abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] split tomorrow from today

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[ OPEN ] split tomorrow from today

Who: Claude and various
When: November + December
Where: Nocwich, Cadens, TBA
What: Catch all for both months
Warnings: None currently, will add/mark as needed

( Open and closed starters in the comments! Also good with prose or brackets and please feel free to wildcard into the open prompts with something else. If you'd prefer plotting first, you can find me at

indech, arboria#1862, or by PM at any time! )

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[ The portals open to Nocwich again and despite all the implications - back to diplomacy, being visitors, and aware they're being watched - Claude's just glad for the chance to be somewhere else for a brief change in scenery. On today's trip he has more of a mission than merely picking up items from shops he'd decided he couldn't wait another month for. There'd been some chatter about old gods and what they could bring, so for today he's looking for someone not found in Cadens, someone who'd asked questions he also wants the answers to if they can be found.

When he spots who he's looking for, an easy enough smile falls into place on his face as he approaches through the crowds of other visitors and residents, like they're old friends and this is all rather casual. Maybe if one looks closely it might be apparent the smile's a front and only extends so far, but. Easy enough to gloss over, especially when he is glad to see Kyle in one piece. ]

It's probably for the best for both of us that weapons can't be brought here, isn't it? [ Cheerfully, because joking's simpler than addressing... whatever it was that happened. At least not right away since that's no proper greeting; better to keep parts of that quiet while anyone could be listening in. ] Remind me to pick up some extra eye drops like the hunting grounds had for sale last time before we leave just in case, though.

[ He gets to his feet as he approaches. There's a quick wince when Claude mentions weapons, clearly Kahlil follows his meaning and feels some guilt for what went wrong in the labyrinth. If Claude is hoping for more answers as to why the blade behaved like that, he has few, but he's resigned to trying to answer whatever other questions he may have. ]

I'll cover them this time. [ With his free hand he produces a coin out of thin air, then pockets it again with a smile. ] I've recently found myself employment.

[ It doesn't pay much, but it's better than nothing. And the excuse it gives him to eavesdrop in places he'd otherwise not have access to is invaluable. ]

Where to first? [ He cocks his head, scanning the center stage. There aren't many places to have a quiet, private conversation. Walking the edge of the hunting grounds maybe, though they'd stand out. Or they could try to find a more quiet, secluded corner between stalls out here. ]

[ The wince is noted but before he can reassure the other man there's no harm done there - not like he hadn't accidentally summoned his own variety of horrors as well - and especially considering both of them are still in one piece, the coin's a successful distraction and he raises an eyebrow with a slight grin. ]

Well, if you're insisting on showing off with that coin, I certainly won't complain about it. [ Better to tease lightly first to shake off if there's any lingering guilt over anything hanging around. And because this is what Claude does with just about everyone he knows, all the more to immediately put Kyle into that group, too. ] Your job's been treating you well then, I take it? You'll have to tell me about it sometime.

[ Make no mistake, he's plenty curious about what a job in Thorne is compared to Cadens given the differences in where the Summoned can go and what they can do. But there's time to pry into that with nosiness, and now isn't really it. Claude gives his own glance around to their immediate surroundings and notes the relative lack of privacy - even more on top of that he's sure they're being observed by someone, somewhere.

With a nod towards some of the stalls, he heads that way for them to blend into the crowd for a bit rather than disappearing off into what limited spaces they have which might raise suspicion. There's one stall in particular he remembers which had an assortment of odds and ends of all kinds and an owner who seemed like they're one to keep secrets, so maybe that'll prove to be helpful. In the meantime, some very mild chatter in case someone's listening can't hurt. ]

Seems strange to think we were only here a couple months ago and yet so much is different. If it gets cold in Thorne, you'll want to pick up some gloves while we're here.

[ He appreciate that Claude moves on, changing the subject. There are plenty of things in Kahlil's life and choices made that he can feel guilty for without needing to add to the weight.

As Claude points them in a direction Kahlil follows at his side, keeping a subtle eye on their surroundings and the crowd. Like the other time he was here there's a mix of Nocwich natives with a sprinkling of Summoned. He spots a vampire in deep conversation with male werewolf, and wonders whether some of the citizenry of Luna and Ikorr might take advantage of Oleuni Square for the some of the same reasons the Summoned do: meetings with the 'enemy'.

They pause in front of the stall and Kahlil's hand drifts over the display of baubles. A dozen or so small sculptures made out of ivory or bone catch his eye, and he picks up one shaped like some kind of cat in his palm. ]

Good idea. [ He remembers the blistering cold of Rathal'pesha and makes a face. ] Maybe some warm socks too...

