Rinwell (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rinwell) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
abraxaslogs2021-10-20 10:39 pm
rinwell) wrote in abraxaslogs2021-10-20 10:39 pm
[OPEN] The Wayfarer's First Steps..
WHO: Rinwell and YOU!
WHAT: Exploration and education in a new world..
WHEN: October
WHERE: The Free Cities -- Cadens proper, and Cadens Outpost 003
NOTES: Bracket text or prose welcome, will adapt to what you do!
I. CADENS OUTPOST 003
[ Since that magical message encounter, Rinwell has been even more suspicious lately of her hosts, and a reluctant participant in conversations with anyone native to the region who works at the Outpost. Small and suspicious, she's likely made a name for herself by hiding behind the pages of any books she can get her hands on: all extremely dry and extremely boring, even the one she bought in the city.
Other times, she finds herself making a hike up one of the towers, so she can take advantage of the view of the terrain stretching out all around the outpost. The city lies in the distance behind them, and the dunes stretch out and ripple with heat. Since she's quiet, and tends to perch out of the way with her book, the on duty guards leave her be, occasionally stopping to check she's had enough water when it's particularly hot. She can even sometimes be found there a few hours before curfew, gazing at the stars.
If approached, her book is open on her lap but unread, eyes firmly on the sky above. Then, a frown, before she turns to acknowledge your arrival with a question: ]
Is the sky here weird to you?
II. INNER CITY LIVING
a) [ There are regular wagons that head back and forth into town, and the latest outlanders have at least shown they're not opposed to work. Rinwell sometimes assists with loading, but for the most part, she'll board in the morning and not return to the Outpost until the latest time possible. Whether or not it's for her own good.
The Free Cities are amazing in their own right, at least to someone who's world has been under the thumb of another for centuries. In the short time she's been here, Rinwell has made herself known to several book sellers, as well local sweet merchants in the marketplace, and has started getting to know the local routes around town. Even here, old habits die hard, and she keeps her head down - most won't glance your way if you look like you know where you're going, after all.
That usually works, save for when you turn a corner and collide with someone coming the other way. ]
Oh! [surprise, as she stumbles back, before balance is lost and she lands on her rear with a wince] Ow..! Hey! Watch where you're going!
b) [ Now, with the rumblings of an approaching holiday, she can't help but linger near where the tailors peddle their wares, admiring the local fashions. She's no Shionne, the Renan was no slouch as the group's resident fashionista, but the gifted garb from the outpost is simply practical, not pretty.
One seller in particular catches her eye; though there are many pretty hair ornaments and trinkets, one particular gilded butterfly pin has her attention. ]
Oh, that's so pretty..
III. PAGE TURNING
[ The first time she was shown the first of several public libraries, she'd almost overstayed her welcome. Fortunately, at least one of the librarians has a soft spot for eager young learners, and Rinwell is not above using that to get access to books!
There's too much she doesn't know that she doesn't know. So she starts digging into things, at least, as best she can without drawing too much attention with her reading choices. History, of course, starting with the Free Cities; Magic is a little harder to get her hands on - they don't need it here, don't care for it here, or so the sales pitch goes (and the looks she gets imply she's a little too interested for their comfort when she asks). And of course, local myths and legends, old stories - all the better to get an idea on the difference between historical fact and historical fiction.
She's engrossed in making her newest set of notes, so much so that anyone approaching won't be noticed. It may take slamming a book on her table to get her attention! ]
IV. WILDCARD
[ OOC: PM me here or discord/plurk if you want to discuss anything in particular. Otherwise, drop me a top level and we can roll from there! :) ]
WHAT: Exploration and education in a new world..
WHEN: October
WHERE: The Free Cities -- Cadens proper, and Cadens Outpost 003
NOTES: Bracket text or prose welcome, will adapt to what you do!
