❪ introlog: #2 ❫ THE CALM. -- the overflow.

[natha]

ORIGINAL POST

You have spent the last few days on Thesa Station, taking in the knowledge that your world is no more. Perhaps you’ve made some friends (or maybe an enemy or two). Either way, you aren’t expected to spend all of your time on the Station. El Nysa needs you, after all, and you promised you’d help the planet thrive. Are you ready? Submit any AC eligible thread of participating in this log's prompts for Two (2) Olympia REP points HERE. TRAVEL LIGHT     You're really lucky, new refugee. Because of the efforts of those that came before you, your own descent into El Nysa will be quick and relatively painless. You get to reap the benefits of others' experience. Those that came before you are all well-versed in the art of teleportation now, and descending into El Nysa is simply a concentrated thought away. A teleporter has been placed in the common areas to help the new refugees descend, but for this first time, you're going to need a little guidance. You're going to need to take the hand of someone who has been on El Nysa for a while now and learn the ropes. Hold on tight, Refugee, and don't be afraid when the blinding light hits you. The actual journey will feel like a sudden whiplash— painless, but sudden, and maybe a little nauseating. Keeping your balance may be difficult, and it’s possible you might end up toppling onto your poor partner. Hopefully you’re at least thankful. You have landed in a back alley in the Residential District of Olympia. HOME SWEET HOME     Immediately, you notice that everything you've been told about El Nysa is true. There are people of all races here, and although no one bats an eye at your appearance as you enter the district, a member of the Royal Guard asks for your passport. They have a keen eye, and can tell that although you may be a new refugee to their city, they've never seen you before. Certain rumors of an outside force making preparations to do some major damage has them particularly on edge. It's a good thing the Orbiters made sure you have an Olympian passport ready to go. You present it, and with a small nod, the Guard says nothing more and slaps a patch on your chest; to your surprise, it reads: Hello! My name is ________________! I am in House #___! Are you my housemate? ... No matter how much you try, there's no removing this sticker. "It'll come off tomorrow," says the guardkeep. "Lots of refugees here, limited housing. It's an easy way to get to know the people you're living with. Though, if you ask me, why are we accepting so many foreigners when so many want to watch this city burn? Well, I don’t give the orders." If someone greets you, the message on the patch will magically change: Secretly, I _____, _____, and _____! What are yours? There's no telling how they'd known these things, but it likely has to do with Zasere. AGAIN. It may be a good idea to get situated in your new home and set down some ground rules with your roommates. There is also, of course, much of Olympia to explore. FLONA COVE     Word around the city is that one very cute and enthusiastic Olympian, You Watanabe, has been asking around earnestly for the nearest place to find some coastal fun. It didn't take long before a few locals pointed her in the direction of Flona Cove. Maybe it’s a good idea to check out the area. There are only a few more days left of summer, after all. Even if you're not the beach type, exploring a new area certainly can't hurt your understanding of El Nysa. Flona Cove is just a quick train ride away. BEACH PARTY: Chances are, you've heard about the beach party being organized by You Watanabe, whether it be from her directly or someone who knows her. A lot of careful planning has gone into it, and it looks like a great time, so why not check it out? Full speed ahead towards a great time! There's plenty of food for everyone, and plenty of watermelons that need splitting! 1. Various food vendors from around Flona Cove have agreed to offer free food for the new refugees, and they line the shoreline near the harbor, enthusiastically offering goodies such as seafood kabobs, ice cream, fresh fruit (including whole watermelons!), and hot dogs. You Watanabe herself has a grill where she’s cheerfully serving up her trademark "Niceoodles" yakisoba as well as other Japanese food like takoyaki and rice. What makes her noodles so nice? It’s obviously the cheerful smiley-face sun drawn on the omelette. In exchange, the chefs and vendors only ask that you spread the word, though most of them have buckets for donations if you want to help chip back in. After the party is all done, however, there seem to be plenty of dishes that need doing, all in a big pile. You herself is working on getting through the mountain of dishes, but maybe you could lend a hand? 2. It's just not a beach party without the traditional watermelon splitting! For those of you who don't come from modern Japan on Earth, it might be perplexing at first seeing the literal mountain of watermelons grown with the help of Keyleth, another recent Olympian. If the bat-like sticks and blindfolds next to them don’t explain the purpose, though, you might just sit back and watch as a brave competitor sets a watermelon on the sand, ties a blindfold around their eyes, and has people start yelling at them which way to go. They consider the shouts of the crowd, take a swing... and strike nothing but sand. Perhaps you