childrenofbahamutlogs | Opening Log: Town Town Hall Meeting

Opening Log: Town Town Hall Meeting

WELCOME, ONE AND ALL

The modest, high-roofed meeting hall is all done up in fresh cut flowers and gold ribbon. A sign reads:

above the door threshold.

Inside, chairs and tables are set up in front of a speaking podium. Many tables also line the back of the room with an assortment of delicious refreshments. There are placemats and tableware for all to utilize along with spares stacked in the room.

There are finger sandwiches, fresh cut fruit, vegetables, salads, and a variety of roasted meats. It’s nothing fancy but rather a classic farmer’s potluck-style arrangement. It highlights the simple, earnest living of many locals in the town of Town.

You are welcome to come in, grab a plate, and serve yourself whatever refreshments you desire!

CONVERSATION CARDS

Shetland Set by Kammen & Swan

1:03 / 5:35

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Click here to listen.

Described often as folk music with some pop ambition, Kammen and Swan play songs featuring fiddle, piano, voice and percussion instruments from Celtic countries around the world.

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Once you've gotten some food and pocketed some condiments for home, you may notice something else sitting at the table before you.

There are conversation cards for anyone who is at a loss of how to break the ice with their fellow offworlders or locals alike. There are one stack for each each table so plenty of topics to potentially discuss.

While you're more than free to come up with your own, you can also request a card here from the moderators. These ones might be more peculiar than the average conversation card, but that could be what some who might be especially averse to socializing need!

ASK CHARLIE

Arrivals are given a few hours to eat, mingle, and get to know each other before Charlie takes up post at the podium and clears his throat.

"Hello everyone! I appreciate you coming. I hope you all have been enjoying the food, please let me know if there are any accommodations you may need or if nothing is to your taste."

Anyway, I... Well! I wanted to take a few minutes to answer some questions. Both from our local residents and those of you who are visiting from other worlds. I know I have spoken to most everyone already, but I’m sure you have extra questions that you’d like answered. I will do my utmost to make sure I give you suitable answers, though much of this situation is still a mystery to myself as well. That said, I hope we can join hands and find our way together to ensure everyone gets back to where they need- or want to be."

He gives a clearly nervous smile, obviously not used to speaking to a crowd.

"So please, one at a time, feel free to raise your hands and I will call on each of you to address your inquiries or concerns." He gives a small bow before preparing himself for what the new residents have to offer.

Notes

⁂ Welcome to the first Town Town Hall Meeting! Get to eat good food, have fun conversation, and ask Charlie any questions you might have directly! So as to not overload Owen, please limit it to one question per character for now!

⁂ A reminder that the quest board is active as of this log! Get to questing as you settle in to Town and help the locals out to increase your reputation.

⁂ We have an OOC Intro / Plotting Post for the game opening available here! Going forward, plotting posts and game events will go hand-in-hand but for now we wanted to allow a space for people to introduce themselves!

⁂ If you have any questions, suggestions, or other feedback then you can feel free to let us know here!

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

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"Actually..." Emet-Selch speaks up, his arms still folded over his chest.

He pauses a moment to let his interruption sink in before continuing. It's a matter he, too, is curious about, certainly: the long-term effects of having one's soul bonded with that of another. Delicate business, no matter how one looks at it.

"If you're concerned about the present state of your soul, I may be willing to take a look at it for you."

He holds up a hand to stave off an immediate objection, his attention shifting between Mithrun and Charlie.

"A glance only. One which will do no harm to either you or your patron dragon. It will perhaps go some way towards settling your concerns. The same offer applies to anyone else who is less than pleased about this unexpected union."

Edited 2024-10-08 16:07 (UTC)

Mithrun's head whips toward the source of the added voice, like an on-edge sighthound. His good eye studies Emet-Selch, briefly, before he responds.

"...You're free to do so," he says, finally. "Know, though, that it doubtless won't be pretty, whether the dragon has damaged it or not."

He's not just being self-deprecating about his own nature or anything like that, either. Mithrun can only imagine that a soul that has had a core component chewed through and left in shreds would be a... rather grisly sight, to someone able to view it.

Emet-Selch raises an eyebrow. This one is awfully wound-up, isn't he?

As to the warning, well, it is certainly an unusual thing to say. After all, it isn't often that someone is quite so candid or knowledgeable about the state of his own soul - souls which are meant to be enduring and resilient things (or at least they were, once upon a time).

"And now I'm just full of questions," he admits with a wide shrug, but the levity is fleeting. His expression smooths over as he continues, all business.

