middleofsomewhere | Wings of Wonder: NPC Interactions and Investigations

Wei Wuxian feels the pull, glancing to Yondu as the young sali speaks to them. He smiles and briefly cups his hands and nod-bows to her for the warning.

"Thank you for your help, and may your tasks go well."

They're off so fast all he can do is gesture toward his fellow Trainling, and the older sali with them.

"Time to take our Uncle here on over. Thank you, Enshala, for agreeing to allow us here!"

Can the Forever One hear him? He's not sure, but it's a decent enough bet he says so while falling in with the direction they're being pulled. He's wary, of course, but he's also alert to how familiar this all feels in the end. This is the Forever One. That much he can trust.

"See? He's fine." He turns to show the unconscious larger sali to the smaller before she departs, just to reassure her. About as fine as a limp man set to bruise later likely should be. He hauls him in and lays him in front of Enshala, grunting with effort in order to not just drop him.

"Alright, here he is. Thanks for talkin' to us even if he's gonna be the one better for hearin' ya."

Yondu will have to wait once the pair reach a building, large, about two storeys or so, with only slits for window spaces showing an upper floor in an otherwise dome-shaped dwelling made from woods and dried grasses. Two markers sit close to the entrance, repelling them for a moment, glowing to their presence - until it's pushed back, the glowing dying by some unseen hand minimising their protection to allow the pair - or three - inside. It will be strange to pass them, but better than not - Enshala waits inside.

There are a few others, too. They enter into a curved room, an entrance room, with curtains for doors that hide wherever they lead. Circle seating that comes to meet a fire pit in the centre, and by it, the statue of the Forever One, Enshala, sits. Chin raised, hands grasping their knees, a commanding presence even in stone.

A sali waits by the side close to where they enter, seeing the body, and holding out their arms with a "Give" for it. To move them from one shoulder to another, so they can be taken beyond one of the curtains.

There sits a sali by Enshala, leg done up in dressings, meeting the presence of the two with suspicion eyes. A mortar and pestle in their lap, and work pausing to address them.

"Why are you here? We want answers, now. Your reasons, how you came here. Explain."

He doubts it'll make full sense, really, but he lifts his hands to make gesture of a bow. Enshala is their own presence, but it's clearly different to be surrounded with even a handful of sali, versus Hemla in the grass.

"Hemla passed along your warning to the West. The East was already not responding when your message reached them."

Hands lowering, he considers his words when he spoke.

"We've come from our own ship, traveling the space between worlds. When it detects a world in suffering over a specific cause, it brings us there in an effort to help stabilize the situation. We've been scouting the islands for information, that's why we're here, and reaching out to speak with the East on Hemla's encouragement. With some bridge repair on our end, mostly to the North and East. My understanding is the red storm is lingering to the West dangerously, and the North doesn't have the blessing of a Forever One in its defense. The flying creatures are brought by the storm, correct? Like these birds we're seeing overhead here? Or did they exist before, and started acting oddly after the storm?"

When Wei bows, Yondu does as well. Not as steeply, it's another Ravager salute with a double-pat of his fist against his chest. He didn't encounter Hemla. Didn't have the capacity to do so.

"We got some pretty intelligent, experienced folks with us. We can help ya out." He reaffirms whaat Wuxian's saying, but doesn't add to the question because it's something he's been wondering about as well.

"What is this?" The sali laughs, disbelieving, such look thrown at the pair of them. "You give ridiculous reasons and expect such answers in return? For what? You come by Hemla's encouragement, speaking now, but speak nothing of your intentions? To help? For what price? What cause?"

They gesture out in their direction.

"You treat us with disrespect, like kits seeing an opportunity to spread their territory and ravage anything else in it. You will not act on your own on our lands. Who do you think you are?"

Wei Wuxian just smiles, standing with his hands at his sides.

"I'd give better ones if I found value in lying. The truth is lamentably just that ridiculous."

He spreads his hands as he lifts them, palms turned upward, empty.

"Giving each other the chance to listen and speak in turn helps, in my experience. Is it customary for your people to lay clear terms of cost and motivation at the start of any negotiation? For mine, it's customary to start with an introduction."