can do better? There are beach activities galore. Now's the time to build the sandcastle of your dreams or play a game of beach volleyball. Maybe you're brave enough to surf the waves, or you’d just like to enjoy a swim. Mom friends who just want to lounge in the sun and read a book while working on their tan are welcome too, of course. BENEATH THE SURFACE: 1. Diving beneath the waters in Flona Cove yield a whole new world on its own. Rent a scuba suit and take a trip to explore the corals, and you may even be lucky enough to run into a playful school of dolphins. Be careful-- they tend to get carried away and will happily drag swimmers for a wild ride. 2. You might want a boat for this scuba adventure, unless you're a strong swimmer. Venture deeper into the ocean, farther away from the coast, and adventurers will find some interesting stuff. Two miles southwest of the harbor, deep, deep into the watery abyss, lies a shipwreck. Exploring through the various rooms of the ship yields a few knick-knacks here and there-- rusted spare parts, cracked tea sets... a surprisingly well-preserved pin-up painting of Koralle? The real treasure awaits for those who have the courage to swim beneath the ship's hull. Here, covered in algae and debris, lies the skeletal corpse of a winged, fanged, clawed beast. This is only a distant memory of its former glory, as nothing but bones are left, but something— something brilliant, catches your eye. Those hundreds of teeth are not bone, but a material so lustrous and pure, it nearly blinds. It will take some work, but with persistence and strength, it is possible to extract a tooth. Those that work in Simwe Institute or The Sanctuary may find it beneficial to take an extra for their boss— this is definitely something that is of interest to study. 3. Olympians love their luxury. There's nothing more luxurious than a secluded lagoon, the water at just the perfect temperature and pristine. This is one of the most sought-after spots for the natives, but when you come across it, it is completely peaceful and empty. For the tourists? Well, this place simply gets overlooked due to its distance from the main beaches. It's also relatively hidden. Soon you start feeling oddly friendly? Cupid’s Pool is also described by the people of Olympia as the touchy-feely pool. It has an inherent property that makes those who soak in it crave physical affection. Chances are you probably wanted to know this before you decided to take a dip, huh? (Please warn for threads appropriately) EARN SOME SILVER     1. While many of the locals came together to offer their hands to provide a bit of entertainment for the surge in tourism, that isn’t to state that they’re fully staffed. Have a few hours to spare? They're willing to pay for your help. Maybe you’re just the cooking champ they needed? The lifeguard who showed up just in time? Or the star salesman at their humble accessory shop so desired? 2. The man who approaches you is even offering more than most of the vendors down the street. Sure, the guy and his entourage look kind of shady, but money is money, isn't it? If you accept, he’ll shove a strange swimsuit or two your way and lead you to the dressing room. What kind of job is this? Modeling, he says. Hopefully you aren’t camera shy! Hey there, hot stuff. I like your look. Or maybe it's your... aura? Either way, I like what you're working with. How about you flaunt what you've got for some fat silver stacks? He also wants to be able to test your charm, and is willing to pay a whopping 400 silver in exchange. He may even ask you to go "talk" (did you hear him say "hit on"?) to a couple of people, and “sell” yourself. Whatever that means... Incidentally, he says he’ll give you a signal once you get a pass. Feels like forever, doesn’t it? 3. Once night begins to fall and the people gradually begin to clear out, you’ll notice something... odd. There are some shady looking people around, and maybe you’ve been hearing whispers all day about a certain "fight club." Initially, no one will tell you a time or location, but if you are persistent, your efforts will pay off. Perhaps in light of helping a vendor clear out their stall or assisting that one Olympian native in distress, they’re willing to tell you a few things about this exclusive club. They explain to you that it’s been a long-standing tradition of Olympia. Secret fight clubs. A place for people to stretch their wings and their fists. Moreover, the pay off seems to be pretty good! Though, they warn you that there are some aggressive competitors out there this time around. Things have been tough politically for a while now, and there is much unrest among the people. What better way to blow off some steam than to beat someone up and make a bit of bank! Fights are not to the death, simply until a knock out, but accidents (and "accidents") do happen. Finding the crowd of people will take some searching, even with directions. They meet along the northern coast of Flona, by following a path leading underground, well away from any civilization. Once you’re there, why not participate? You may find yourself facing off against a fellow refugee. OOC     An AC-eligible thread for 2 OLYMPIAN REP POINTS may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE by OCTOBER 15 11:59 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. 1 SILVER = 1 US DOLLAR. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[ofobedience]

