abraxaslogs | ( open ) an informal family dinner

Entry tags:

( open ) an informal family dinner

Who: the summoned of cadens
When: beginning of august
Where: the sarstina inn and tavern
What: the welcome committee (sam wilson, hilda, jesper) has come back together again for another cadens welcome event! everyone might remember the last event and this one will be much of the same. Including, but not limited to, another invite by hilda! | sam art credit!
Warnings: will update as needed!

THE DINNER

Just as before, this is kicked off with Hilda's invitation, and if any of the Summoned come by Sarstina's that evening, they will find it set up a little differently than usual, but very similar to last time.

There is a long table set up near the bar that has a whole party-spread, a ye-old-southern-party kind of set-up, if you will. There are dips, charcuterie plates, sandwiches, drinks, a pastry/dessert bar and almost anything else that Sam could get his hands on. It is all, of course, limited by what’s available in Cadens, but thankfully he’s been here long enough to figure his way around the food options. Behind the bar is Mag (because no one else is getting their hands on the alcohol stash, thank you very much) and she will serve whoever it is that comes up to ask for a drink and will refuse any sort of payment - it appears someone is covering the tab tonight.

The rest of the tavern is set up for a party, with tables and chairs scattered around, a stage set up in the corner, and a decently sized space in front of the stage for dancing if the night gets to that point. There may or may not be some live music later in the evening, no promises have been made, but if anyone else wants to get up on the stage they are more than welcome.

Nadine has been kind enough to provide little apothecary bags filled with a mild sleeping tonic and things to help settle the nerves that new (and old) Summoned can take with them. There’s a table near the door and by the bar that have these bags in wicker baskets with a small sign that reads: Visit Salves and Stitches for all your medical needs!

The vibes are definitely low-key and casual – come get an ale, come eat some food, and if you're new there is a very good chance you'll end up (gently and in the most friendly way) cornered by either Sam, Hilda, Jesper, or any of the other Summoned. They are here to help answer questions and give a bit more background on what the hell is going on. And also let you know about the deal that has been going with Mag and the Inn for almost two years now. Aka, if you're looking for a room, there is one here for you in exchange for work. You can leave whenever you have a job, or you can stay as long as you like. It’s all about helping Summoned get more settled, and as long as you’re good at taking instruction and picking up after yourself, Mag hasn’t had any issues. Not a bad gig, right?

And if being social isn't your thing, or you’re just not the party kind of person, the Welcome Committee understands. But also, really, who is going to turn down free drinks and free food? The Cities work on coin and commerce, so turning down a free meal isn’t really the smartest thing. Plus - there’s alcohol. And the food is pretty damn good.

OOC INFO

- this is a totally open post! There will be some TL’s below from the Committee Members, but otherwise, have fun, meet some people, and put up a TL of your own! there are various places to run into people around the tavern, and if you find someone who is willing to help you into the Horizon (Sam is happy to help, but he’s helping Host), Sam's been letting people know they can use his room upstairs.

- the only Rule is there will be no fighting. You want to duke it out? Take it somewhere else. There will not be warnings or second chances, so don't be an ass. Summoned have lived in this Inn since they were all portaled here ages go, this is their home. and if ANYONE is seen giving Mag a hard time, there are a few people here who will not hesitate and who are not afraid of squaring up. Also, you cause problems, and you will not be invited back :)

- The whole purpose of the Welcome Committee is going to be going overboard to be welcoming, especially to new faces. Even if your character didn't see the big invitation, feel free to have them invited by word of mouth, or chased down by any of the members. Some Summoned may have also checked the barracks for any new Summoned to bring them into town.

- Mag is an NPC who you can read a little more about in the NPC section of the Cadens setting page. Feel free to have her come in and out of your tags as needed!

