[open; July adventures]

[cryptsleeper]

Who: Alucard and open
When: July
Where: Aquila, Cadens, Ikorr
What: Closed text thread; some exploring in Ikorr; and delving into the aftermath of the Free Cities
Warnings: Added as needed

Comments

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard reaches for the fresh cup of coffee while Altaïr skims what is already on the page. For Alucard's handwriting, there are moments where it does become his version of messy.]

And frankly in that case, the arts sector bottoming out is the least of all concerns. Part of me is wondering why I am engaging in a futile exercise.

[aquilus]

True. Preserving people's lives would become paramount.

[That's just how war is. He's seen enough of it to know it, and he's aware that Alucard has seen more. And yet...he considers his next words for a moment.]

But preservation of life is not all that matters. Arts, literature, the meaning we find in such things — our appreciation for it is part of what sets us apart from animals. I do not think it a poor use of time to attempt to preserve it, while there is time.

[cryptsleeper]

--While there is time. Those are the operative words.

[The cynicism is perhaps a bit much. It's fine. Probably.]

Where else would you find work for people, if you were in my shoes? That's the biggest concern we have right now. Making sure people can afford food and housing.

[aquilus]

And time is always limited, whatever we do with it.

[The cynicism is not unshared, but there's greater tone of optimism.]

I'm no city administrator. But if I were in your shoes, I would see where skills can be transferred, allocated to work that can be done right away, however unsatisfying might be. But set your mind also to longer-term possibilities they can hope for, even if the path to reaching them is unclear.

[cryptsleeper]

I have thoughts towards retraining in the museums, libraries, and gardens in the city, but even those are likely to come under fire though. What do you imagine is going to survive through a conflict?

[The question, for all of Alucard's stress, is genuine. He's not been in civilization when there has been conflict. He isn't proud to admit to that ignorance.]

[aquilus]

[Altaïr hesitates for a moment before shaking his head. He's frustrated, but not with the question.]

I wish I could offer an answer that I trust, but it's difficult when I've never seen a war that can count magic as a weapon. The strongest physical structures have the best chance, I would think, but those that carry meaning to the people could become targets for precisely that reason.

[cryptsleeper]

Hmmm.

[The older bunkers probably need work. Alucard considers this for a moment, then nods slowly. There could be an idea in there, lurking.]

You're right about targets. But I think there are older safety spaces that could use some improvements both structurally and aesthetically. It won't help tourism, but it could keep people employed to a certain degree. Thank you. I hadn't thought of that.

[aquilus]

I'm glad I can offer more than useless advice.

[It's not much, from his perspective. But it does lighten his expression somewhat.]

I only wish I could say that I doubt those spaces will be needed.

[cryptsleeper]

Your wish is mine. I had hoped the bunker would be useless too, but we all saw how that went.

[A small, bitter smile crosses Alucard's face.]

Maybe I should put the work aside for a time. If only so you have more room to spread out for a little while?

[The man is under no obligation to stay, but the dhampir is realizing he may benefit from some company and quiet companionable silence.]

[aquilus]

[Yes, they did. But he has to believe that not all their hopes will inevitably be dashed.]

I wouldn't mind that. But only if it won't set you back in your work.

[But if that were the case, he doubts the offer would have been made.]

end on your next tag?

[cryptsleeper]

Perhaps I am looking for an excuse to take a break, hm?

[aquilus]

Perhaps you are. In which case, I'm happy to provide one.

[Work will still be there later. For both of them.]