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middleofsomewhere2021-09-16 05:59 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in middleofsomewhere2021-09-16 05:59 am
Wings of Wonder: Ongoing
"We do not apologise for acting to protect our own. But Hemla has given you their trust, and we will pay back on the debt of any harm given.You say you are here to help - then do. We will lend out resources needed, but expect to see results. Help at the farm, help us investigate - help in whatever way your talents provide.
'Give, get back' -- this is the way of our people. Every person has a purpose, a place, a skill. In return, speak to us your cost.
If you truly have the power to help, then you will be respected. We would expect the same rules to be applied to us."
Despite rough beginnings, relations between the Voidtreckers and the sali people are neutral. They do not fully trust the Voidtreckers, will not allow mindless entry into the East village (Nossofh as they call it -- 'Home'), and visits inside the commune building in the South will be limited. However, appointments with the sage can be made for those who have some skill with crystals, magics, and energies. Those who have spoken with the Forever One on the arrival island may also be granted access, if they wish to speak.
They will have tasks for the Voidtreckers to do, jobs that are necessary. Sali will be doing the same, and will be working within the same spaces at them. They will not stop Voidtreckers from setting up camps and give permission for them to settle on the centre island, under Helma's - the Forever One - protection.
While there may be some tensions, the sali will not attack the Voidtreckers. But now, plans must be made how to proceed, as the skies from the south bleed red...
WINGS OF WONDER: ONGOING
A TL;DR notes version of event/prompts: (click to show)
EVENT BASICS:
- Contact with the sali has been made, and relations have come out neutral. The North and East bridges have been fixed by Voidtreckers, with materials sent to the South too by them.
Ongoing runs through N8 to N11, when the finale also starts. The following is a TL;DR for what will be going on at the islands, at the time.
NORTH: Fixing the aircraft found on top of the mountain, finding missing sali in the woods, dead and alive. Helping to transport goods to the aircraft so it can be fixed, and also spruced up/modified. Also still good for fighting characters.
EAST: This is where you send characters who would want to work on designs, magical crafting and so forth. They won't be in close contact with the rest of the Voidtreckers, but is good for nerds. Voidtreckers who help here will be allowed to ride mounts to the central island if they leave, as the sali recognise they will be too exhausted otherwise. And so you guys can still have threads with other people.
SOUTH: Birds will be mainly coming from this direction, so fighters can still do patrols. Mainly needs those willing to do labour, rear animals, skin dead animals and so forth. Characters can also get involved with repairing clothes, washing and cleaning, if they can't last long doing land work.
WEST: The Reds that went this way will have found out that going through the interior or around will not get them far, and more birds showing up makes the area more dangerous. On N8, there is an operation shared with the Voidtreckers that they are doing a mass transport of goods from the West, to take North. Help fighting off the birds they attract is needed. From then on, it's better advised to stick to the other islands. Reds who like to just fight will be good in the South as patrol.
WORK TO DO. There is much to be done. Buildings need to be fixed, places need restored after the storms. But more than that the general needs of life don't stop. Farms need tending, animals need caring for. There are jobs for anyone willing to work.
The different islands need the following:
NORTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to labour and repair, and those willing to search are needed.
EAST ISLAND: Those with experience in magic and energy, crafting (making designs, modifying; blueprinting is involved) are needed.
SOUTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to help out with farm work, meat skinning, clearing up the surrounding farm area. Also those who can push back the birds.
WEST ISLAND: Fighters, during N8. There is help needed to protect the sali as they transfer materials and the Forever One stationed there, and to rebuild the bridge. Otherwise, the island will be deserted while plans are made by N9.
CENTRAL/ARRIVAL ISLAND: There isn't much that's needed but for birds to be taken down who might hover over, or get attracted by activity. Those who can supply Hemla with energy are appreciated. The sali here will act as communicators to other sali for Voidtreckers who don't want to make long journeys.
Voidtreckers should decide what will be a better use of their skills, and move accordingly. While faster methods may be found over time, initially, using those who can flight and walking are the only options. The North and East bridges have been patched up, and the South Island has materials for the bridge. West's bridge will be fixed by morning of N8.
The different islands need the following:
NORTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to labour and repair, and those willing to search are needed.