THE INN

Magmara (or Mag) has run the inn for years and has been a familiar face in that neighborhood as a woman who always made ends meet, almost in spite of the way she took care of her friends and neighbors above all else. Most weren't always sure how she managed to run the place on her own, but she made due, though she always seemed a bit overwhelmed and exhausted. When the Summoned arrived in the Cadens through that first portal, Sam managed to stumble in and make quick friends with Mag. In exchange for manual labor, fixing up and cleaning up the inn, as well as whatever other various tasks Mag needed to be done around, Sam would be given free room and board (a deal she now offers to any Summoned that arrives in the city for as long as they need it).

The inn itself is 4 floors tall, with the top three floors making up the 15 or so rooms (around five rooms per floor), and the entire bottom floor reserved for the restaurant area. The tavern makes up the entire first floor and is a large open floorplan, with a small stage in the corner, a walled-off area for the decently sized kitchen, and a large wooden bar where Mag does all her business for both the inn and tavern (where can almost always be found standing behind). It serves drinks of some variety (though not nearly as large a selection as some of the more well-known taverns) and some food (usually a single, large meal that will be served to the tenants and whoever comes in throughout the night for a moderate price). It can be busy some evenings, but in general tends to keep a more 'dive-bar' kind of feel, filled with more locals and regulars than a casual dinner-going crowd.

The rooms themselves vary from fairly simple, single-bed inn-style rooms with a small bathroom and little else, up to a two 'bedroom' suite style with small kitchenettes and spaces for sitting rooms. Each bedroom has its own small bathroom for the tenants, with cleaning, washing, and chores left to those who live there. What used to be more of a working inn now serves as a kind of boarding house for newly arrived Summoned (or simply those who won't leave), and Mag has found herself quite okay with that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ At that, Claude shrugs a shoulder as though they're discussing something as insignificant as whether it might rain in a few days (probably not) or whether it's worth going back to the spread for food for another plate (always). When it comes to the scale of rough life events, there's certainly no shortage of what could end up on there based on what he's learned about all the different worlds represented. ]

Mm. Well, as I've learned since arriving - there's plenty of possibilities to make up for that here.

[ Something they can get into in a minute, if it heads that way or the other's not already been told about some of those past events. Or recent history, though that can wait a bit longer when the smile from before stretches into a grin and Claude taps a finger against the mug in his hand as if in thought. ]

Now that I'd be willing to guess is true, especially with the speech about how important we are that I'm assuming they still give upon arrivals. I don't think it's an accident we've ended up where we have either way, if that's what you're getting at. [ And since that's the kind of observation he can appreciate on top of slowly putting together all these other offered assessments, and not to mention this is supposed to be a party, after all, Claude shifts his mug to his other hand to hold it out for a handshake. ] I'm Claude, by the way.

[ James is yet to speak with most people here, and even those he's met so far, he hasn't exactly gotten their life's story. Fine for him, honestly; he certainly isn't planning on sharing with anyone here. ]

That so?

[ Might not be so bad, if it makes things more interesting around here. James would be bored to death if it was always this quiet and peaceful, and no one wants him to be bored. It'd be chaos. ]

I didn't think it was an accident. Just wondering if we're handpicked, or if it's like— fishing. Whatever gets caught in their net, if that makes sense.

[ It'd take even more power, more resources, if they're individually chosen. All the more reason to be concerned about whoever (or whatever) is responsible, James thinks.

He looks down. A handshaker, huh. James reaches out with a gloved hand, returning the gesture. ]

James.

[ There's a tip of his head in response to the question by way of confirmation to the question. One he might've answered, if it wasn't for both the handshake being accepted (which he takes with a hearty one) and then that next all important question after which pulls his attention away. ]

Nice to meet you, James. I'd be willing to bet they know more about us than they're letting on.

[ Is there a casual way to say such a thing? Claude's going to aim for it whether he feels it or not, since - nothing they can do about that now that they're here, but it does make for an interesting puzzle as he takes a sip of his ale. ]

In more that: I don't think it's a coincidence that we're arriving here now. Accident was a poor choice in words, though it was somewhat accidental at first from what I've heard from those who've been here much longer. Some of the Summoned were told they were mistakes though I don't believe I've heard any explanations of why.

