at that than anything else. Ah well. She's trying, that's what matters, right?)

Himeka places her free hand at her hip, shifting her weight to that side. ]

Not really. It sounds like the sex you've been having has been awful. Is that why you're having trouble "raising your house"?

For good reason. [ Nero repeats the phrase back to her yet again. ] Everyone has them if they're gonna kill someone, don't they? If they didn't, they'd be crazy.

[ His chin drops as he starts to laugh to himself. The elf doesn't consider himself to be insane; he considers himself to be more aware of the world than most other people. ]

And you can hope that, honey. [ He offers another lazy smile. ] You'd just be wasting time.

[ Nero gestures in the air, indicating the time she'd be wasting.

This is quite the conversation he has found himself in, but he decides to be frank. Since if he keeps messing around, it's going to get Martin in trouble. And he hasn't even had the chance to tell Martin the terrible news! ]

Anyway, you were mildly concerned that I'd get bored hunting pirates and come after you and the others, right? I'm telling you it won't happen without a good reason from someone else.

[ He opens his hands, fingers spread, further illustrating his point that he has no wish to kill anyone in Solvunn.

And he drops his hands back down to his sides. ]

I don't think the girlies felt that way. [ His smile only widens. ] I can't explain to you why sex is fun that way since you haven't tried it, sweetie. So, it sounds awful 'cause you got morals that says not to do it, right?

[ He gives her a little shrug before a mildly confused look settles over his face. ] Raising my house? Are you asking me if I have problems getting hard, sweetie? If you like to see, I've got some free time.

I can name a few people that would fall into that category, for sure.

[ The crazy one, that is. But for some reason she feels like discussing the ethics of Zenos--or lack thereof--would either be weirdly enlightening or extremely disturbing from Nero's point of view. She can't really say she isn't curious.

Even so...though they have some clear disagreements on outlook, she does nod and agree when he has a point. ]

Less concerned and more drawing my own comparisons on worrying about where the next potential threat is coming from, but I understand what you're saying. I'll keep that in mind.

[ To his question, she shakes her head, frowning just slightly. ]

That's got nothing to do with morals. The place and mood just sounds depressing, that's all.

[ And the last thing she wants to be when she's otherwise engaged is to be down or worrying about existential or imminent dread. She'd rather just not think about anything else. ]

Well, your vivid description of your current predicament did seem at least slightly embellished with your sexual plight. I assumed the two were one and the same.

[ She is, of course, still assuming he's having trouble keeping it up or getting laid. Which is really his problem. ]

But if that's not the case, then I would be willing to lend a hand.

[ A beat. ]

With your housing problems.

Edited (i can't type) 2021-09-19 03:53 (UTC)

What absolute losers.

[ Nero turns his head to dismiss people who just kill for no reason whatsoever. His expression actually becomes a sour one rather than the goofy, wide smile that he has been wearing for most of the conversation. ]

Good, good. If you really want to worry about the next potential threat, it would probably be ... Solvunn, the Free Cities, or Thorne.

[ As he names the countries, he points in various directions to indicate each one. He doesn't sound like he is making jest either, but being serious with her that those are the ones to be worried about, if she really wants to worry about anything. ]

... and, I honestly cannot follow you at all, sweetie. But I'm sure it makes sense to you so I'll let you have that one. [ Honestly, he feels her reasoning is so incredibly circular that he cannot comprehend it. If he started to try to break it down at all, he'd just be running around in circles with her and decides to just let it go. ]

Current predicament is -- nothing for you to worry about, honestly.

[ Nero gives her a nasty smile before it settles back down to his usual easy-going one. It isn't so much that he feels like she is faint of heart, but he doesn't think that she's going to understand it. If she doesn't understand why a person would have sex while miserable and feeling hopeless, she definitely won't understand what he's trying to do. ]

My housing problems?

[ Again, his eyebrow raises. ]

You mean help with fixing things up in the tertiary settlement, right? [ He scratches the side of his head. ] Sure, I appreciate it if you're willing to fix that place up.

I'm sure my little cousin would appreciate the hand in fixing things up, too. [ Could Nero fix up his own house? Probably. Will he? No. ]

[ Amos doesn't flinch at Nero's hand hitting the table. Guy certainly moves around a lot more than he does. Significantly more expressive, too. Bad people come in all different shapes and sizes and mannerisms, don't they.

Kind of starts to lose him at the political talk, though. Strategy on a global scale is not his strong suit at all. He has no clue what Nero is laughing about; kind of figures this is gonna be a theme between the two of them, huh. ]

Maybe they really just want nothing to do with it.