I. CADENS OUTPOST 003
[ Since that magical message encounter, Rinwell has been even more suspicious lately of her hosts, and a reluctant participant in conversations with anyone native to the region who works at the Outpost. Small and suspicious, she's likely made a name for herself by hiding behind the pages of any books she can get her hands on: all extremely dry and extremely boring, even the one she bought in the city.
Other times, she finds herself making a hike up one of the towers, so she can take advantage of the view of the terrain stretching out all around the outpost. The city lies in the distance behind them, and the dunes stretch out and ripple with heat. Since she's quiet, and tends to perch out of the way with her book, the on duty guards leave her be, occasionally stopping to check she's had enough water when it's particularly hot. She can even sometimes be found there a few hours before curfew, gazing at the stars.
If approached, her book is open on her lap but unread, eyes firmly on the sky above. Then, a frown, before she turns to acknowledge your arrival with a question: ]
Is the sky here weird to you?
II. INNER CITY LIVING
a) [ There are regular wagons that head back and forth into town, and the latest outlanders have at least shown they're not opposed to work. Rinwell sometimes assists with loading, but for the most part, she'll board in the morning and not return to the Outpost until the latest time possible. Whether or not it's for her own good.
The Free Cities are amazing in their own right, at least to someone who's world has been under the thumb of another for centuries. In the short time she's been here, Rinwell has made herself known to several book sellers, as well local sweet merchants in the marketplace, and has started getting to know the local routes around town. Even here, old habits die hard, and she keeps her head down - most won't glance your way if you look like you know where you're going, after all.
That usually works, save for when you turn a corner and collide with someone coming the other way. ]
Oh! [surprise, as she stumbles back, before balance is lost and she lands on her rear with a wince] Ow..! Hey! Watch where you're going!
b) [ Now, with the rumblings of an approaching holiday, she can't help but linger near where the tailors peddle their wares, admiring the local fashions. She's no Shionne, the Renan was no slouch as the group's resident fashionista, but the gifted garb from the outpost is simply practical, not pretty.
One seller in particular catches her eye; though there are many pretty hair ornaments and trinkets, one particular gilded butterfly pin has her attention. ]
Oh, that's so pretty..
III. PAGE TURNING
[ The first time she was shown the first of several public libraries, she'd almost overstayed her welcome. Fortunately, at least one of the librarians has a soft spot for eager young learners, and Rinwell is not above using that to get access to books!
There's too much she doesn't know that she doesn't know. So she starts digging into things, at least, as best she can without drawing too much attention with her reading choices. History, of course, starting with the Free Cities; Magic is a little harder to get her hands on - they don't need it here, don't care for it here, or so the sales pitch goes (and the looks she gets imply she's a little too interested for their comfort when she asks). And of course, local myths and legends, old stories - all the better to get an idea on the difference between historical fact and historical fiction.
She's engrossed in making her newest set of notes, so much so that anyone approaching won't be noticed. It may take slamming a book on her table to get her attention! ]
IV. WILDCARD
[ OOC: PM me here or discord/plurk if you want to discuss anything in particular. Otherwise, drop me a top level and we can roll from there! :) ]
no subject
But when she remembers, the tension in her face eases a bit, and Ciri smiles slightly with a nod of her head. ]
Yes, that's right. Rin...well, I believe? I should have known I'd bump into you again in a place like this.
Enjoying the books?
no subject
[ Not that the city locals have been unfriendly, but the last couple of weeks have been rather...trying. But Ciri is definitely preferred company compared to, oh, certain scary six armed warriors with delusions of grandeur. ]
They're okay. [the books, that is!] These were what the librarians thought would be appropriate for a newcomer to read about the Free Cities' history. [she looks down, rueful] Though apparently the dryness extends to a lot of Caden's academic written work and not just the desert outside.
What about you? [even with the lamp now between them, she can't make out the titles] Those look pretty old.
no subject
Histories tend to be that way anywhere, in my experience. Someone should tell historians they should practice their senses of humor once in a while.