But since then, the ritual seems to look to specific worlds and from there they could narrow it down to looking for, say, me, or you, or anyone else specifically. Where it gets more complicated is that even though people arrive from the same worlds, they aren't always from the same time.

I don't doubt that they do.

[ James doesn't like it, that much is clear. He's reserved even around those he's more familiar with (or less antagonistic towards, anyway), and he likes it that way. Keeping his guard up has assured his survival in the Empire for years, and aided in his rise through the ranks. He doesn't like the thought of not having control over what others know about him, even less so when those 'others' have access to the kind of power that those here have. ]

Maybe mistakes at first, and then they realized we could become useful.

[ More numbers to join in on the fight, after all. It's just unfortunate for all parties involved that they all seem to be split more or less equally among the different factions— even more unfortunate that the majority would likely choose to not get involved if an all-out war should one break out. Of course, there are plenty of ways they could be persuaded to fight. ]

That's the least complicated part, at least speaking from my personal experience and the laws of physics I'm most familiar with. In my reality, it would be far more complicated to narrow down to a specific individual than to a specific universe. And picking them from a specific point in time, even more so. So it makes sense that people end up coming from different times, since narrowing that down would be incredibly complex, and much more prone to devastating side effects.

[ There's a nod from Claude at the idea of those mistakes suddenly being not ones at all. Possibly not to Thorne, though. ]

Thorne imprisoned them - the Summoned they said were mistakes, that is. From what's been told to me, there was a sort of jailbreak of both groups in the prison and not and they were able to leave for here or Solvunn. Then everywhere began summoning and, well. Here you and I are now.

[ That's followed up with a cheerful smile, as if they're not discussing the bridging of worlds, the complications of timelines, and everything else rather world-changing to go along with it. Sure, the welcome party around them might be a little incongruent with the topic, but there's value in making sure that information's shared. The same goes for what others know and he listens carefully to James' explanation. It offers a little insight into how, exactly, those from Fodlan came to be here in such confusing ways and he makes a note of it. ]

Interesting. So then it would be more of the fishing net like you mentioned, in that maybe they were looking for me, or for you, but ended up with not necessarily the version of us they expected. [ He's blurring the lines here a bit with his own thoughts, but realizes that a bit too late. ] Ah, but that's more of a problem for my own situation where I've lived other lives within my own world. I'm not so sure anyone else here's encountered that exactly save a couple others.

[ James knows the value of information all too well, and he genuinely appreciates it being shared. Not that he necessarily expected anything else, but admittedly he's far more used to people keeping things to themselves, in case it turns out to be a tactical advantage. He likes that no one here seems to be concerned with that; might just end up being an advantage on his end. ]

Are they still around? Those Summoned?

[ He realizes he hasn't even learned when people started showing up here. Years? Decades? Centuries? ]

Yes, or maybe they just didn't care about which version they got. [ Or, you know, maybe they wanted the nice Kirk and got him instead. Sucks, huh. ]

Well, I've met one other version of me so far, but I can't say I've ever lived another life. Not that I remember, anyway. [ With his attention now turned to Claude, ] How does that work, exactly?

Edited 2023-08-22 18:24 (UTC)

You've met another version of yourself?

[ Hold on a minute - the rest of what James said is equally important and he'll get to it, but that? That begs confirming that's really what he'd heard before that happens. While he'd idly been watching the party around them out of habit, now Claude's focus also turns back to James with curiosity he doesn't bother to hide. ]

I could ask you the same about how that works exactly. As for me, never met the - other mes, strange as that is to say, but there seems to be events in the world where I'm from which don't play out exactly the same. I lived one thing, someone else from Fodlan lived another, and another person lived yet another, and I made different choices in each. Afraid I don't have much of an answer for you besides that, though.

[ Not caring about which version of who came through that pool - it makes a lot of sense even if it also derails all of his attempts to think through the logic here. That's another possibility Claude files away to think through the possibilities associated with it. As for what else was asked - ]

Some of the Summoned who were brought through in Thorne are still here, yes. A handful of them are here in the Free Cities and if they're not around this party then you'll run into them around the Inn should you end up staying here instead. I arrived last year, but they'd already been here for a year before that. Plenty of others have been summoned and then disappeared since I've been here, so I can only imagine the numbers they've seen if the nations have been as... active in the rituals this whole time.