Someone Japanese? Why that question?

[Not that he knows a lot about other cultures, not even within his own world, confined as he has always been to the Underground and deeper still, the Below of one dark city. Prior to the destruction of his world, he's only been to the surface once, only seen the true light of day rather than an electrical substitute once. It hadn't ended well.

And as the man kneeling before him continues to speak, Giovanni's vague sense of confusion grows, poised somewhere between incredulity and suspicion. It makes no sense, his claims of concern, his attentiveness. Unless of course--]

If you're looking for something from me, I expect you'll be disappointed. I'm nothing of any consequence. Just a refugee in a foreign land.

[congratulating]

Because of mentioning honorifics, you did so when looking at me. Even though you appear to be human, I am not so foolish to think that every human has the same countries and nuances due to our ... situation.

[ Multiuniverses. Multiple Earths. Sometimes, it is not even Earth. He's encountered a lot of people during the day and so he's just accepting a few things about what he's experienced. ]

I want nothing from you. [ Mostly true. ] And that is incorrect. There is no one that is meaningless. I believe that firmly. It will carry on in this world, too. So you may say that you are "just", but even if you are "just a refugee", to me you are someone that I want to ensure is all right.

[ofobedience]

I appear to be human. Hahah, well. But I see-- in this instance I was referring only to your use of term sir. There's no need to use such terms with me.

[Because again, he's a tool, a weapon, a thing to be used, a loyal attack dog. Such things don't apply to him.

But his words come vaguely, distractedly, his focus more thoroughly reserved for the rest of what this man says, eyes still narrowed behind their mirrored lenses, gaze resting full on Kirei's face, bloodied cloth held forgotten in his hand. There is no-one that is meaningless-- it's a point on which he disagrees, but there's something about the sound of it that sparks in him all the same. Small and muted, fast pushed aside, but there nonetheless.

He smiles his crooked smile.]

You're welcome to believe what you like, I suppose, but that doesn't make it correct. And you should watch yourself-- that kind of attitude, your willingness to lend yourself so willingly to strangers. It could end up being taken advantage of.

[congratulating]

[ His stare becomes less neutral and more searching. It is the tone that Giovanni uses -- the detachment and laugh at appearing human. At this time, Kirei has met a few nonhumans. A2 and zaShunina stand out to him the most due to their human appearance. Their inhuman qualities seep through but what he sees in Giovanni isn't inhuman nature due to his species but due to the mind's view. ]

I see. Giovanni, then, but only because you were forced to correct me twice. [ So he says with a faint smile. ] As for what I believe, it makes it correct to me. Others can view the world as they like, but this is for me.

[ A shrug. ] If I am taken advantage of, I am taken advantage of. One poor consequence will not stop me. [ He chuckles. ] But I thank you for the warning. It makes me all the more willing to help you out, Giovanni.

[ofobedience]

[The searching look-- Giovanni takes it in even if he can't discern the cause of it, subtly lifts his chin beneath the man's gaze, just a small indication that he isn't unaccustomed to being looked at or examined. That it doesn't unsettle or disturb him.

He can't read his mind, however, and so only attends to his words.][A dismissive kind of shrug before he returns to rinsing off the blood that still stains him, tongue clicking soft against his teeth at the realisation that his suit is quite spoiled.]

