Open Log - Thorne Castle

[a_better_man]

WHO: Mat Cauthon and OPEN
WHAT: A catch-all of settling in and exploring
WHERE: Castle Thorne
WHEN: February



1 - Around The Summoned's Rooms

[A few days with nothing else happening and nothing being asked of him and Mat's begun to accept that he's not about to be pressed into some manner of service without any chance to say 'no'. It's one thing to be told, and another to see it clear with his own eyes. He supposes that's one leg over his previous situation, anyhow.

But he's curious about the others that have been whisked away to this place by the sort of power he's only read about. Only in old stories could even the most powerful Aes Sedai manage that sort of thing. So he takes up a position outside of the door that leads to where the Summoned are given rooms, leaning against the wall casually. Thanks to Rhy he's wearing a long black sort of tunic jacket, with gold brocade and a thick belt and black trousers, his white shirt emblazoned with the Wheel of Fortune under it. He's flipping a smooth, small flat stone in one hand, eyes alert for unfamiliar faces on their way in. When he spots one, he pushes off the wall and lifts his free hand.]

Hey...have a minute?


2 - Gardens

[This is, by far and away, the most splendid place Mat has ever stayed in. Even in Tar Valon the inn had been nice, but not like this. And it's quieter here in the castle, more peaceful. No packed narrow streets and everyone living on top of each other. Even so, it still feels stifling at times. All the walls, the high views from the windows...

But there's dozens of gardens outside, and while they're still technically in the castle, they don't offer that sense of constriction and disconnect. And they're beautiful. Like something out of the stories he'd tell Bode and Ellie, the sort of thing they could only dream about. Light, he wishes they could see it. The fountains, the intricate stone paths, the flowers that most certainly didn't grow anywhere in Andor. All of it like some beautiful dream.

He finds himself wandering them often, thinking about his sisters and home and the strange, terrible path that's led him to here. Would he still be here, if he'd gone into the Ways? It doesn't matter. Probably best that he's here, for everyone's sake.

And of course since he's wandering the paths of the gardens anyhow, he often bends to peer down at the ground or into flower beds, looking for any coins or other bits of interest that may have fallen out of pockets....]


3 - Exploring Town

[Now that he has proper clothing, Mat's eager to inspect the city that surrounds the castle. He knows he's not allowed to go any further - something he'll put to the test another day - but for now, just the freedom of the city is enough.

And blood and ashes but it's painfully familiar. He's never been to Baerlon but this is how he's always imagined it. The smells, the shops, even the people...they all ring familiar, even if he's never stepped foot in this place before today. It's overwhelming, in a sense, and he finds himself having to duck into alleyways to catch his breath and ground himself. He can't afford to let homesickness get the best of him, he needs his wits about him.

He's hopeful he can find a tavern that will offer credit, or a group of daytime gambler's willing to make the sorts of bets that don't require him to have money - a game of darts or dice, just something to get him some coin to start out with. Then he can find a proper game. He's hoping to rely on his new fancy clothes, clearly an indication that he's no beggar and even if he doesn't have coin with him he surely has some elsewhere...

Unfortunately, he hasn't had much luck. One may find him outside a tavern, scowling at the closed door and muttering under his breath.]

Comments

1;;

[chosenfordarkness]

[ Since his arrival, Anakin has been spending most of his time in the library, trying to get a scope of what's going on. The problem is, there's far too much to read and he's impatient. The training grounds have also held his interest because he's not used to having unending free time to occupy himself. Mostly, it gives him too much time to think about what he'd been pulled from.

How close he was to accomplish what he needed to in order to turn the galaxy around. It still leaves his blood boiling if he thinks too much into it. Right now, they're all very much stuck and apparently have to make the most of it. Thankfully, there are things that spark his interest that he thinks he can improve upon with his connection to the Force.

Things are better now that his connection is back. Anakin feels more centered than he has in days. It's also overwhelming being around so many people who project everything. Better to have it than go in blind. Meandering the halls back to the shared quarters, he senses Mat before he sees him. Anakin inclines his head in greeting, raising a gloved hand. Thankfully he'd gotten some better attire since they'd seen each other. Light colors have never suited him. He raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking upward.]

Not only do I have a minute, I've got several. What is it?

[a_better_man]

Anakin, my friend!

[Mat grins, shoving his hands into his pockets as he strides over to the other young man. He likes the fellow, which is damned good considering they bunk together. It would be utter misery if he had to share a room with someone he didn't get on with.]

You look like a man who's been making good use of his time. Which is precisely what I'm trying to do. Tell me, have you met many of the long-timers? The ones that were pulled in here before we were.