[ That reaction is apt, indeed. James just offers a small chuckle, knowing where the surprise and puzzlement is coming from. But yeah, he's really being truthful for a change. ]

Suppose we can always ask people from the other factions, right? I've met at least one in Nocwich. I know contact's complicated, but not impossible.

[ But he is intrigued by the possibility of speaking to those who've been here the longest, even if he doubts they'll have anything to tell James that they haven't told everyone else already at this point. Now, last remark addressed and set aside for now, he goes back to the first topic, which Claude seemed more interested in to begin with. ]

Alternate realities have been a theoretical possibility always considered where I'm from. We didn't always have proof it existed, of course, but there's a principle in physics that implies that anything possible will happen, at least in one universe out there. So there could be an infinite number of realities, and an infinite number of you, or me, different though they may be, all of them changing based on others' and our own choices.

[ He'll move on from the science talk. ]

But yes, there have been a couple of incidents in my reality that have proved the existence of such alternate realities. My reality in itself has only come to be due to a time travel incident around the year of my birth, more like the exact day, [ but he's not going to be that specific. ] And when I was already Captain, yet another version of me accidentally came into our reality when they stumbled into an ion storm. It's— I assume you're not familiar with space travel, but tell me if I'm wrong.

No, it's definitely not impossible. Anyone told you about the Horizon yet or the... brain writing?

[ It's been months upon months and Claude's still not sure what to call the latter, and instead it gets called something different every time. Hopefully James has experienced one or both and if not, he can fill in the rest.

That'll have to happen after he listens with rapt attention to the explanation given to his query both open and others hidden within responses. Having talked with Viktor about some of this gives him a better grasp on the fundamentals of it even if the things lurking in deeper depths are slightly out of his reach; be that as it may, his interest in the information James provides is genuine despite the laugh which leaves him at the last part. ]

You'd be right about that. I dunno whether this gives you any context or not, but I didn't know what a truck was until arriving here and someone showed me theirs in the Horizon. [ Yes, it's been a year, and he's still thinking about the truck. Mostly now it's useful as a way to check against the technology available in so many other worlds compared to Fodlan, and he tilts his glass in something which might pass for a shrugging motion. ] Among other things since there's far more around Cadens I'd not seen until being here.

But the infinite realities... I can't say that sounds exactly like my situation as I don't believe it'd be possible for the versions of myself to exist at the same time. OR for there to be any crossover of sorts, what with how history would change if that was the case. I also won't pretend it's not what you said in that choices drive what happens in each since that's - familiar. [ A beat, then: ] Have you met Viktor yet tonight? He's around, and I think he'd be interested in your experiences and what you just described.

Yes, I've been told, and I've asked around too. I'm yet to find a way into the former, or test the latter.

[ Curious about both, but particularly the first. Possibilities seem endless in the Horizon, even if the space itself isn't. Either way, he's keen to explore the limits within it, see what he can do, how far he could get in there— if there could be something useful he could bring back. Not physically speaking, of course. ]

Ah. That gives me a decent notion.

[ He can easily imagine an old, outdated world, a very different time from the one James comes from. Not surprising, if anything he would say that someone like Claude would fit into a world like this much more easily than James would. ]

That's the whole point, you don't really know. Alternate realities were only theoretical for hundreds of years, a lot of people never believed them possible. And some of them might be out there, altering one another's course of history, without people even being aware of it happening.

[ It's a lot to wrap one's head around, though. Especially so if you lack the background to understand the very concept behind it.

James shakes his head at the question. ] Only met you and a guy named Jesper tonight.

Edited 2023-08-31 16:56 (UTC)

If you'd like, I can take you in later. Or someone else can if you'd rather they do it as I think you'll find plenty of people willing to escort you. I should warn you that on that first trip in you won't remember who you are or anything about yourself, but that only lasts on that time. From there you'll know everything you've done and will do.