[ Luckily they're not in the mountains. He sets the cat down and picks up another sculpture that reminds him of the deer creatures in the hunting woods. ] I wonder if it'll get cold enough for the lake to freeze over.

[ That could impede either side from moving their forces. After the attacks he'd expected the nations to move more swiftly, instead the war seems to be at a standstill again. Between winter nipping at their heels and the ruin of the heralds across the land, he's hoping any war plans will remain stalled for some time.

But they're dealing with powerful magic and not the most reasonable of leaders... ]

Borrel's a little warmer right now, but sadly I don't get to spend much time there.

Socks wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if you spend any time walking around in boots. I could've used better socks while breaking in this pair.

[ With a gesture down to the boots in question since he will in fact be dramatic about this. Never mind that it's his own doing, both in the lack of socks and buying boots he knew would be difficult just from the feel of them. Maybe it'll be a useful warning for Kyle, especially since they have plenty of options for warm clothing options for sale here. In the meantime, he'll join in browsing the sculptures while leaning over to peer at one resembling antlers just in time for Kyle to pick up one it was obviously inspired by. ]

Sounds like Thorne gets a lot colder than Cadens. The desert's considerably colder at night now but it's still rather warm during the day, and nowhere near enough to freeze, I should think.

[ Definitely not if it's anything like the deserts Claude knows at home, but water's scarce around Cadens anyway. Certainly nothing in the realm of a lake from what he's seen; he's about to question that before Kyle supplies something more interesting and he glances up from his next investigation of candles and wondering if the two are perhaps linked. ]

Borrel? I haven't heard of that before. Is it another part of Thorne? [ Now Claude gives the shopkeeper a pointed glance, but the woman merely winks and goes on to assist another shopper. He'll take that as a helpful hint and lower his voice ever so slightly. Just in case. ] If so, sounds like you're about and about more.

[ His gaze follows Claude's gesture to his boots, giving a wryly tinged look of sympathy. He's had enough bad blisters in his life to always choose comfort over aesthetic if he has to - and to value every good pair of socks he owns.

Jayce had mentioned the same about Cadens during the fall and winter. He doesn't think he's actually seen a true, naturally created desert, not the way they're talking about. He's seen photographs in Nayeshi books, but it would have been a great indulgence to leave John's side just to visit one.

He watches the small interaction between Claude and the shopkeeper before nodding. ]

It's an active coastal city, probably even more beautiful in the summer. [ He speaks quietly, setting the deer down in favor of a humanoid figure holding a sword. ] I wish I could go to the markets and pick up some souvenir sea glass, but they're pretty strict and I'd rather not get fired right away... deliveries might not be the most exciting work, but it's a blessing to get to see anything beyond the castle walls.

[ He gives a slight shrug.

On the surface his work isn't necessarily secretive, they don't trust him with anything important, but he imagines it wouldn't look great to be caught speaking to someone from the Free Cities about his new access. Or alluding to the fact that there are soldiers gathering there.

He sets the figurine back down. ]

How've you been keeping your purse full?

[ The description of Borrel is fascinating, what with Cadens not being coastal itself. He's heard of another city which sounds like it could be much the same as what Kyle says, but what little job information he's given takes priority over rambling about Aquila or even Borrel. ]

I'm surprised they let anyone beyond the castle walls at all. [ Claude's careful to murmur this part mostly under his breath in an even lower voice, only loud enough for Kyle to hear and for anyone else to hear only the bustle of stalls and shoppers around them. Appearances matter; it's difficult to imagine Thorne wouldn't care about one of their perceived own socializing with someone from the Free Cities. Well, and the Free Cities might care about the reverse, but Claude's far less concerned with that. ] You're delivering back and forth between Thorne's cities, then?

[ Just a guess, if there's that much access granted and a worry for losing it before it's possibly even started. The next table has an assortment of pens so he moves to it and picks up a particularly elaborate fountain pen. ]

As for me, I've been helping merchants balance books for the most part. Some of the apothecaries in town will pay for monster parts or clippings of plants they need, so wandering out in the desert for a while supplements that. Especially since after... recent events, [ all those strange instances of people being possessed to do different things, the Horizon acting up, and everything in between, ] things have been a little stressed lately so it's been helpful to have other pursuits.

[ And speaking of that - it's not the labyrinth that comes to mind now as he glances up from his examination of the pen to Kyle. ]

Did you also have the dead rising in Thorne?

[ He nods to the question about his work, following Claude to the next table, picking up his own fancy pen to pretend to pay attention to for a second.