[ She glances down at her own pile of books and shrugs, sliding the top one over to Rinwell, something called Misconceptions Around the Harnessable Properties of Elemental Magic. Ciri still can't tell if the book is arguing for using elemental spells to supplement technology or against it. ]
I was just doing some light reading into magic theory.
[ the 'light' part is as obviously a joke as Rinwell's observation about the desert. [
no subject
[ Is she joking? Maybe, maybe not...She certainly believes it herself, at any rate.
The offered book is accepted with careful hands, before a gasp escapes her. How could it not, when the subject is.. ]
They told me they didn't have anything like this! [her eyes are bright, reflecting the lamp's glow, palm lightly dragging over the cover and fingers tracing the printed title] Are-- are you interested in magic?
[ I mean, she's joking about magic theory, but who knows why people research what they do? ]
no subject
Few things relating to the use of magic mixed with technology, and a couple on the dangers of over-reliance on magical means-- things like that.
[ She pushes the rest of the pile toward Rinwell. ]
Mm. I suppose I am.
[ More out of necessity than because she wants to be, but Ciri won't get into that. She cocks her head at Rinwell, propping her chin up on the back of one hand. She knows the girl is among the newly summoned, unnerving as it is that Thorne isn't the only one with the means to bring others to this world anymore, but Ciri hasn't really made it a big deal in front of Rinwell, apart from any quickly-hidden surprise she'd show back when they first met. She speaks carefully, not mentioning the Singularity or their summoning specifically, though it is implied. ]
Some among our number discovered new... abilities. Even people with no former magical aptitude at all.
And you? Anything like that happen?
no subject
[ Given her choice in recent reading, you'd almost think they'd rather indoctrinate a smart young mind into their local way of thinking for some reason..
She shakes off the grumpiness with ease, however, that eagerness returning as the whole pile is offered for her perusal. There's two nods, acknowledging both topics, and books on the former seem to garner more interest than the latter as she moves them into separate piles.
But that first book.. That one, she sets in front of herself eagerly, before looking up at Ciri. A slow blink follows, before brown eyes glance to one side; none of the librarians seem to be lurking near by, at least. It's funny, but she's not surprised to realise that Ciri might count amongst 'our number', as she put it, and in some ways there's a little relief.
And the way the question is set up, is worded..She's unsure how much she wants to say, even now. ]
When I arrived, it was...exhausting. [to say the least] It felt like everything was muted. But it's slowly coming back, I think. But things are still very new to me, this city, and the people in it. I don't..know, if there's anything else new.
no subject
[ Mostly, Ciri reassures her because the girl looks so tense and unhappy, and she'd been so clearly excited by the books on magic, even if they were only tangential. It doesn't seem likely they'll help Ciri, anyway. She already knows she won't find much help in books; this was a distraction more than a real search for a solution in the first place.
It's easier to focus on something else. Like Rinwell.
Ciri leans closer across the table. ]
I hope you're faring well in Cadens. Are those who brought you here checking in on you?
[ She can't help but wonder if the newly summoned are being tracked in some way. What is the goal here? It's nothing good, whatever the intention. ]
no subject
[ Her tone is rueful, even as Rinwell sinks in her seat a little. She'd kept her artes secret for years back home. But that had been amongst ordinary Dahnans. Here, where she was already an oddity to those that summoned her (and those she was summoned alongside), and where magic was far more common place, she's struggled with knowing what was the norm and not.
But her abilities aren't back yet. Not as she knows them. And when Ciri leans across the table, there's a blink before Rinwell looks her in the eyes. ]
They've been very...nice, honestly. Polite. But we're kept at arm's length. [a frown forms, brow lined with thought] They made a fuss about how important we were, that they were grateful for the help we could give them, but..they haven't ever expanded on that since.
And they do warn to be back before dark. For our own safety, of course. ["of course".]
no subject
Why would you need to hide it?