Although again, I think you'll be disappointed. I'm quite capable of looking after myself.

[Which is both true and untrue, depending on the situation. One like this, where violence dictates, he feels utterly assured and at home. Every other kind of experience he's likely to encounter in this new and alien world? Not so much. Even paying rent and buying his own clothes are new and frankly unwanted experiences.]

[congratulating]

[ His smile fades to a more neutral expression. He notes the small frustration and wonders what causes it. At the very least, he finds a soul that has a scent that smells of suffering -- if nothing else, it will give him some entertainment. Perhaps, he is wrong.

Indeed, perhaps, the dismissal at being human has little to do with thinking he is inferior to humans. In any case, it would seem Giovanni feels some pain yet ignores it -- given how the fight went. ]

Are you? Because you can heal from the injuries done to you? That does not mean that you should stop looking after yourself. I do not know what brought you out to this place, but I do know it is something that calls to me. That is why I offered my services to help you.

[ He makes a small gesture of his hand to Giovanni. ] Simply because a person is capable of looking after themselves does not mean that they should live their lives alone.

Ack, words missing, and I don't remember what he said, probably 'suit yourself'...sorry about that!!

[ofobedience]

I'm here to work out some frustrations. It's as simple as that. To scratch an itch, as it were.

[Because, so far, this world is far less violent than the one he knows, seems softer somehow. And this softness, it isn't something he knows how to deal with, has no experience of. What he is, even if it took years of pain and conditioning in order to get him there-- its meant for brutality and bloodshed and very little else.

But once again, the answer he gives is a vague one because the words that ring clearest inside his own head are the latter of Kirei's statements and therefore its these that he lingers over. It jitters and sparks in him, makes him want to laugh although he holds it back because he has always, always been alone even whilst held in someone else's (six-fingered) grasp, leashed and reigned in. Alone in the truest sense.]

It doesn't always work that way though, does it. Not for everyone.

[Not for him.]

THAT IS ALL RIGHT! <3

[congratulating]

As it were.

[ Kirei repeats the three words with an amused tone. No, this person isn't going to be like the ones that he's spoken to before -- those that he attempts to convince to join some cause in order to relieve themselves of frustration. No, this person is one that is longing more for blood than purpose. Unfortunately for Giovanni, there is no bloodshed to be had in this world save for personal conflicts people may have with one another. And most wish to handle those issues between themselves for their own pleasure and accomplishment. Very unfortunate. ]

Indeed, there are those that go abandoned to the wilds. However, for the time being, I am here. I cannot promise that I will always be, but for now, I am. The frustration that you feel and how you shall continue to throw yourself against it until something breaks is enough... yes, it's enough for me to say you can take care of yourself, but should not be left alone.

;_;

[ofobedience]

Should not be left alone. Hahah.

[His tone is wry, the laugh that follows quiet and brittle as the crunch of dead leaves underfoot, but again, there's something to that, something that rings true in a way that this man can't possibly mean and yet which ignites in him anyway. Things like him, dogs that were made in the depths-- they never were meant to be left alone and unguided. A solitary hound is just some stray, and this is something he's never wanted to be, he isn't Heine. He knows the value of loyalty.

And yet here he is. Left alone in a world that makes no sense to him. Unsettled and unmoored. Enough so, that the vague promise being made here isn't one he dismisses quite so easily as he perhaps should.

He finises wiping away the blood that had stained him, drops the cloth into the reddened water. Looks at Kirei once again.]

Well. If you want to follow me around like some lost dog, then who am I to stop you?

[Never mind that it isn't Kirei who is the lost dog here. Never mind that Giovanni knows it.]

( holds hands )

[congratulating]

[ Kirei remembers when he had a dog of a person under his control. Less wild than Giovanni, for certain. The loyalty of him was never for the priest -- difference in personality and the fact Kirei killed the dog's real master in front of him. Honestly, he thinks his stolen pet would have tried to kill him one day if the opportunity arose. Thankfully, it never did. All the same, he notes the ferocious nature, the bloodlust and the weakness of Giovanni. A weakness of mind to not see himself as human and that of spirit to wish to drown in blood.