He repeats the bow. "Wei Wuxian, of the Voidtrecker Express. We're tasked with assisting worlds in distress. We've been dropped here for the next seven days or so. What questions you have are ones we'll attempt to answer, should you wish to ask them."

His hands fall back to his sides. It's hard, he knows it, when you feel backed into a corner, you feel your world's been attacked and it has, and you're living under the strain of it all. All he can say he has in this situation is... a great deal of empathy.

Already he's wondering how much asskiss he has in him. Some indignant part of him wanting to lash out at being talked down to. But that isn't the same case here. Not like he doesn't lash out when he's scared (and doesn't like to admit that's what he's doing). He can do this, right? He dealt with the Sovereign. He dealt with the worst kind of Kree. He can do this.

"I just know the birds don't like us any more than they like y'all. So whether you want us here or not we're gonna be fightin' 'em of. At least ask us somethin' about how we can help ya out."

They don't look entirely pleased listening to Wei Wuxian, but at Yondu's addition, their displeasure becomes harsher. "Keep that attitude that you can do as you please, and you won't be fighting just the birds," the sali snaps at Yondu.

"You come as strangers to us, sending your people around in a time like this. Is it customary for your people to come to the lands of others and proceed to think you can act as you like? Saying that this is help - what help is how you speak to me? That you will do as you please?"

They look to Wei Wuxian. "Know now we won't suffer arrogance. We want negotiations, to plan and understand, but we will not have any of those who came with you acting as this one threatens to. This is our home."

"Yondu." It's not a quelling sound or motion, but he does turn, with softer tone, to look at his fellow Trainling. He speaks lowly and levelly, not trying to keep what he says away from any of the sali, but definitely keeping his focus on Yondu.

"This is their home. If they weren't feeling all sorts of things about what's happened, or feeling like outsiders are stepping in to solve things like they aren't already, I'd be concerned. If we say we're helping people, that means we listen to them, too. If what the people here want is for us to stay on the central island and do nothing but keep out of their way, I know you'll help me call back everyone to do exactly that."

When his attention shifts, his voice is only louder by merit of returning to normal conversational volume.

"I would make different choices if I could. I don't think it's particularly helpful, or less than insulting, to have a hundred or so strangers tossed into existing problems. I apologise for our transgressions, even more so for the timing. Arrogance serves us poorly, I agree." That the timing is why the train has thrown them in now has already been implied, if not directly said. He means it, too. If the people here only want them to leave well enough alone to let them take action, then they will. Even he, a notorious meddler, knows better than to presume his help is what's needed.

Even when it has been, even when he's sacrificed everything, the world can unsure it's not enough.

"I can break down a list of our skills, and our supplies. What we'd ask in turn, which starts with a place to camp without being an intrusion. Anything else is beneficial, but unnecessary if it falls outside of fair exchange. By chance we're on the central island, and Hemla has communicated with a handful of us. Not adequately to offer negotiation, more... memory, emotion." He lifts a hand, to tap it against his temple. "Or that was what I encountered."

It is a problem when a man whose never had a home has difficulty fully relating to the concept. But he sighs out his nose, grunting.

He's no good at negotiations. And he's not got a face people take pity on if he makes appeals. The only thing he's ever been good at is bargaining.

"What I'm meanin', is we gotta defend ourselves against the birds too, no matter what island we're on. And when we get off the train, we ain't got no choice but to wait for it to come back. I don't care so much for myself but there's a lotta young people on our crew and while we're a capable bunch we're all... oil and water here. Your magic, your world, differ'nt from anything we've encountered." Or that he knows of, anyway. "Not all of 'em can defend themselves as usual."

He holds up his hands, palms out, and then slowly, slowly reaches into his coat and pulls out his Anulax battery. It just looks like a glowstick, but it's a lot stronger than that.

Can't bargain unless you put something on the table. "We're here seven? Eight days? Lemme put somethin' on the table. This is a personal item, valuable. Big energy source. Hopefully you got somebody that can confirm that," he mutters the last bit. "Putting it out there as somethin' I don't wanna lose. If you don't believe I don't wanna traumatize those kids, then at least believe that. Hell, it might even be able to power somethin' for ya if you put it in the right hands."