[ That's what Amos had first assumed, anyway, going off of... a total stranger's one-line description. Which, in hindsight, might have been a stupid thing to do. He frowns. This is really just like turf wars in Baltimore, extrapolated to an entire world, isn't it? None of them were truly neutral. If one group got weak, another one would move in to finish them off.

Doesn't want Solvunn to be like that. This is a place that actually cares about its people, which is so novel for him, but... might be time to let go of the fantasy, that anywhere could be good, that anywhere would care enough to not move in and kill a limping beast. He sees the logic in it. Can't decide if it's better or worse, to let Nero remind him of the way the world actually works, not let him get too comfortable in an idealistic fantasy that could never come to pass.

His expression reverts to something empty when Nero answers his question, though. Yeah. Amos knows exactly the kind of person he is. Can't quite figure out some of his motivations, but actions are more important, and he's made it quite clear the kind of steps he's willing to take — with a smile on his face and laughing all the way, apparently.

But he's lost on the logic again. ]

Staying alive's more important than sacrificing your conscience or whatever. [ Or whatever, because he's someone who doesn't even have a conscience. The concept clearly means nothing to him. ] People staying alive is measurable. Consciences? Can't do anything with those. So the joke might be on you — you're still helping people. Still doing a good thing for them. That's the only part that actually matters.

Amos definitely doesn't mind the change in subject. There's only so much you can talk about shit that already happened. And, really, it's kind of pointless. The future, though — here — that's been a topic he's been avoiding, because outside of do whatever Himeka says, probably, he doesn't have any answers.

Gonna have to start thinking about it at some point, though. It's nonsensical for him to be putting it off as long as he has, but he's never been this adrift before. Even when he was between jobs back in his own universe, he could still find another one eventually. Here? His skillset is several centuries ahead. Not sure what to do with that.

He gives a small laugh — more of a huff, really — in response to Estinien's statement. Sure did. "He said it was reclusive and neutral," Amos answers. "It's better that I'm somewhere like that."

Left alone. Somewhere where he probably won't hurt anyone, too. Or at least where the chances are lesser. He usually ends up hurting people regardless, fucking up, because, well, he's him. Amos gives his own glance around the tavern, at all of the people here he doesn't know, hopefully won't wreck.

Except that kind of seems like a big ask. He doesn't fit in here. Doesn't fit in most places, but this one's not looking great for him, either. After a moment, he turns back to Estinien. "Think I might be heading west soon, though. Tertiary Settlement." He's been thinking about it for a bit now. Just hasn't... told anybody. Not like there's anybody to tell — until now, apparently. "Even if this place isn't as nice as it seems, I don't... I don't know what to do with all of this."

Not like saying it out loud does anything, but he does surprise himself by vocalizing where his mind's at. It's the truth, though. He doesn't. Leaving kind of seems like the only answer, so he'll do that. Better luck elsewhere. And if that doesn't turn out to be the case, he'll figure out what to do then.

[Nero is doing a good job of making Martin try to turn even darker but it won't work; and only partly because he's hit his upper bashful limit. Instead Martin tries to keep his voice lofty and dismissive, giving his overcoat one last tug into place.]

I am not... attracted to-- to sociopaths. I can't imagine what you think bringing fancy dress for people to change into for a hanging is, b-but it's not charming.

[ Crossing his arms, he listens to what Martin has to say. His eyebrows lift as he offers a few small nods. ]

Oh, it's my personality.

[ He lifts his hand up to wipe away imaginary sweat. ]

Whew. Had me worried there for a second, Martin.

[ Relena is... trying, but they are slippery and she doesn't want to squish them. It's not like they're quick, but they are trying to burrow and she doesn't want to pull them in half.

Gross.

She looks up at him when he speaks to her and frowns, moving back a bit as he takes over. It's his bait... maybe he's worried she will squish them or at the very least, lose half of them. She's an impulsive person, so it made sense in the moment when it felt like it was her fault, but... ]

I'm so sorry.

The only way that they'd want nothing to do with it... is if they view those people as being inferior to them and their suffering and deaths mean nothing to their existence.

[ Nero talks in absolutes because that is how his world has been. He hasn't witnessed anything in this new world that has challenged his beliefs. In fact, hearing stories from other worlds, it has only strengthened his resolve that every world is shit.

People just lie to themselves about how shitty it really is. ]

If they really are like that, well... then, the Free Cities and Thorne won't have to worry about Solvunn. But ... is that really okay? Solvunn is only good because it considers the others to be worthless?