EAST ISLAND: Those with experience in magic and energy, crafting (making designs, modifying; blueprinting is involved) are needed.
SOUTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to help out with farm work, meat skinning, clearing up the surrounding farm area. Also those who can push back the birds.
WEST ISLAND: Fighters, during N8. There is help needed to protect the sali as they transfer materials and the Forever One stationed there, and to rebuild the bridge. Otherwise, the island will be deserted while plans are made by N9.
CENTRAL/ARRIVAL ISLAND: There isn't much that's needed but for birds to be taken down who might hover over, or get attracted by activity. Those who can supply Hemla with energy are appreciated. The sali here will act as communicators to other sali for Voidtreckers who don't want to make long journeys.
Voidtreckers should decide what will be a better use of their skills, and move accordingly. While faster methods may be found over time, initially, using those who can flight and walking are the only options. The North and East bridges have been patched up, and the South Island has materials for the bridge. West's bridge will be fixed by morning of N8.
ON ARRIVAL ISLAND. Five sali will come on N7 to fix up the broken buildings here, using the cuttings of the long grass, and drying them out with their own talents. They will accept help in doing this, and will offer to show a few Voidtreckers what to do, but will expect them to fix up the rest themselves, unless they offer services for help. A few of the buildings may make a good resting point, with an enclosure to keep off the wind and a cooking hole to sit around, but Voidtreckers will find their attentions split between the islands. Still, the centre island is only of important as a crossing point, and for the Forever One that stays there.There will not be too much activity here over the next few days. Voidtreckers are welcomed to camp here, and sali will also come through here, helping to move the leftover overgrowth, moving through the two areas. The South and West bridges still need fixing (while the East and North bridges have been taken care of).
FOREVER ONE: HEMLA. Two sali stay after the rebuilding on N7, to take care and help Hemla. Hemla is distracted, attempting to work on the energy problem for Voidtreckers, and keep the island safe. But the Forever One will take time for anyone who wishes to speak to them, and will accept help and energy. By the morning of N8, they will have a request. The sali will explain it to any Voidtreckers who come through the island, holding out clear white crystal stones. Hemla is attempting to harmonise their energy and the world's, at least with a middleman in the form of stone. They warn there will be possible side-effects, and ask Voidtreckers to only take one at a time, and to bring it back later.
Through days N8-10, these crystals will have a variety of effects, lessening over time. Those with magical skills/who use energy are asked to take one. They will need to supply Hemla some power, and then after carry it on them. The possible side-effects are:- Dizziness
They don't last more than a day but it might be best they find a buddy to watch over them whilst it does.
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Weakness
EAST VILLAGE/NOSSOFH. It is still a treck to reach the East Village, especially for those who don't have any way to fly or cover large distances; and for those that do, they will arrive exhausted.
The village is still very wary of the newcomers, and those that arrive are stopped and questioned. Those with legitimate business are allowed in and as the days go on more individual sali will be willing to exchange information or help. There are sali who will roam out with Voidtreckers to fight the birds, and those wishing to patrol the East Island will be told to help in the North or South - the sali of the island can cover the vital areas.
The two main areas of interest within the village are:
( SAGE'S HOUSE ) The invitation to help the energy weavers comes during the call on the SCAs on the morning of N8. Within the village is the sage's house, the largest building that sits in the centre, legs supporting where it has be built out over the hill. Voidtreckers are welcomed here if they ask, and those wishing to learn means of purifying the infected sali, and to help with their crystal research are best suited to come this way.
Those needed: magical experts, those strong of mind, volunteers with energy.
They will work amongst the sages, the sages in training, and the Forever Ones. In truth, these people are all one and the same, and Voidtreckers that come here will figure out quick. The Forever Ones sit, completely stone, while the sages are in various states, with limbs crystallising. They rarely speak, though the less-formed may do so with the Voidtreckers if inclined. However, those training are the ones that provide the needs of the more experienced, as well as speaking.
Working here will be difficult, exhausting on the mind and body. The sages-in-training will communicate and explain, but much of the work is done through telepathy, and crystal work - tools that will be difficult on the Voidtreckers. But it is good for the Voidtreckers to be here, so that their reactions to the crystals can be documented, as well as a way to keep them safe during their stay, and also their companions.