[He has yet to, but he hasn't been here very long and his first couple of days were devoted to accepting his situation. But now he has, more or less, and his curiosity is gnawing a hole in him.]

[chosenfordarkness]

Mat, keeping yourself out of trouble?

[ Not that he cares, trouble comes in a variety of levels. Sometimes a bit of it is good. His posture is relaxed though his arms are crossed. ]

I don't know if you could call it that, but sure. I've mostly been in the library and the training grounds. I'll confess, I'm not used to so much sitting around.

[ The more exploring, the less chance there is to think. It's nice, being excited about getting into things in this place. ]

[a_better_man]

I am doing my veritable best!

[For now. Mat's not foolish enough to bite the hand that's feeding him without good reason.]

Ah, yes, I've glanced in the library. And most everywhere they'll let us, really. Haven't met very many of the ones before us, just one fellow who's been here a few months. But I've heard there's folks have been here more than half of a year or so.

[Over half of a year! That's madness. And yet Rhy had been very clear, nothing was ever expected of them. It's just so damned strange, that. None of it adds up in any way that makes sense to Mat.

Despite his cheerful outer disposition, he radiates suspicion and nervous energy.]

They, ah, they use a lot of magic around here, don't they? Just about damned near everyone seems to be able to do it.

[chosenfordarkness]

Half a year.. that seems extensive. There doesn't seem to be much we can do about it, though.

[ Not that he's complaining all that horribly about it. He's been in worse situations than a temporary guest somewhere strange. ]

I've been watching the people working on using it. Mages, I think they called themselves. It's a bit different than the abilities I've seen before. It sounds like the same principle, though. Do they have magic where you're from?

Gardens

[leitstern]

[Jasper has been enjoying the peace and tranquility of the garden - enjoying it alone for some time before he discovers he is unfortunately alone no longer. It is soon enough after his arrival that he recalls the man in question. Ill-mannered. Intrusive. Happy to run away with his mouth.

He observes his path through the garden: from the moment he lays eyes upon him until the last time he peers into the flower bed. All the comforts of the garden fade away with his patience and he calls out.]

What are you doing?

[Jasper - who had been limited to his chair last they met - has witnessed enough suspicious behaviour to last several lifetimes.]

[a_better_man]

[Mat straightens up at the voice, raking his tangle of curls back out of his face.

Oh. That fellow. Well, last time they'd chatted had been a stressful time, what with just being magically kidnapped and all. No one's their best under those circumstances. So he offers a smile and a wave of greeting.]

Looking for anything that might have fallen amongst the flowers. Thought I saw the light hitting something.

[Why lie? He'd seen something glittering and was investigating. Of course it was just shiny decorative pebbles, but it's natural to investigate something odd that catches the eye.]

Never seen flowers like these before. They're pretty.

[leitstern]

Indeed.

[The silence afterwards is a compliment: he can honour this man's appreciation of flowers without tearing him down. He turns his gaze towards them. Thinks about wallflowers no longer climbing up trellises back home and narrows his eyes.]

This variety is unfamiliar to you?

[Slowly. Surely. Small steps are made in getting to know someone better.]

[a_better_man]

Most of'em are, to be honest. Roses I know, at least. The rest...

[Mat shakes his head with a shrug. Most of this place, in its details, is foreign to him. But so is most of his own world. He'd traveled from Two Rivers to Tar Valon, but he'd been sick for most of the journey and winter was still clinging on. Not much time to observe plant life.

Or much of anything, really.]

But I am not exactly a well traveled young man, so I'm coming across things I've never seen before every day. May not be able to do too much, but I can at least fill my hungry curiosity.

[There's something to be said for novel discoveries.]

Speaking of, have you seen the bathing chambers yet? Quite literally fit for a king!

[leitstern]

[Jasper glances over the flower bed: a collection of purple and white clemantis. Flowers an old friend had once shared had grown upon the walls of his hometown. There is little desire to revisit that memory.

He looks towards the present and this curious young man.]

I am quite aware of their existance.

[He might have been there more than he can count on one hand. Might. He says nothing else. This man clearly wants to speak himself.]

gardens.

[londonbound]

[ Ah. Rhy recognizes that face. The way Mat leans over one of the flower beds with his brows all scrunched up is kind of cute, but he does appear to be searching for something, so Rhy ambles over with a mind to help him out. ]

Did you drop something?

[a_better_man]

[Ah, it's the handsome fellow that helped him with clothes and eyed him up in the bath! Mat straightens up, an easy grin coming to his face. This one's friendly and honestly might be able to provide a very pleasant distraction.]