Having seen Claude in action twice now, he wouldn't be surprised to find that he's pretty successful at his current pursuit. ]

Monster parts? [ His eyebrows raise with interest. ] I'm curious what sort of creatures you have out there.

[ And also what sort of parts he's collecting. Kahlil probably can't pay as much as an apothecary, but if there's any large bones in Claude's next haul, maybe they can work something out for payment. ]

We did. [ He nods, expression darkening. ] Not so many near the castle, at least. Most were closer to the lake.

[ He was told that's where most of the burials took place. And then there was some kind of scuffle near the dungeons, according to gossip amongst the staff. He lowers his voice again. ]

I heard from others that it was worse near Libertas.

A few strange things like sand worms, which I hadn't seen before, and some scorpions and spiders much larger that what I'm used to seeing. The latter tend to be highly requested by apothecaries and are less likely to kill me in the process. [ Probably shouldn't make that joke and tempt fate into pushing his luck given how things have been recently, but. He's been lucky so far, and Claude sets the pen down with a shrug while contemplating some others by sight alone. ] That's in addition to the standard wildlife. Or I suppose I should say wildlife I'm used to seeing around Fodlan, and those usually get transported back to the butchers around the city.

[ Food's been scarce and while Claude's under no illusions he's making a sizable dent in what's needed, this at much is something he can help with. Of course, it also helps to get a bit of coin in return since it's not wholly altruistic. Still, it's something else he's happy to do and keeps feeling restless at bay for long enough.

As Kyle mentions Thorne also dealt with the dead, he shifts his gaze to look up at the other man without lifting his head. The mention of Libertas has his mouth pressing into a thin line momentarily before he nods as well. ]

It was. Brutal's not a strong enough word to see those we'd buried in the cleanup efforts resurfacing, for lack of a better term. It was difficult enough in Cadens with the graveyard there, but dealing with that in Libertas after everything was rough.

I saw on the... [ Claude trails off and waves a hand vaguely in his vision, since he's still not exactly sure what to call the whole mind writing thing so this is the best description he has, ] you were asking about research on the gods here, specifically. I thought I'd check what the libraries in Cadens have, and it turns out it's not much. Most of it's written like they were fables and I think we can agree that's not the case.

[ That is far too many insects. Kahlil can't help making a little bit of a face as Claude lists them. No thank you. But he also nods, Claude's skilled with any number of weapons as he's seen, it makes sense he'd be doing work as a hunter over there. He understands feeling restless - balancing books all day would probably drive him mad. He's already been doing more reading in the past two months than he's done in ten years.

When he describes Libertas Kahlil bows his head slightly, eyes lowered. ]

I can't imagine what that must've been like for the ones who survived.

[ To see their recently buried desecrated in that way. A plague is a good way to describe these heralds...

He lifts his gaze again, his expression still grim. ]

No, it's definitely not. [ Fables. He shakes his head. ] I had the most luck with contacting a couple of Summoned from Solvunn. They're a little more attuned to these things over there. I was asking with the locals here too, earlier.

[ When it comes to Libertas - Claude just offers a smile a bit too thin to be anything other than what it is: agreement over something terrible. First in the attack, and then with the dead rising, and now with still nothing but a tense stalemate between Thorne and the Free Cities where brutal strikes against each other could happen again. It's not a place any of them want to be, and yet here they are.

As Kyle explains his research in a bit more detail, he goes back to browsing mostly to assist their appearance. That's until a pen lined in marbled green stone catches his eye - and that interest catches the shopkeeper's. There's a familiar enough routine in the haggling that ensues, something he remembers well from Derdriu's markets though he's careful to err on the side of not offending their hosts. He pays a bit more for the pen than he assumes is the true price, but it's well worth it to add to his growing collection.

It also, hopefully, buys them some goodwill in being left alone to continue to talk. ]

I've heard Solvunn is much more involved with the concept of gods than anywhere else. Or, more than the Free Cities since that's really all that I know about, and they lean towards... I'll say not putting their faith in the gods they know of. [ Something that doesn't particularly bother him personally, especially after leaving behind the Church of Seiros, but it does complicate finding more now. ] With that in mind I wasn't surprised there wasn't much to be found, and I haven't started asking here in Nocwich just yet. Were you able to find anything out from them?

[ While Claude begins to haggle, Kyle continues to loiter nearby. Nothing catches his eye enough to make him open his purse: no one's selling blades or rifles here, as per the rules. He does spot a leatherbound journal, embossed with moons in different phases, and for a second he wonders if Jack would like it.