[ If this country really is like that, Nero won't be able to stay in it. It would remind him too much of how the elves are; he's already given too much deja vu just being in this place. It makes his skin itch. It makes him want to burn everything down and have everyone see that the Gods never loved or protected them.

His eyes close, and he lets out a long, agonized sigh. But I won't. I won't do something like that here.

Nero lifts his chin a little as soon as the man starts speaking, again. He opens one eye as he listens to what he has to say. It seems like the way they view the world is a little different from one another; the two are walking the same path but the elf slipped deeper into the darkness and blood. ]

Actions are the only thing that matters, huh? If I save a person, it means that I did something good even if I'm not a good person? [ He repeats back what he understands. ]

"I see."

It's a quiet acknowledgement to let him know she'd been listening at all. That trailing off means he probably won't say more than that. That's her experience with men like him, but she has no reason to push it. Through his childhood is enough to know right now.

Relena nods to him quickly then gets down lower to the ground, taking the sheep's leg in her arms as she's been told. She decides to keep her eyes more on the sheep than Estinien for now, just a bit afraid of being kicked.

"It's serendipitous. I'm sure it's made it a bit easier for you to adapt for now, while we're still here."

Because, in her mind, this is all extremely temporary. She has no interest in being here for long and she can't remember how to stay in one place for any notable amount of time, anyway. Still, she'll be here as long as her traveling companions are, at least.

Fortunately, with the sheep positioned like this, its legs mostly seem to rest fully extended, in a way that is sort of comical. The sheep gives a soft 'maah' but otherwise doesn't put up much of a struggle. Estinien moves on to the next foot.

"Better than I adapted to being imprisoned, at least," he says dryly. That experience had chafed on him from beginning to end. "'Twill be some time before we can determine whether or not Solvunn will align with our goals - and how the Free Cities compare. If there is some compelling reason for destroying the Singularity outright, I would be interested in hearing it."

Estinien has no idea how long any of this will take - it's already been much longer than he'd initially hoped. He's prepared to play the long game if he has to.

[ They are already so much on the same wavelength. Her trust is an easy enough thing to earn, but food is absolutely the way to get to her heart. Himeka does take at least a few more seconds to chew the rest of the bread before swallowing.

She's all smiles once she does. ]

Thank you! I feel like I could eat the entire shop if they all taste like that.

[ The bakery is really a dangerous place, but one she has been eyeing for some time now.

Her attention is, of course, shifting when he points to the pot. The tip of her tail does a little perk upwards as well. ]

Oh?

[ She looks back the rather short Elezen. ]

Did you get it from here? Is it as quality as it looks?

[ Himeka herself isn't much for titles unless they're asked of her, but the way that "Mister Martin" introduces himself as such makes it all the more tempting to keep it up.

The mention of of Estinien, though, makes Himeka raise her brows as her tail flicks once more--a wide swoop with clear interest. ]

You've met Estinien?

[ That could mean, well, many things. ]

On his best behavior, I hope?

[ It's a fond and chiding mark, to be sure, if the warmth in her voice isn't beguiled by the quirk of her lips. With that, she taps her sternum twice. ]

Yes, that's right. I'm "Mistress of the Ethereal Plane and Scourge to Empty Bellies Himeka Sui".

[ No. No she is not. ]

But "Himeka" is fine.

[ His response, in that sense, isn't terribly surprising. Himeka quirks an amused and sympathetic smile as he makes an effort, for either her sake or that of the locals. Better with machines--certainly. She really wishes she could introduce him to Cid and all of those at the Ironworks. They would love to pick Amos' mind as well as share their own advancements with Magitek.

Though, that does bring another thought to mind. Mayhaps she does have someone she can introduce him to? Himeka taps her chin in thought.

The local woman, however, is perfectly keen to chat Amos up. ]

"Aye, it's a blessin' we thank the Gods for every day."

[ But one that clearly doesn't begrudge the hard work they put into the land and community. ]

"As long as everyone does their part, they're all welcome to the land's bounty."

And everyone does have a part to play, don't they?

[ Himeka pops in as she bumps her elbow with Amos' in a friendly way, her tail swishing behind her happily. ]

"That they do, lass."

[ The older of the two women shakes the package of meat. ]

"If you're lookin' to pick up a new trade, you could do worse. These cuts beat anything you'll find in the city."

Oh we'll definitely be sure to enjoy it when we get the chance, won't we?

There are a few different ways Estinien could interpret Amos saying that he's better off being somewhere neutral and reclusive. It could be that Amos doesn't like conflict, it could be that he finds himself poorly suited to it, or it could be something else he doesn't yet have context for. As Amos goes on, he finds himself trying even harder to figure out the root of the man's discomfort.