"I can do it here if you like, or elsewhere if you'd prefer for me to deliver my findings in private. Your warning is appreciated, but unnecessary. I'm used to such work, and have seen souls in all manner of condition, some scarcely believable. I would, however, recommend that you try to relax. It'll be much quicker if you do."

Mithrun hums noncommittally at Emet-Selch's expression of curiosity. He figures he'll either ask him later, or he won't; if he does, Mithrun will tell him.

That, however, is a concern for another time. Right now, Mithrun starts to open his mouth to answer - but then pauses, tilting his head in thought. Here or elsewhere.

He feels little need for privacy, himself, so he'd have no personal problem with the state of his soul being exposed. Furthermore, if they do find specific evidence of the dragon damaging his souls, everyone here is doubtless at similar risk... but that in itself is a complication.

Proof of damage would need to be addressed, of course - but to drop that kind of information on a group of people already potentially wound up (if not as much so as Mithrun himself) would risk spreading panic. As many social skills as he's lost, he knows that much from his work in the Canaries.

"Elsewhere. Anything others need to know can be reported after the fact." After some consideration of how to do so.

Emet-Selch allows Mithrun the time to consider, and when he's made his choice, he nods.

"A wise approach. Very well, then. In that case, we shall be taking our leave. If anyone else has questions regarding the condition of their souls, seek me out."

"...After all, it isn't as if I'll be going anywhere." he mutters beneath his breath.

Emet-Selch's gaze shifts briefly to a bright point across the room. Doubtless Elidibus will keep him apprised if anything of particular import should come to pass during the remaining discussion.

He offers a lazy, half-hearted wave to those nearby as he makes to exit - but not before turning to Angeal. His attention lingers for only a moment on where Mithrun's fingers are still clamped tight and unyielding around his hand, as if the other man is a lifeboat, or perhaps the edge of a steep cliff.

"You're welcome to join us, I suppose. I expect you'll have need of that hand in future, and I would hate to leave a bloody mess behind when our esteemed host's time is already occupied with so many questions."

"Ah! I had no idea you were possessed of such an ability, Emet-Selch! Thank you for your offer of help. I may speak to you later in regards to your assistance with such matters on a wider scale, if you would not be opposed." He practically beams, and Emet can probably feel the rays of sunshine bouncing off him.

It is noted, that Angeal also seems to be close with him, someone else to note down to speak with... Charlie isn't going to be subtle about how worried he is. He wants to minimize undue stress after all, and perhaps the man can offer some insight that would be valuable in making Mithrun comfortable.

"Mithrun," Charlie doesn't want to forget addressing him after all, "It is in my absolute interest to keep you safe and comfortable as I can. I may be a god of sorts, but I am far from perfect. Please tell me whatever it is you need or desire and if it is within my power, I will strive to make it so. You may visit me at my office at any time. My door is open, day or night."

Oh no...
No. NO. NO!

One good deed, that's all it was! One born of his own curiosity! And now a familiar shiver is running down his spine as Emet-Selch is caught by that beaming smile. He really, truly should have known better than to make such a public offer in the first place. Now the Ancient likely gives off the impression of a deer caught in the proverbial headlights - and it isn't only because of the shift in conversation.

He blinks hard once, and then levels an indignant glare at Charlie, his lips curling in displeasure. Look, he didn't sign up for this. And he certainly has no desire to be at some god's beck and call the moment he has a question about so-and-so's soul. He's had his share of that already, thank you!

Emet-Selch scoffs, his breath escaping in a short huff. "Of course you didn't. A simple parlor trick, I assure you."

Though it's anything but. Emet-Selch remains noncommittal as he turns away to take care of matters he has already committed to, but not without adding:

"Just remember that presentation you've promised."

Angeal was already getting up to go along with Mithrun, because frankly he does sometimes need someone to have his back if only because he doesn't acknowledge what boundaries he should have... but at least he gets to see the hilarious expression that crosses Emet's face when Charlie hints at asking him for more help later.

Just a little funny something to hold onto.

"May as well get all of this over with, Myth." He squeezes Mithrun's hand right back, and makes sure to balance the length of his stride properly to match with his.

"...Hmm." Mithrun answers Charlie with a flat, deadeyed stare. "I sincerely doubt I'll be desiring much from you."

It's nothing personal, but boy it probably looks personal.

For the moment, though, he follows Emet-Selch, Angeal in tow - kind of. Somehow, Mithrun carries himself like he's pulling Angeal along with him, despite the reality of his much taller partner deliberately controlling his own pace.

That works, he supposes.