But then Claude is finished and his thoughts are turned again toward his very recent conversations with the natives. He goes back to speaking in a lowered voice out of habit. ]

From what I can tell, the vampires feel the same way about these things as Thorne and the Free Cities do. [ It's all myths and fables. ] But the werewolves... they seem to believe that the old gods are real. Not to be worshipped, but more like... forces of nature. Something to weather in bad times.

[ With the pen tucked away in his satchel for safekeeping until later, Claude listens to Kyle attentively with the illusion of still browsing more items. Unlike in the labyrinth, however, he's more focused on what all of that could possibly mean rather than zeroing in on one specific detail. ]

I have to tell you, it's been an adjustment coming to somewhere where people have different beliefs about gods. In terms of who or what they are, and then let alone whether they exist.

[ Also in a low voice as to not let it carry - a habit after living somewhere where one church and one goddess dominated everything, though even long before that when it came to the gods he grew up with and the belief in them he'd lost some time ago. The forces of nature echoes, somewhat, those childhood gods found in everything and everywhere, and Claude's own belief that he'd rather thank the land for what it offers. None of that necessarily factors in here - not yet, anyway. ]

But. Based on the experiences we had, they certainly were a force and a bringer of bad times. If they really are tied to nature, it would explain not only the dead rising but the problems with crops and animals I've heard from others happened all over Abraxas.

[ He might've had an equally difficult adjustment, if not for these memories he has of Nayeshi, a place of many religions and beliefs. His own hold true, though, even when his world had torn down its church and barred all from speaking Parfir's name.

He frowns, turning over Claude's words. ]

I don't know if they meant a tie to nature so much as... a force that cannot be fought against. [ You can't fight a storm, an earthquake, a flood. You can't argue or bargain with it. You can only survive it.

Another customer begins to crowd their space, wanting to take a look at the hand-made journals. Kahlil moves a bit to the side. ]

Will you be back here next month? There's something I've been wondering if you might teach me.

[ They should meet in person again. ]

[ A force that cannot be fought against is decidedly not comforting. It's something else familiar - a feeling he'd had while standing with Hubert's letter in hand and knowing what had to come next to prevent from creeping across the land. What happened in Fodlan had been enough of an unknown even with knowing the land and countries, and that's not the case here in Abraxas. There's far too many variables now with gods of unknown origins added in as an additional layer. No time to dwell on that now, however, so he hums a tuneless note in response and means to move on to contemplating the notebooks himself.

Until Kyle asks something which catches his attention more than yet another journal to fill with endless notes about everything he's researching, and Claude looks up with faint surprise from the pocket sized notebook he'd been reaching for as it's immediately forgotten. ]

I was planning on it. Not that I don't like Cadens, but it is awfully nice to have somewhere else to look around. [ As for what he could teach? He straightens up and studies the other man for a second before cracking a slight smile. ] If the teaching part is weapon related, I don't think they'd like it if I dragged a bow in here. And the axe, unfortunately, is in the Horizon only.

[ Gods help them all if the Relics ever somehow make it here. ]

[ The bone axe and it's strange red glow. He hasn't summoned the yasi'halaun in Horizon since the incident in the labyrinth. It'd probably be safe now, but his reluctance lingers. It's not like he's had need for a weapon, at least.

He shakes his head, smiling faintly. ]

Actually, I was hoping to learn that healing spell. Seems like it should come in handy.

[ Next time things go awry, in reality or in Horizon. ]

[ The healing spell gets a tilt of his head implying curiosity as he continues to study Kyle. There's no doubt on his end of whether it'd be worth it - the amount of times it's come in handy here has made him quite thankful to Teach for insisting they all learn basic healing along the way - but it's the logistics he needs to consider. It'd be far easier if they were in the same place all the time when it comes to practicing, and that's before even getting into the study of the theories, and -

Wait a minute. There is a solution for part of that. ]

Have you seen the monastery in the horizon yet? My domain's right by it, and I only mention both because we've - we being the others from Fodlan, too - created some of our old textbooks recently. I have some copies in the study in my domain and there's also several in the monastery's library if you'd rather browse it. The reason I mention it is because there's some studying you'll have to do of the practicality before using them.

Or I should say, that's the way it worked when I learned them and we didn't have a large magic rock at our disposal. [ A slightly cynical smile at that, but: he's not all that kidding about the latter. Hopefully it'll help rather than hinder. ] There's actually two healing spells that I know, but it'd be easier to start with the lesser one first before moving onto the more intensive one.

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[ OPEN ] split tomorrow from today

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