Is he more of a loner, then? Unfamiliar with functioning within a community? Solvunn does come across as a bit familiar, and unafraid to demand cooperation. That's a concept Estinien can definitely understand. Despite the ease he's had in settling into the routine of farm work, these parts where he attempts to socialize like a normal person? Much more difficult than cleaning stalls or tending to sheep.

So, maybe it's not that hard to figure out. He nods his head, thinking he understands.

"I thought of going there myself, but as fortune had it, there was need for us here - found through Himeka's fearless connection-making efforts, of course. Yet, I can't help but wonder about the state of the place they typically send their most recent immigrants."

If there's one thing he knows about immigrants and refugees, it's that they usually aren't given the same treatments as those native to the community. He doesn't see why it'd be different here.

"...If you do head that way, I'd be interested in knowing the state of things there." He pauses for a moment. "Though... if you did wish to stay... I do have confidence that a place for you could be found."

He doesn't want Amos to head off purely out of perceived rejection. Especially if he's becoming a friend of Himeka's.

[ To that end, she does give a moment's pause. It is true that the greatest threat would likely come from those already in power and for the most part her fears revolve around Thorne, if only because that is the one she has the most information on. They had decided to come to Solvunn because it stood as the neutral party in the battle of ideals--something that felt like the easiest, natural decision.

They all need more information before they can take a formal stance on the matter, don't they? ]

Why did you come here, then?

[ Did he also think the greatest threat was elsewhere? Or was he looking for it with the sort of person he is?

For as open-minded as she is on most subjects, she does have a few odd ideas that are unshakable. At least until she's presented with evidence to the contrary. Rebuilding a settlement is arguably more important anyway. ]

You have a little cousin here?

[ Now it's time for Himeka to make a jump in logic and assume there is some sad Elezen child living in squalor in the Tertiary Settlement. If that isn't reason enough to help out, then nothing will be. With her free hand, she taps her sternum twice in a "leave it to me" sort of gesture. ]

Of course. It's not always easy to find your place in a new town, but everyone should have the basics. It wouldn't be the first restoration project I've been a part of either.

[ And arguably one without the backing of, you know, a city-state, friends in high places, proper supplies, etc...

But she's going to try. Hopefully it won't be a disaster. ]

[ Amos offers him a shrug before taking another sip of his drink. ]

Maybe they just don't think about people that aren't their own.

[ Which, okay — now he's talking about himself without explicitly talking about himself. It should worry him, at least a little, that Nero has inadvertently started describing Amos to a tee, but it... doesn't. Not really. He knows what he is. And only wanting to look after your own people, saying fuck the rest of the world — that's exactly how Amos has gone through life. That's his best case scenario. No matter how good the company he surrounds himself with, no matter how much he tries to attach himself to righteous people, their motives will never sink in for him. Their philosophies will never be his own.

At the same time, the idea that you can't be good if all you do is look after your own people is. Well. Amos knew he was never going to be good, anyway, so. ]

Others don't have to be worthless to be irrelevant. You just... don't think about them. That's all. And maybe that means Solvunn isn't good. But as long as they're looking after their own, I figure they're alright. It's good enough.

[ This is all going a lot easier for him now that the conversation has shifted closer towards what Amos actually knows. There are contradictions there, sure; he's a contradictory person. Someone who does not care, cannot care, but feels the need to make the effort regardless. It's futile. He'll never be good enough. Still, he has to try.

For at least as long as he can remember to. Place like this, stranger in a strange world, that might end sooner rather than later.

Nero's also easier to talk to when he's more subdued. Or at least closer to Amos' speed. ]

Yup. There are ways you can live a good life without being a good person. [ Not too long ago he'd had to explain that to someone else, though she was a friend. And receptive, at that. Someone else who needed to know that. ] You do the right thing, help others not die? Even if it's just because someone else asked. Or because you think it's funny. Still did a good thing. That's the only part that really counts.

[ He genuinely believes that, too. Not a whole lot of room for arguing there. Someone makes that the founding principle of their life, it's pretty difficult to break it. ]

I, uh. I have, yeah.

[Uh oh?]

He came into the library to tell me off for Nero being... well, Nero, and left with a book. Borrowed it, I mean, h-he didn't steal it.

[Though he should definitely chase that up soon...]

But-- yes, um. It's lovely to meet you, Himeka. Here's a much better place to do it than back in Thorne.

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Page 16 of 21

WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

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