He'll let the pair set their own pace, and instead takes up the lead, sweeping out of the hall and back into the pleasant sunshine. There's a grassy space off to one side, halfway hidden by the outer wall of one of the charming little structures that dot the town. Winsome indeed. Not too many people here - which is how he prefers it. That means it'll be much easier to concentrate on Mithrun's aether without any interference.

He'll wait for the others to catch up, allowing them a moment or two to relax - mostly for Mithrun's sake.

"Now then. Did the two of you have any questions before we proceed? It will be over before you've realized it, I can assure you."

Since Mithrun isn't normally the kind of person who tends to worry about his own wellbeing save in very specific circumstances like this one where it hits a little too close to home, Angeal is already prepared to raise up one finger a bit.

"You said that it wouldn't do harm to Mithrun, or the dragon hitching a ride along with him... but are there any other side effects which might happen?" Something can be unpleasant without being harmful, after all...

It may be only one finger, but the intention is clear. Emet-Selch glances to Angeal. Now that he isn't pinned beneath Charlie's beaming gaze, he feels somewhat more comfortable speaking plainly with regards to his Sight.

"Nay, none. Think of it as something of a sixth sense, an innate ability. There are no magicks involved. One such as myself simply refocuses his vision from the physical plane to the aetherial. Makes it far easier to read what energies are present; their color and flow. The only discomfort Mithrun might feel would be from having a stranger stare unblinking at him for several seconds."

And here he turns back to Mithrun. "Anything else?"

Being back outside doesn't seem to help Mithrun much, with the thought of some ancient thing burrowed into his soul still burning away at him. But it's something. Mithrun's grip on Angeal's hand has loosened minutely - just enough that he wouldn't probably be causing bruising on a regular human.

He listens in silence to the further explanation, flat gaze set on Emet-Selch. When the Ancient turns to him, Mithrun answers with a shrug. "That will be all, I think."

A nod. Emet-Selch returns that flat gaze with one of his own, crossing his arms over his chest. If that's truly all they wish to ask, then he sees no reason to delay any further for something which will no doubt prove woefully anticlimactic.

"Let us be about it, then."

He'll wait a moment more and then he allows his vision to shift and refocus. For all intents and purposes, he only appears to be watching Mithrun, those yellow eyes luminous even in the daylight. Just as he said, Mithrun will feel nothing. It may be they don't even realize that Emet-Selch is finished until he mutters a considering "hmmn" to himself, brow furrowing in dislike.

"Well, gentlemen. The good news is that though I have confirmed that the dragon-soul is indeed attached, there is no evidence that its presence is having a negative impact on Mithrun's soul, here." He speaks casually, his attention shifting between them before landing on Mithrun once more, the lilt in his voice fading away to something a touch more professional. "Nor much of any affect at all, really. The two colors are yet distinct, and I sense no interference, nor any need for alarm at this moment."

"As for the bad news, I suspect you already know something, elsewise you would not have commented upon your soul's appearance ere we began."

Edited 2024-10-22 17:16 (UTC)

Mithrun stands motionless as Emet-Selch watches him, apparently not at all self-conscious over being stared at. Arguably only fair, given how much staring he does himself.

The conclusion is of... some small comfort, at least. He isn't willing to trust just yet that the dragon's lack of "interference" now means it won't try something later - but, if it isn't doing anything yet, that gives him a little time. "Very well. If you're open to doing this periodically, I'd like to know if that ever changes."

He pauses, just for a moment, before nodding. "I am very aware of the existing damage, yes. The consequence of a... severe mistake some decades ago."

It really is a pretty unremarkable exchange, so there's that, at least. The last thing they need is anything flashy considering they probably already started some things up just by Mithrun bring up his objections in the meeting.

The verdict is unsurprising to him as much as Mithrun, and he could very well say the same about Mithrun's choice. "Let me know when you ever want to visit him," Angeal says.

Emet might not know it yet, but this is less out of a concern for Mithrun going off on his own, and more Mithrun going off on his own and then getting lost in either direction without anyone there to assist him.

Angeal knows his boyfriend. "

"I see." Curious. "I was about to say it appears as though some other entity has fed upon it, and quite indiscriminately at that. The damage is extensive, though - for a mercy - there are some inklings that your soul has begun to attempt weaving what remains back together again. Not entirely irreparable, I would say, though its present state is...delicate."

But it seems they both already know this, and thus concludes his analysis - signaled with a mild shrug and something of a sniff in Angeal's direction. He's not some walk in the park, you know.

"Well, no. I'm not opposed to an arrangement," he says, because, really, he's not about to do this purely out of the goodness of his heart whenever and wherever it might begin to weigh on Mithrun's mind again.