He smiles briefly as he decides that he certainly could use a better guarddog than what he once had. His Servant is one that is not yet fond of him so it wouldn't hurt to adopt a few. In his own world, he was one that thought it better to remain untethered. True, he feels that here, too, but sees the folly in it given who he knows is present.

If nothing else, the scent of despair and suffering that Giovanni hides beneath violence shall be enough to keep the man. ]

You are someone whose will I will not step upon. It is yours so ... the one to stop me from following you will always be you. I am but here to watch over so you do not hurt more than you need to, Giovanni. [ He makes his hesitation obvious -- looking down at the reddened water, back to his companion, and breathes out slow -- before he reaches to place his hand on the other's shoulder. Kirei watches the man's face, curious what expression will be partially hidden by those glasses and if he will end up with his hand bit. ]

[ofobedience]

[There's the slightest stiffening in him as that hand falls onto his shoulder, the discernible jump and tug of muscle beneath Kirei's palm, and it's there in him, the natural urge to grab for the wrist and twist it, to listen to the macabre music of bones snapping between his fingers to feel the vibration rising through ulna radius humerus and up up up already he can hear the panting in his head, the scrabble and scrape of the thing in his Spine, spurring him on towards violence--

--but instead he holds it in, keeps it in check. Kirei's movements had at least been steady and slow enough to be telegraphed clearly, for him to know the touch was coming before it fell on him and therefore it's not such a difficult thing to keep his impulses in line. He glances at it though, that hand on his shoulder. smiles just a little sharply.]

Has no-one ever warned you against touching unfamiliar animals?

[That's what he is-- a dog, a hound, a beast.]

It seems as though the one who needs to be kept an eye on is you. The next animal you come across may not be so friendly.

[And he laughs his soft, brittle laugh.]

[congratulating]

Once or twice, but all animals are meant to be given courtesy, too. Even the rabid ones.

[ And so he names what he is doing as a courtesy to Giovanni, like he is attempting to bring himself down to the man's level. Honestly, if he thinks about it, Kirei doesn't believe he's above his companion. While he doesn't see himself as an unchained beast... no, he sees himself as a self-made monster. A smile ghosts his lips for a few seconds before he pulls his hand back, careful and slow. ]

Is that a offer, Giovanni? [ He hides the reason for his smile with a question. ] But anyway, I'm grateful for the time that you have given me. [ Kirei makes the indication that Giovanni's time is valuable, holds worth, and the priest's the one infringing upon it. Yes, he sees himself as a self-made monster and that is different from a dog beaten rabid. Because Giovanni easily calls himself a beast, easily removes himself from humanity. ]

Hm. If I may add one more thing... you are part of humanity. [ He adds. ] You needn't take yourself away from it. I welcome you to it. So perhaps the next animal will not be so friendly, but ... the person I am looking to need not worry about the beasts.

[ofobedience]

[The look that comes over him is incredulous-smooth as Kirei makes that assertion, his smile as sharp and wry as ever before, a serrated blade that cuts across his face. Animals are means to be given courtesy, too-- well, not this animal, not as far as Giovanni's concerned, and without speaking he manages to make that meaning clear in his expression. He's something to be avoided and feared and, in the right hands, even controlled, but softer sentiments than those don't belong to something like him.

So he thinks. So he believes, right down to the loamy centre of himself.

But then Kirei goes on talking, and before he can fire off an answer to that initial question, the rest comes tumbling forth, and this time Giovanni doesn't bother to hold back ont he whipcrack of his laughter.]

How sorely mistaken you are. Humanity has very little to do with something like me.

[At the very least, he seems entertained by the suggestion. Incredulous, unbelieving, but entertained, nonetheless.]

But again, you're welcome to think what you like. As for your earlier question...well. That remains to be seen. Dogs know the value of loyalty, but first it has to be won.

[Is he teasing, or deadly serious? It's a difficult thing to discern.]

[congratulating]

Something? Do you not mean someone?