[ She frowns slightly, watching Rinwell's face as she describes how the military has treated her (and the others; she says we) so far. Her eyes drift to the window, the dusty-grey sky outside, not quite dusk yet but dropped toward it. ]
They haven't asked you to do anything? Or asked you questions about where you're from?
...what happens if you don't come back before dark?
no subject
Hands lift from the book, clasping in front of her chest; fingers twitch absently, as though seeking something about her neck that isn't there, a keepsake from home that didn't come with her. ]
..I don't trust the people here, the ones who summoned us. [In spite of their cordial behaviour, of the protection given; Rinwell never consented to coming here, after all.] I don't know what they want, what they really want. And I'm not about to give them more reason to be interested in me.
[ Any other reasons? Well, maybe that'll be admitted to, in time. ]
They've generally kept us fed, clothed and housed, but they haven't done much more than that. They've said jobs are available, if people want coin. [she's done some small errands, else she wouldn't be able to afford the few bits and pieces she's picked up, but beyond that..]
[as for after dark? a shrug, and a straightening of her spine] I guess I'll find out.
[ Ah, that good ol' rebellious teenaged spirit. Good thing she's got experience with that, being in a resistance back home. ]
no subject
[ Ciri nods, understanding very well. She wonders what kind of magic Rinwell is used to where she's from, how powerful it might be; there are those here who never had the aptitude or weren't particularly adept even if they did, and this world seems to make magic more accessible to them. For others, like herself, it has been unpredictable and posed a problem. Whatever the case, however the Singularity interacts with each of them individually, the last thing any of them needs is to give their captors ideas for taking advantage of them. Rinwell is a smart girl.
Ciri's lips quirk, an almost-smile, with a hint of mischief. ]
Why don't we find out together? I'll come with you.
no subject
There's a part of her, the wary sly side that learned its trade in Cyslodia to keep her safe, keep her alive, that warns Rinwell that she shouldn't accept the offer at face value. For all she knows, Ciri could in fact be in league with those in charge of the Cadens Outpost, with those responsible for bringing her here in the first place.
But her time with Alphen and the others, with the things she learned along the way when traveling with her group (her friends), have left cracks in the walls around her heart. She wants to trust someone. And with Alice now gone.. ]
You don't have to. [the eagerness for company betrays that politeness] It'd take a while to get back.
no subject
Are they planning to use these newly summoned folk for their army? Ciri had met another mage, a woman named Sypha, on her way from the outpost as well not long ago. Another person who mentioned that they'd told her to return, even if they had given her some small bits of work to do. It makes Ciri wonder if they're tracking these people in some way. Isn't it odd, after all, that they'd summon mages from other worlds and then simply let them loose and trust them to return with no guarantee and no good reason?
Ciri pushes herself to her feet, reaching over to gather the books into a pile to bring back to the shelf. ]
That's all right, Rinwell. I want to make sure you get there safely.
We should leave soon.
no subject
There's momentary disappointment to realise Ciri really does mean for them to leave now, and Rinwell looks down at the book before her, before she holds it towards Ciri. ]
I— They won't likely let me borrow this. But, could you..? I'd give it back to you, obviously, but—
[ In addition to just being AN INTERESTING SUBJECT, its the first real magic book she's had a chance to read since arriving. And as she'd already mentioned: there was no way they'd let her have access under her own steam otherwise. ]
Do you have any particular transport in mind? I think most of the carts that move between city and outposts have already left for the night, if they're going at all.
[ And the outpost is a liiiiiiitle far to walk. ]
no subject
[ She offers a smile, pulling the books into her arms. Rinwell's question makes her blink, eyes gleaming with amusement. ]
I have a horse. [ It's sort of true. She rents a horse, for now. But same thing, for their purposes, really. ]
We'll ride.
[ With that, she turns away, going to hunt down a librarian to figure out if they're allowed to take some of these books or not. Ciri generally comes here to read without taking them, but she knows the policy of actually borrowing them is more lenient with some types of books than others. ]