[ Something he'd found rather disconcerting even with also receiving a warning about it, and no reason to not be forthcoming about that since Claude imagines he's not the only one who felt that way. Add it to the list of alternate realities - of sorts - to go along with their discussion as well in that it's a place which exists only because they're here instead of at home.

He hums a tuneless note while considering the implications of what James says. It's a fascinating thought; imagining that there could be even more realities to Fodlan than the ones he knows of only because of those who've arrived here, including himself, is as daunting as it is promising. ]

Well, in that case. Perhaps there's a chance there's a time in which we didn't end up mired in war in one of those realities, even if it didn't come to pass in my own time or anyone else's and was far from it.

[ Or perhaps there was a time in which the Agarthans didn't attempt to alter everything, too, as that'd be another outcome he could accept. It's certainly something to think about another time, since now Claude scans the room for a moment before pointing out where Viktor's seated at a table using the glass in his hand to gesture. ]

Looks like he did make it tonight and not without something to work on. He's our resident scientist and his world has far more technology available than mine and the same for several others, I believe. I won't profess to know all of his research topics in between the inventions he works on, but I do know that he enjoys a good hypothesis. Or in this case, a reality.

Really? [ James frowns slightly. He gets needing the guidance on their first visit, but sees no point in the memory loss. Not sure how much he likes that. However, there's no way he's going to postpone visiting the Horizon for long. He's too interested in the concept, and too curious in the place. ] Well, I'll keep you in mind. Thanks.

[ He'll study his options, but he doesn't have all that many, to be honest. It's not like he has anyone here he'd trust even minimally, so he'll just have to take a leap there, unfortunately. ]

It is a possibility. Might not actually exist, but you never know. You probably will never know. [ He pauses. ] Trust me, sometimes you're better off not knowing.

[ And yet, he's sure that it was more disturbing for the other Kirk to learn of his reality than the other way around. ]

I'll have to add him to the list of people to talk to, then. [ He's building quite a decent one from tonight alone. ] Who knows, his science might be more on par with what I'm used to. [ Should be interesting to see what he's working on here, if nothing else. ]

[ There's a nod from Claude in the universal signal of of course or you're welcome or anything else in between for it. Whether it comes to pass tonight or not, the offer will still stand since it's another part of all of them working together in however they can when it comes to being here.

The mention of better off not knowing immediately gets an arched eyebrow from him. That's quite the warning, or what he's inferring as one, and - well. Given that Claude would've said that about the other timelines he's learned about from those who also arrived from Fodlan but different ones than he'd known, it feels... relatable even without the context of what James means for his own history. A topic for another time, perhaps. ]

You're likely right. I would've said the same about ending up here when it comes to things not existing though that's proven me wrong. I'd like to have thought I had an open mind before, but - never hurts to keep other things in mind. Talking with Viktor's a little like that, too, particularly if what he offers is different than what you're used to.

[ Though - based on what they've talked about, Claude's fairly certain that's less likely to apply to James than it has for him. ]

If it's not something he's familiar with, there's a good chance he can point you to others here who might know whatever it is, even if they're in Thorne or Solvunn. Call it another benefit of the Horizon that we have access to make that happen outside of Nocwich or to show someone what it is specifically than relying on diagrams, particularly if you're not an artist which I can safely say I'm not.

Yes, precisely. You never know what might be real until it happens to you.

[ This place is actually a perfect example of that. James would've been maybe a little less skeptical of something like this happening, if only for the fact that he's been through so much himself, but the magic portion of it certainly would have been met with doubt and a good amount of distrust. ]

That's one of the reasons I wanted to get to the Horizon. [ To be able to meet others from other factions, learn about them as much as this one. Not to mention his opportunities for connections would multiply by three. He'll just have to be careful not to spend too much time there.

He looks up at Claude at the last remark, a small, amused smile on his lips. ] Must be tough, hm. Guess you can always describe it, unless you're also not gifted with words.

My friends might say I'm a little too gifted with words most days. You'll have to find out for yourself if that's accurate or not.