No, but someone else might have! Maybe even something valued, that would warrant a reward should some kind hearted young man seek to return it.

[Or if it's money, he'll just keep it. There's no living allowance offered, they just give things. Not that Mat is averse to that, he's quite happy to not have to worry about affording food or a room. But he'd still like to have actual money on him.]

But mostly I'm finding pretty rocks and flowers I've never seen before.

[londonbound]

Do you make a habit of searching for things on the ground a kind-hearted young man might seek to return?

[ Rhy snickers, picking up on what Mat actually means by that. Something valued that might earn a reward? Rhy has half a mind to ask him if he'd be willing to steal such things, but decides not to tease too far. ]

Yes, the gardens are beautiful if one is looking for natural elements. I find it soothing to walk here, or simply sit and read.

[a_better_man]

Just doing my part to be a helpful member of society.

[Mat performs a theatrical little half bow, the long lower panels of his tunic-coat flaring around him. Little trick he'd picked up from Thom - Gleemen always knew how to add a dramatic flourish.]

And anything to perhaps get some coin in my pockets. I note of all the things the lords and ladies of the manor shower upon us, money is not one of them.

[But he has his ways, and the city will offer more and better opportunities. He can't even blame them - without money, a sort of dependency is fostered. Makes sense to Mat. It's something to worry about later, though. Other opportunities lie before him at the moment.]

Soothing, eh? And are you in need of soothing on this fine, chilly afternoon? Or whatever the hell time it is.

[londonbound]

[ It is an appreciated flourish. Rhy's smile widens, and he nods with approval. Yes, it's very important to be a helpful member of society. Or something. ]

Ah... yes, unfortunately, our generous hosts ask that we inquire after anything we need but do not provide coin. I've run into this same dilemma myself.

[ And how does one even get money? By working? A job?? Baffling.

The turn in conversation catches Rhy's attention immediately though, and he steps closer, one brow arching. ]

Perhaps. Are you offering to join me in the gardens, or maybe somewhere else, if we are both seeking a bit of respite from the cold? The time does not much concern me either.

[ The gardens aren't that cold, despite the weather outside the castle. Magic will do that. But Rhy is pretty sure that's not what Mat is actually asking. ]

3

[funbreaker]

[ Now that Thancred has learned as much of the castle as he can without truly getting himself into some potential trouble, the time has come to explore more of the town surrounding it as well. Here is where he expects he might be able to gather some gossip or rumors about both the royal family of Thorne and his fellow summoned, assuming that he plays his cards right.

Playing cards does sound like a decent way to earn some coin, though he is also willing to offer actual labor if that's what it takes to make his way here. He'd rather not rely on the handouts of the high mage for too long, loathe to feel as if he owes anyone anything — though the fact that he was brought here against his will tends to trump any kindness he's been shown by his "hosts."

As someone who once knew every dark corner of Limsa Lominsa, it isn't much surprise that Thancred often winds his way through the narrow alleys of the town rather than sticking to the main roads and thoroughfares. There's no telling what one might find tucked away.

Though in truth, he hadn't been expecting to see a familiar face, and when he spots Mat with his hand pressed up against a wall and drawing in breaths, he gives the young man a moment to compose himself before approaching. ]

Fancy meeting you here. [ He'll refrain from drawing too much attention to what might have put Mat in this position. ] Enjoying the fresh mountain air?

[a_better_man]

[Mat nods in greeting, raking back his tangle of curls. Despite his fancy Thornian clothes and unlimited access to the bathing chambers, his hair still looks like he just rolled out of bed and he hasn't shaved.

Some things never change.]

Oh, yeah, just like home. Only hundreds of more people and buildings...

[He pushes himself off the wall and shoves his hands in his pockets, turning to lean casually with one shoulder against the stone. He's fine, clearly, nothing to see here. And it's easier to be come upon by another of the Summoned, and one he knows - to an extent. Better than some local anyhow.]

Thought I'd check out the city, get the lay of the land. All that.

[funbreaker]

[ The fact that Mat would even go so far as to call this castle town a city is proof enough of how he's lived and grown up thus far. He certainly hadn't been exaggerating, then, when he said he came from a rural area mostly surrounded by forests.

Thancred takes a moment to look around them, down toward the mouth of the alley where there are residents walking up and down the road, going about their days. ]

I suppose if you're not accustomed to it, it could become rather overwhelming.