He keeps it held out in his hand as he speaks, making no quick movements.

Eyes flit between them both, the stern hold of their gaze never leaving with either. The mortar and pestle sits in their lap forgotten as they speak, a small silence once they're done.

Until the sali finally sighs behind a closed mouth, puts the tools aside.

"Your trinket means nothing to us as it does to you," they first dismiss, waving their hand at what it signifies, more than its potential use. "You have young, we have young - we negotiate and keep words only with people we believe. We have no reason to give information to outsiders that can take it and wait to stab us in the back. I do not yet disbelieve you won't. My heart is cautious. Your truths are maddening. But-"

They motion to the seats by them, cushions on the floor.

"You have one chance. Sit."

They wait for them to follow this, then don't delay any further in speaking.

"To your custom, Wei Wuxian, my name is Asha. Camps can be allowed, but we can only give permission for this island. Central is Hemla's domain, and their choice is theirs." They pause, eyes flickering onto the statue beside them, and then return to the Voidtreckers. "For your people here, we will accept fighters, and those with strength to search the barns and hothouses. Those skilled with medical - we are searching for one of the buildings to bring people to, injured, quicker to go to than to bring them immediately here. If our talks go well, we will permit you use of them too, for your own, than to expect you to carry your injured off. But as for the Red Storm-"

They pause again, hand waving up with fingers towards the ceiling.

"--We cannot help you. Remove the threat, bring our people to safety, and Enshala will work to rid it. But you cannot be protected as we are. As you know, what did you say? Oil and water."

Wei Wuxian ends up cautiously leaving his shoes at the entrance, those boots he's had since, well, showing up on platform. He otherwise sits as indicated, listening to Asha for the duration before and after.

"Well met, Asha. Understood, and agreed. We'll formally ask Hemla as soon as possible. Depending on who's on Central island now, I can reach them and have one of ours who can communicate with them ask now."

There's no reason to delay beyond the impoliteness of speaking over SCA at the time. Then again, given the way it appears there's a mental connection between Forever Ones and the sali, conversations may not need to be as verbal for them as the Voidtreckers as a whole.

"We'll spread the word regarding what this island is accepting from our number. Most of our medically skilled treat traditionally in addition to any other ability they have. Medicinal prescriptions would be deferred to your people." For toxicity, for unknown cross species reactions, for anything of that nature, such as it was. Probably obvious, but better stated than allowing it to seem like their own healers would bridge that particular gap when otherwise practising medicine.

He puts the battery away then, back in the pocket that it was in. He joins Wuxian, brushing his coat out of the way as he sits.

"How many people have taken what you gave 'em and stabbed ya in the back? You get invaded more than once?"

It's not incredulous or doubtful, it's a very real question because this fear is pretty strong and pretty specific. It sounds as though it's happened before, and if it has happened before, that's got him wondering if there were other islands, or worlds that would invade, or something else.

"And would you want us bringin' any of your other people what have been actin' unusually?"

"Acceptable," Ansha speaks of the medical deference, then waits for Yondu to speak; answering the last first.

"Take them to the shelter if it's closer, then bring them here when it is safe - our people will work with you to coordinate efforts. They will be restrained and taken care of there - it will be secured, and Enshala can move her attentions where the rest of the shroud stays. That will work better for your people." A show of consideration, for their presence and own disadvantages.

"And as for my caution," they continue, following a beat, "that has little to do with any previous people, but the invasions of our own life. The Red Storms, always coming from the sky; its despair different, but the result always the same. Is kindness without exchange so normal from the lands your people come from, that you wouldn't question intentions? In the middle of disaster - asking for knowledge, promising help, asking nothing in return. It is unthinkable."

It is not their way. Why would it be any other's?

"We would see it as learning the ways of our people, our layouts, how we work. Your disadvantages here satisfy me for that reason, but do not mistake me." She looks at them both firmly.

"I think for my people, I take no pleasure in it. If any of your people are truly suffering being here, then we can work on aid."