[ The grin offered with it, however, says Claude's self-aware enough to admit it's very much true. Something he doesn't usually bother hiding since that talkativeness makes its appearance soon enough, depending on the topic or the situation. ]

In my case, it's more that I've found the things I'm familiar with from home are either things people here haven't seen before, or they're something so far in the relative past for them that they have trouble picturing it. Not everyone, though, but something like if you tried to have me picture something from your world when it comes to going through space.

But, [ with another small wave of his drink as if that sums up the thought entirely, ] sometimes it's just faster to conjure up something than to go about describing it or trying to draw it out. When it comes to anything related to technology and aside from us being lucky enough to have Viktor, the Free Cities seem to have the most advancements. From what I've heard of Solvunn it reminds me a bit of the rural lands at home, and Thorne comes complete with its own problems beyond the imprisonment.

Mm, maybe I will.

[ James can be fairly quiet company, most times, but he has his moments. He definitely appreciates entertaining company, particularly if they're good with words. So it's the kind of thing he won't mind learning for himself. ]

Yeah, I get it. It's always easier to show than tell, in situations like that.

[ Chances are half the things Claude would describe from his home would also confuse James, so a visual representation is always a plus. And he is curious, even if most of it (if not all) might be outdated to him. Maybe even more so, given how much of a fan he is of old, vintage stuff. ]

Starting to get the feeling I got lucky landing here, rather than one of the other two factions. For more than one reason. [ He snorts faintly, takes a sip from his drink. ] I've had more than enough of farms for a lifetime.

You can say that again. Don't get me wrong: the Free Cities have plenty of flaws you'll find out in time from being here. That's even before that we're no doubt under close observation at all times since they know where to find us. But that's not the same as being restricted to only a castle and only in very close quarters, and it's not the same as... [ with a brief trailing off for him to think of something else to add about Solvunn - ] well, I think I've probably covered how remote Solvunn is even if it's got a little problem with all the gods here.

[ Here and not just there, unfortunately, though he can get into that in a minute. No need to rush into that some of those gods have both been invoked and visited all in the very first conversation - maybe that's better for a second conversation topic. ]

There is some relative freedom here even if that illusion could be revoked at anytime. That's just the opinion of someone who didn't enlist, though, since I'd imagine the benefits of doing so far exceed having to make your own way in Cadens even with Mags' generous help.

Well, population density certainly makes it easier to go by mostly unnoticed, or at least more left to our own devices.

[ But Claude has a point. It's good to keep in mind that they're more closely watched than it might appear. The illusion of freedom might be more of a problem than one might think, as it might make some Summoned think they're safer or more at ease here, only for it to be the other way around.

Not as much a problem to James, who is paranoid even on a good day. He's never going to let himself fall into the trap of thinking he's safe, or not being watched. ]

You think enlisting would facilitate settling in? [ Even in terms of freedom, James wonders. Because that could work in either direction. ]

I certainly think it could help, yes. In terms of having somewhere to stay and funding? If you're looking at it pragmatically, Mags can only help with one of those and then someone's on their own in finding coin. That's not to say that those of us here won't help them out in whatever way they can including pointing them in the direction of jobs to do to pay rent, move out, whatever else.

[ There's a slight shrug of one shoulder afterwards, though Claude sets his glass on the surface to the side rather than continuing to fiddle with it now and again. Even for all his generally nonchalant treatment of everything - this is a little more important. ]

Enlisting would make sense if someone came from a military background and were used to that structure already. It'd also be useful to know what's going on over there rather than being, say, me only visiting the barracks whenever I hear there's new arrivals. But I don't think it comes without some other costs besides freedom either and as for what those are, the Free Cities haven't been very forthcoming or yet called for them to be paid which wasn't a gamble I was interested in taking. It's also worth mentioning there's only one Summoned who's joined the military as far as I know, but you'll have to make of that what you will.

Plus, that would mean having to rely on the kindness of strangers.