( CRAFTING SMITHIES ) While the Sage House works on energy and modifying crystals, for those with experience building, designing, modifying, they will find their talents more useful in supporting the creation of prototype weapons that the salis have planned.
A request for help in this will come on the third day (N8), through the hacked SCA channel. Anyone who believes they can help make efficient blueprints - and even make them better - are asked to come on down, and those with experience crafting. The plan is to make an equivalent of air cannons and air megaphones, using a mix of air and power gems. There is sure to be a lot of backfires, especially for the Voidtreckers. The sali will also be taking crystals adjusted by the sages that will hopefully allow the Voidtreckers to use the weapons being made too.
Suggestions from the Voidtreckers will be listened to, and there are other gems around, ones that can be made for specific functions.
The village is still very wary of the newcomers, and those that arrive are stopped and questioned. Those with legitimate business are allowed in and as the days go on more individual sali will be willing to exchange information or help. There are sali who will roam out with Voidtreckers to fight the birds, and those wishing to patrol the East Island will be told to help in the North or South - the sali of the island can cover the vital areas.
The two main areas of interest within the village are:
( SAGE'S HOUSE ) The invitation to help the energy weavers comes during the call on the SCAs on the morning of N8. Within the village is the sage's house, the largest building that sits in the centre, legs supporting where it has be built out over the hill. Voidtreckers are welcomed here if they ask, and those wishing to learn means of purifying the infected sali, and to help with their crystal research are best suited to come this way. Those needed: magical experts, those strong of mind, volunteers with energy.
They will work amongst the sages, the sages in training, and the Forever Ones. In truth, these people are all one and the same, and Voidtreckers that come here will figure out quick. The Forever Ones sit, completely stone, while the sages are in various states, with limbs crystallising. They rarely speak, though the less-formed may do so with the Voidtreckers if inclined. However, those training are the ones that provide the needs of the more experienced, as well as speaking.
Working here will be difficult, exhausting on the mind and body. The sages-in-training will communicate and explain, but much of the work is done through telepathy, and crystal work - tools that will be difficult on the Voidtreckers. But it is good for the Voidtreckers to be here, so that their reactions to the crystals can be documented, as well as a way to keep them safe during their stay, and also their companions.
( CRAFTING SMITHIES ) While the Sage House works on energy and modifying crystals, for those with experience building, designing, modifying, they will find their talents more useful in supporting the creation of prototype weapons that the salis have planned.A request for help in this will come on the third day (N8), through the hacked SCA channel. Anyone who believes they can help make efficient blueprints - and even make them better - are asked to come on down, and those with experience crafting. The plan is to make an equivalent of air cannons and air megaphones, using a mix of air and power gems. There is sure to be a lot of backfires, especially for the Voidtreckers. The sali will also be taking crystals adjusted by the sages that will hopefully allow the Voidtreckers to use the weapons being made too.
Suggestions from the Voidtreckers will be listened to, and there are other gems around, ones that can be made for specific functions.
STATE OF THE FARM. The South Island is a mess. There is a large clean-up operation in place and Voidtreckers that can help clean up and haul debris will be welcomed.
As well as the storm damage there are quite a lot of animals that have been killed, even by the storm directly or as a result of them turning and attacking the sali or Voidtreckers. The Sali are not ones to waste resources and so there is a drive to skin the animals and preserve the meat as quickly as possible. Any Voidtreckers who are willing to help will be paid in portions of meat.
FARMING, GARDENING. Here nature seems to have won the war. Many of the buildings look like they have been left to the wild for decades and not just a week or so. Buildings need fixed, plants need cut back and brought under control. Weeds need to be removed so that the plants for food can be allowed to thrive. Gardening at its most extreme, the first step is to identify which plants should be growing here and which ones are results of the Red Storm.
Many of the animals have escaped because plants burst open fences and gates. Rounding them up is one job, making sure there are enclosures to keep them is another. It's going to be a lot of hard work and of course the farm animals are not the only creatures out here, wild creatures will attack both the farm animals and any one else.
It's hard labour, but the sali will give to those that work with them. They will locate drinks safe for them, share the abundance of food, so they can see what agrees with their diets. They will answer questions about their people and their world during world and during breaks; and as the days go on, they will invite them inside to eat, or will join them at their own camp, bringing meals.