[ Kirei realizes that such things require a delicate touch. Even for a wild dog, while the prospect of food is an enticing one, he should be careful not to appear too eager to own a new pet. His head drops as he chuckles to himself. It is very like him to contract with a Servant but still wanting some assurance beyond Jeanne Alter. That does add a bit of an unknown factor into his planning, but he much prefers a rabid dog to any other beast that could be at his side. ]

If you continue to view yourself as a dog, I suppose I shall have to continue to view you as a man, Giovanni. [ A half-smile. ] You already have my trust. I suppose that is the fault of a priest that we are a trusting sort of person. But you have it. Whatever you choose to do with it... it will be for you to choose. No need to worry about how bad the injury will be to me.

[ He breathes out a small sigh. ] It matters not to me how injured I become so long as the will of a man is not trampled.

[ofobedience]

You heard me correctly. I mean what I said.

[Something-- it's a descriptor that fits far better, in his opinion, than the alternative. What he is, what he was created to be and has, in time, become by dint of years of conditioning, it can hardly be described as a someone. His parameters are too indistinct for that, his sense of self too firmly wrapped up in his creator's vision of what he ought to be. As such, the correction comes just a little sharp, almost a rebuke.

Still, he only smiles a smile that borders on indulgent as the man insists on sticking to his metaphorical guns-- a sly and sliding expression that clearly indicates his rejection of it, even as he chooses not to correct it any further.]

A priest. I won't claim to understand religion or those who abide by it, but it seems to me a man of god ought to be unconcerned with things like me. Things without souls.

[Again, that knifey shrug that cuts hard and quick at the air.]

But in this, too, you can do what you like. If you want to offer me your trust, don't be surprised when it's inevitably broken. That's all.

[congratulating]

And yet you are the kind of person that u am most concerned with, Giovanni. If priests only cares about the blessed and believers, our duties would be easier for certain but we would not be adding to the sacraments we pledged ourselves to.

[ It lasts for a moment but interest settles in how he looks at Giovanni. Kirei rests his hand over the cross around his neck, lightly pressing it against his chest. He looks away, allowing his gaze return to a more neutral one. ]

You have a soul. If you had no soul, I doubt you would be feeling much of anything... frustration and the like. [ His lips press into a thin line. Putting it into those words, it is saying he himself lacks a soul. And perhaps, that is true. Perhaps, there is nothing left but the black mud of the Holy Grail. ]

That will not stop me from trusting you. [ Because it doesn't make him happy or unhappy to trust or be trusted. In the end, it is almost a nonaction for him. When he thinks about that in those terms, he never really is disappointed or angry. Yet he understands (because who with common sense couldn't) that people take joy in trust. Kirei wonders then if his trust will be the leash he needs. Who knows? All he does know is he found an interesting pet and doesn't want someone who lacks imagination to have him. ]

But I have talked your ear off long enough. So... I shall let that be that. I will await with a pail of water when you are ready as that may be all I can do for you now.

[ofobedience]

[Kirei continues to talk, and Giovanni continues to observe him with an expression of wry incredulity, as though he's encountered something he's never quite come across before, something he doesn't altogether understand. It's an apt enough description of how he feels in this moment. Reminds him once again that he's in an alien place among alien people who he can't hope to comprehend. It's a weighty feeling, suddenly. All of this strangeness. These ideas that have nothing to do with him, that are no part of his existence.

And yet. Despite all that, there's the distant kindling of interest in him, a small twist of feeling up behind his ribs that he doesn't truly recognise and couldn't put into words if he tried. Something that will, perhaps, possibly, have him keeping an eye out for this man, rather than simply dismissing him from his thoughts entirely.

For now though, despite the expression etched across his face which conveys his lack of agreement, his belief that this man's understanding of the concept of soul is qualitatively different from the way he understands it, he chooses ultimately to say nothing. To let it slide. Philosophical debates are hardly his strong point, not something he's had much practice with, and he doesn't intend to begin with it, today.

And so he just smiles. Wipes off his damp hands on his ruined suit.]

As you like it, then.

[Oblivious to the disconcerting shape of the other man's thoughts, he turns then. Walks away. Back into the crowd, mind already turning toward the prospect of another fight.]