Another nod, Wei Wuxian an active listener to the direction given. It makes for simpler communication, something he can give and direct people toward. How to help those who will attack, not because they wish harm, but have been brought to a place where their mind fools them into believing it's needed.

He knows a thing or two about needing to get someone to step back down from that ledge. One they did not seek themselves.

"In my home, those of us with abilities have the responsibility to use them wisely, to assist others. We can and will accept trade in turn, but to expect it... I help very poor people suffering things they have no ability to face. Offering me a place to rest is sometimes the most they can afford, and I accept it gladly." He hikes his shoulders up, a shrug of a kind. "But I can afford to live that way, as I live on the road. I could only ever want for food and shelter. Where the sects are built, they likewise build a long term system of give and take with those they protect. For better and worse, we are travelers and outsiders here. We'll pass again, so I apologise, my mentality unfortunately reflects on a... path I'd been walking before I'd been here."

One where he had no place, and small demands, and demons and ghosts to make up for. Still, he cups his hands again and bows his head in gratitude.

"There are a few. People who are made of energies, in such a way that they survive by interfacing with the ones of the world around them. Here, it causes difficulties." His hands settle back into his lap. "For the rest of us, we manage. Not perfectly," a sideways sort of self-aware smile, "But not to injury to us or those around us."

"I'd heard it had happened to some other worlds or craft, a long time ago. If it was somethin' you feared, it was worth askin' about." After all, if they were a void-connected world, there was no rule saying that someone hadn't come through. Someone of a more piratical or more dominating nature. But if it wasn't, it wasn't, and not worth asking about.

But he lets it go.

"Look, y'all might be right to be suspicious, but if I didn't meet at least one soul that thought with a good heart and no reason to it I wouldn't even be free. I know most of the people with us are that kinda selfless."

And Yondu wants to look out for them, mostly. "Greed bites you in the ass." Too much of it anyway. A little is fine, just enough to drive you. "I don't want nothin' besides the crew's safety. Especially the ones what can't defend themselves." Even less than usual at the moment. He looks over at Wuxian.

He can't speak for their magical crew. He just knows that they're having trouble in a way that he's unable to completely grasp.

Edited (losing my damn headachey mind) 2021-09-22 06:15 (UTC)

"And too much selflessness can be as dire as greed. Sometimes, you must be the one to tell a people what they need when they won't think for themselves."

She tips her head to a side. "We will discuss what additional goods can be given at a later point, once a worth can be calculated. For now," Asha continues, "Any of your people with difficulties - bring the worst of them straight here. I am helping Enshala - a healer and sage. We can offer no quick solutions, but we are investigating the effects of this Red Storm, and what it brings. If something in the air affects your people too, we will try and read their patterns. However, the fact you people can exist without our protections shows that you have an ability better to fight off the intrusion to the mind than we do."

Asha glances to her mortar, a long finger tapping its edge. "We may have some medicines that help with some of the side effects with us, but it will be experimental. Tell us-" she looks back to them both. "What symptoms do your people suffer?"

Wei Wuxian described the symptoms he'd seen or heard of from the Voidtreckers thus far, in their first two days or so. He notes when he knows more, or has only a very general understanding of the effect, while indicating energy-based individuals have the hardest time. He wryly notes this is perhaps not a surprise, before glancing to Yondu, for anything more he's seen or heard that Wei Wuxian has not.

Yondu mostly nods along, verifying what Wuxian said. Adds in specifics like, "Raven can't use her abilities to fly."

But then he gets up and goes to get a wayward sprig of blue grass, and brings it back to demonstrate his own. They're not great on a good day, but he at least had some idea of what he was doing now on the train with all the practice. In front of the Sali, he just makes it grow uncomfortable lumps and little unruly bits to curl off of it.

"It's about like that. Just real wrong. I was just tryin' to make it grow longer."

He holds the mess in his hand with a shrug.

Wings of Wonder: NPC Interactions and Investigations

wei wuxian waves gently in the distance

we reversed order because it was better for him to go first

no problem!

Re: no problem!

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watch me cheat on this one

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