[ As an orphan who'd grown up on the streets of Limsa Lominsa, Thancred has known city life since he can remember. So, with that in mind... ]

Anything in particular you're searching for? Mayhap we could do some exploring together. [ He plants a hand on his hip and sends Mat an easy smile. He wouldn't mind a bit of company as he does his rounds of this place, and it seems worthwhile to get to know all of his fellow summoned. ]

[a_better_man]

I am not accustomed to it. Been to a city once, spent most of my time there in the inn.

[He barely remembers when they'd gotten to Tar Valon, he'd been deep in the cursed sickness by then. Mat hadn't been able to do much but sweat and ache in the bed he'd been sharing with Rand. Hadn't liked the crowds then, either. This place, at least, isn't as choked and populated as the white city.]

Looking for taverns, mostly. Places where they bet and play games of chance. The dice and I have long been close friends.

[Even without coin, he's certain he can find someone to wager with, or who'd take a fancy bar of soap or the fancy looking buckles on his boots. Or other sorts of offers. He is not without anything to put up in trade.]

I've a deft hand at darts, too. And if all else fails, I can juggle and carry a tune. Gleeman taught me, a proper one.

[Light but he misses Thom.]

[funbreaker]

[ In the inn? Thancred assumes that Mat had either spent all of that time bedding someone or he'd fallen ill or was badly injured or something of the sort. He does cock one eyebrow up, quietly curious, but he doesn't push it for now.

Particularly when Mat goes on to speak of earning some coins via gambling and darts. Thancred's eyes light up at that, realizing that he may have come across a kindred spirit of sorts after all. ]

Is that so? [ He lifts one hand to rub at his chin in thought. If the two of them enter a place with too much skill and swagger, it's possible they'll scare off the locals, but Thancred's curious to see what they might accomplish all the same. Even if he can earn enough to buy himself a new set of clothing (Mat's already managed that, it seems), he'd consider himself better off.

It's odd to think that he might have to consider a more steady means of employment if he's here for as many moons as others have been, but he'll cross that bridge when he reaches it. ]

My singing prowess may be a tad exaggerated, but the rest of what you mentioned I'm decent enough at. What do you say we work together?

[ His fingers tap against his hip, readying himself to hold his hand out if the boy seems amenable. ]

1

[flame_emperor]

"Hm?" Edelgard looks up towards Mat, dressed primarily in red and blacks with the sign of the Emperor embroidered on the breast of her jacket. In lieu of her absent imperial crown, she's opted for her familiar sidetails, a hairstyle she has come to make her official casual hairstyle because that's just the sort of person she is. She hasn't worn her hair loose publicly in almost five years at this point.

She glances at the stone in Mat's hand and then nods. "Nothing pressing at the moment. What can I do for you, sir?" Another Summoned? It'd be good to find out more about the group she arrived with.

[a_better_man]

Mat grins as he approaches, hands slipping into his pockets. Now this one he certainly doesn't know, he'd remember her.

"Oof, 'sir' makes me feel years older than I am! I'm Mat. And I was just wondering if you'd be willing to chat a bit with me. I'm one of the fresh hauls, so to speak. Just trying to get a sense of...well, all of it, really."

But he's curious as to if there's any common threads among them at all. He hasn't found any as yet, but he hasn't been here long. He's only spoken to so many people.

[flame_emperor]

Edelgard nods. "My apologies, Mat. I am Edelgard, and I'd be happy to speak with you." She's new herself, but she sees an opportunity to compare notes with another newcomer and maybe fill in gaps for each other based on what they already know.

"If you're not busy, I was going to head into town." Edelgard offers. "You may accompany me if you wish, and we can discuss matters as we go." She wants to look into a smithy for arms and armour, apart from what she can find here in the castle. Edelgard has always preferred custom-built equipment when she can get it, as it's less likely to break (though she could hardly hold a candle to Dimitri in that regard).

[a_better_man]

"I'd be happy to escort you into the city. I've been once, there's plenty to see."

Theoretically. Mat hadn't seen that much, not yet. It had been overwhelming, just a little. All the noise and people, both familiar but not. Does a number on a man's head, really. But it had been unexpected, and now he knows what's there. Makes a difference.

And he's not venturing out alone.

"Lead on! Have you been here long? I'm one of the new batch, haven't been here long at all."

[flame_emperor]

"Ah, good. Perhaps you'd be kind enough to direct me to an arms merchant, then." Edelgard asks as they set off. "I'd like to view the wares and see if custom orders are available."

"As am I." Edelgard responds. "It was all rather disorienting, wasn't it?" Maybe that means she doesn't have as much to offer him as he might be hoping. "But I have explored the castle fairly extensively. What have your findings been like?" A few notable names have cropped up, Summoned from previous batches who have risen to varying degrees of prominence in Thorne, but no faces yet to put to those names.