[ Personally, he would rather avoid that. He doesn't want to owe anyone any favors, not back in his reality and certainly not here either. He's always managed to find ways to survive on his own, and that's no different here. ]

So, having someone on the inside, you mean. [ He nods in understanding. ] I see. Could take a while to rise in ranks enough to actually manage to get decent intel, but it could be an interesting path to pursue, from a long-term perspective. If they're keeping things from us for their own purposes, then I'd say we should do whatever we can to look out for ourselves. No one else will.

[ There's a touch of a wry smile on Claude's face briefly, if only because he understands that sentiment well. Possibly too well, given that independence had been a must for him from a young age and applied to one more made and then another, and it's something he wonders if James has faced as well.

But rather than ask - because he knows he wouldn't answer that question himself if faced with it - Claude nods at both the mention of being on the inside and the time it'd potentially take. ]

Got it in one. From what I can tell, 'a while' when it comes to gaining trust is an understatement. That's not to say there's not ways to gain it outside of the military, too, but it makes a certain amount of sense that doing something which shows as a support of the government would advance that.

[ Useful in many ways, in his opinion, but that last point? That's the biggest one of all. ]

And you're right, especially given that if someone doesn't enlist they're absolutely on their own without the Summoned here helping. It's especially clear whatever we are told is something that's been carefully crafted for the illusion of telling us information without really telling us anything. Just imagine what's going on beyond that.

[ Oh, it is something James is more than familiar with. Not just because he was left to fend for himself from a very young age, but also because he was a quick learner, and it didn't take him long to understand what kind of world he lived in, what it would take to survive. He could never trust anyone, lest he'd end up used, killed, or worse.

So to him, relying on anyone here was out of the question. Doesn't mean he couldn't make use of them, when necessary. ]

I'll admit, I'd vastly prefer being in a position where I can have some freedom of action, and more access to information. [ Military background makes it an even easier choice. Might mean less comfortable accommodations, but he doesn't particularly mind that. ] I'm familiar with ruling systems keeping information from their citizens. They're not gonna throw anything at me I haven't seen before.

One more reason you've landed in the right place, then.

[ Not that they exactly chose where to go, but Claude has to wonder yet again about the criteria of how the Free Cities chooses them. Implied in that is that it's a sentiment many Summoned here have in common among the others - being extremely social another one of them, as the party around them suggests - and something which seems odd given the hope of enlisting those brought here.

That'll require answers they don't have access to, not without time and likely considerable effort. Both of which he's not applied himself to unlike in Fodlan where it'd been required, and needless to say, his curiosity's piqued by someone looking to do into it. Which makes his interest rather genuine as he looks back at James after picking up his drink, adding - ]

Having that experience will serve you well, I'd imagine, especially in navigating what it is the Free Cities is willing to offer those who take up their causes. You'll have to let me know how it goes if I don't come across you out at the barracks sometime.

It's starting to look like it.

[ It is interesting, and it leads James to believe that maybe there is some choosing done on the factions' part. He's not about to complain, given what he's heard so far about the other two options. ]

I will. Are you around the barracks often? [ This is a party after all, kind of, and he won't keep Claude for the entirety of it. He's been helpful, James will remember that. ]

Not as often as I was once, though I try to make a trip out whenever I hear about new faces showing up around. There's other Summoned who make it out there more often looking for newcomers to make sure they get into town if they want to, but I also like to take a look now and then.

[ For a variety of reasons, some of which there being new Summoned are a convenient cover for even if it's probably not fooling the monitoring of them going on. He'd meant it about that curiosity of what the military is up to, visible as they are in Cadens and everywhere else in the Free Cities, and having someone out there is all the more reason to make the ride out there.

And just to make that clearer, in case it wasn't already as he pushes off the surface he'd been leaning on to let the other man get back to whatever else he might like to do around the mingle - ]

If you're out there, though, I'll make a point of dropping by a little more frequently when I can. Keep in touch, won't you?

(no subject)

invicto - 2023-10-08 10:40 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( open ) an informal family dinner

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

sorry for the delay, this week has been all over the place!!

no problem!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)