UNWANTED VISITORS. The birds still attack. Every day and night patrols are needed to fend off the constant threat of bird attack. The Sali have fighters stationed here too but there aren't enough, they need help.
The Forever One Enshala works to keep the red shroud from getting too close to the farmland but her power is still weak and so there are gaps in her defences. It is easy to get overwhelmed since the birds often flock together, concentrating on weak points and bringing the storm with them.
Keeping the storm away from the farm is vital, the Sali will share food and resources with any who join them in this constant vigilance.
FOREVER ONE: ENSHALA. There is a Forever One here, but unlike central island's welcoming Hemla, they will only speak to Voidtreckers depending on the subject. They will accept donations in energy, but otherwise they work hard to try and keep the island safe, to push back the red storms they return again through the days, birds carrying it on their wings.
As well as the storm damage there are quite a lot of animals that have been killed, even by the storm directly or as a result of them turning and attacking the sali or Voidtreckers. The Sali are not ones to waste resources and so there is a drive to skin the animals and preserve the meat as quickly as possible. Any Voidtreckers who are willing to help will be paid in portions of meat.
FARMING, GARDENING. Here nature seems to have won the war. Many of the buildings look like they have been left to the wild for decades and not just a week or so. Buildings need fixed, plants need cut back and brought under control. Weeds need to be removed so that the plants for food can be allowed to thrive. Gardening at its most extreme, the first step is to identify which plants should be growing here and which ones are results of the Red Storm.Many of the animals have escaped because plants burst open fences and gates. Rounding them up is one job, making sure there are enclosures to keep them is another. It's going to be a lot of hard work and of course the farm animals are not the only creatures out here, wild creatures will attack both the farm animals and any one else.
It's hard labour, but the sali will give to those that work with them. They will locate drinks safe for them, share the abundance of food, so they can see what agrees with their diets. They will answer questions about their people and their world during world and during breaks; and as the days go on, they will invite them inside to eat, or will join them at their own camp, bringing meals.
UNWANTED VISITORS. The birds still attack. Every day and night patrols are needed to fend off the constant threat of bird attack. The Sali have fighters stationed here too but there aren't enough, they need help.The Forever One Enshala works to keep the red shroud from getting too close to the farmland but her power is still weak and so there are gaps in her defences. It is easy to get overwhelmed since the birds often flock together, concentrating on weak points and bringing the storm with them.
Keeping the storm away from the farm is vital, the Sali will share food and resources with any who join them in this constant vigilance.
FOREVER ONE: ENSHALA. There is a Forever One here, but unlike central island's welcoming Hemla, they will only speak to Voidtreckers depending on the subject. They will accept donations in energy, but otherwise they work hard to try and keep the island safe, to push back the red storms they return again through the days, birds carrying it on their wings. 
NORTHERN. The sali will explain an expedition was taking place, to investigate the North Island in general. The group must have been assaulted by the red storm - the birds - while travelling, and crashed, scattering the survivors with the infliction of red storm.
MISSING. Help is needed to locate the still-missing sali, both dead and alive. Any Voidtreckers who offer to help will be asked their methods- the Sali want no harm coming to their own. They will hand out blow darts with sleeping powder laced bark stems and they will be asked to either bind or leave behind any powerful weapons. Especially powerful weapons that the Sali don't recognise like guns.
The sali will set up a small camp by the woods, where sali can be brought, dead or alive, to be transported by cart. There will also be one above on the mountain, trained sali using air-crystals to push back the lingering red storm from the site.
AIRSHIP, SUPPLIES. Hearing that the ship is still on ground, the Sali are keen to fix it up. Its state is no problem, and they believe it's the answer to meeting the birds head on. Initially on N7 to halfway through N8, materials will need to be transported by climbing gear and going through the forest.
However, they will then have access to carrier airships. With a crate/carrying space on the bottom, and a space on top for two people two sit, only so much material can be lifted up at a time. Voidtreckers will not be able to immediately, but by N9, and by being a familiar face, those who want to fly the ships can*. These can also be used to transport anyone from the upper mountain, to down.
Once the metal and materials are at the air ship, it's going to be all hands on deck to fix it together.