"Discovering what we can about the dragon-soul's progression (if there is any) is of rather grave import to us all. That being said, I'd appreciate it if you would keep me in the loop should you learn anything else of interest. About this world, about Charlie, about the dragons in general. If you're amenable to that, I can perhaps pencil you into my schedule once every 3 weeks, once a month... Something along those lines."

Edited 2024-10-28 17:56 (UTC)

Mithrun raises an eyebrow, just slightly. "...That would be exactly it. I knew the damage would doubtless be visible, but I am impressed that you could determine so much."

And relieved to hear that confirmation that it's starting to piece itself together again. Even when he feels that improvement himself, the occasional surge of volition-- the moment it's gone, it's easy to wonder if it was ever there at all.

That, however, is far secondary to what they came out here to check to begin with. Mithrun nods, squeezing Angeal's hand - not quite so intensely, this time - as he answers Emet-Selch. "Of course. Anything I learn will be shared - and once a month would be more than enough."

Now that he isn't actively experiencing a crisis anymore, it's almost like that initial outburst never happened at all. He's not actively being fed on again. He can wait.

Mithrun inclines his head toward Angeal, speaking for him with absolute confidence: "He will work with whatever schedule you establish, as well - he will just need to know so he can guide me to whichever meeting place you choose. The alternative would be for you to come to us, which I doubt you would prefer."

It still feels strange, speaking even this openly about that element of his condition; he likely wouldn't have considered it at all, if Angeal hadn't reminded him.

...Which, he supposes, is probably why he did it.

"Aw, lookit that, he's the Real McCoy," Angeal murmurs down to Mithrun at the observation about the state of his soul. "But then again, with how Elidibus knows him, that's just a given, huh?"

Still... He knows it has to set Mithrun's mind at ease to get something fairly definitive, backed by proof of quality. For all that he can seem rather measured and apathetic - like literally right now as he eases back- Angeal knows that when something gets his attention, he gnaws on it worse than a dog with a bone.

So he nods to Emet with that in mind. "We'll see you in around a month, then. Just let us know where you decide to settle at. Or we can come up with somewhere else in public, if you like." Once his bakery is established, that will be an option too.

Emet-Selch frowns, eyes narrowing as he just manages to make out Angeal's words. The mention of Elidibus alone is enough to pique his interest, but then again his colleague has always been a likable, sociable sort. That he has already made friends and allies in this new world is hardly surprising.

"Well of course I'm the 'Real McCoy' as it were, and I should thank you not to forget it."

Not that he means to brag or anything of the like, but he does take pride in his work - regardless of how long it has been since he was last able to carry out his purpose in the way the Seat was originally intended.

He returns his attention to Mithrun once more with a curt nod of agreement. It seems their terms are settled, then.

"The soul reveals much about itself, if one knows what to look for and where. But if you lot are already familiar with Elidibus, then it should not be difficult for you to locate me. Our abodes neighbor one another."

He studies the two of them again and shrugs at last.

"A month from now, perhaps three bells into the afternoon. Just make certain that you notify me before showing up on my doorstep. I take my rest very seriously and should prefer to avoid unannounced company. That being said, if it becomes necessary to meet elsewhere, simply alert me to the fact and we'll make adjustments."

So long as the weather holds, a walk around town wouldn't necessarily go amiss, after all.

Mithrun hums in quiet acknowledgment to Angeal. Elidibus's good favor is certainly a point in Emet-Selch's favor. Granted, Mithrun feels like Elidibus seems to like nearly everyone - but the respect he holds for Emet-Selch is clearly more than that, even to Mithrun's limited attention span.

Then he answers Emet-Selch with a nod. "Very well. Afternoon, a month from now, with prior notice. Next door to Elidibus, unless we have to request otherwise."

That last part - any and all navigation - will have to be up to Angeal.

"...Thank you. I am aware, as you have emphasized, that this is not something you're doing out of mere kindness. But I am glad for it all the same."

Yes, yes, he knows, all very professional - that's what Angeal's simple hand wave seems to indicate at any rate. Even from a distance, it feels to him pretty clear what Emet-selch's character is like, and that works out just fine for him. Frankly speaking, he's honestly being better about a simple business-like matter than the actual people in business he's had the misfortune of knowing.

"We'll keep all of that in mind. No worries on us bothering you unnecessarily." Only a little necessarily. And no worse than Elidibus, certainly, by far.

"Well, shall we head back into the meeting then? Hopefully we haven't missed anything too important."

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Opening Log: Town Town Hall Meeting

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