(* some of the mini-ships have a prototype attached that allows the air gems to be activated by the sound of music. singing, guitar playing - there's even an alboka and taepyeongso-esque instruments already attached on some, acting as a steeing wheel. )
MISSING. Help is needed to locate the still-missing sali, both dead and alive. Any Voidtreckers who offer to help will be asked their methods- the Sali want no harm coming to their own. They will hand out blow darts with sleeping powder laced bark stems and they will be asked to either bind or leave behind any powerful weapons. Especially powerful weapons that the Sali don't recognise like guns. The sali will set up a small camp by the woods, where sali can be brought, dead or alive, to be transported by cart. There will also be one above on the mountain, trained sali using air-crystals to push back the lingering red storm from the site.
AIRSHIP, SUPPLIES. Hearing that the ship is still on ground, the Sali are keen to fix it up. Its state is no problem, and they believe it's the answer to meeting the birds head on. Initially on N7 to halfway through N8, materials will need to be transported by climbing gear and going through the forest. However, they will then have access to carrier airships. With a crate/carrying space on the bottom, and a space on top for two people two sit, only so much material can be lifted up at a time. Voidtreckers will not be able to immediately, but by N9, and by being a familiar face, those who want to fly the ships can*. These can also be used to transport anyone from the upper mountain, to down.
Once the metal and materials are at the air ship, it's going to be all hands on deck to fix it together.
(* some of the mini-ships have a prototype attached that allows the air gems to be activated by the sound of music. singing, guitar playing - there's even an alboka and taepyeongso-esque instruments already attached on some, acting as a steeing wheel. )
WESTERN. The Reds find that their attempts to infiltrate the mountain from the inside will not go far, with dead ends and the red shroud finding ways in. More birds come from the south and even west, spreading the shroud farther around the mountain.
Another method must be found. Fortunately however, it will not be an entirely useless endeavour, as help is needed - one that promises a fight.
TRANSPORT. The sali in the enclosure and those who come from the village to help need aid bringing supplies from the enclosures, and also extra of the metal trees (from the White Forest), repair equipment, to take to the North island.
This island is still circled by birds, so those gathering and packing supplies onto transport air carriers - small boxy airships with a lower crate area and an upper navigating section, no bigger than cars - will need fighters to take down the birds as they follow after them.
Bow and arrows can be exchanged, as the salis know how to operate the air carriers. They are also transporting the Forever One of the West Island, so the cargo is fairly precious to the sali.
Another method must be found. Fortunately however, it will not be an entirely useless endeavour, as help is needed - one that promises a fight.
TRANSPORT. The sali in the enclosure and those who come from the village to help need aid bringing supplies from the enclosures, and also extra of the metal trees (from the White Forest), repair equipment, to take to the North island.This island is still circled by birds, so those gathering and packing supplies onto transport air carriers - small boxy airships with a lower crate area and an upper navigating section, no bigger than cars - will need fighters to take down the birds as they follow after them.
Bow and arrows can be exchanged, as the salis know how to operate the air carriers. They are also transporting the Forever One of the West Island, so the cargo is fairly precious to the sali.
Ongoing starts on N8 and goes until around morning-noon of N11. Finale goes up on 21st September (later N11-N12).
This log gives more of an indication of what's going on, to let you play out going ons, or imply them in the background and focus on what you want for Ongoing. Consider putting in Island locations than team colours into headers.
Remember to let us know anything your character does/might want do under shennanigans! Any conversations you want to handwave with the sali or Forever Ones can also be brought up here for discussion. Actual threads can be requested here.
no subject
She'd rarely felt more helpless and she hated to leave him there, but she knew she'd be in the way and a distraction, so she fled into the trees and prayed as she ran. Should she climb a tree? Find something to throw at the bear? When she'd gone some distance, she turned and looked over her shoulder tos ee how her naked dragon was doing.
no subject
Like the leaves at his back when he leapt off the tree the bear tried slamming him into, flipping through the air to land in a crouch on another tree limb, still muttering something to himself. Mostly along the lines of what freaking bear, what was she doing, why are there tree bears because of all the things he'd been told of large aggressive animals so far, tree bears wasn't one of them.
But the bear was onto him now, and proved that climbing trees would be a poor choice of escape as it leapt up and sank its claws into the one Jingyi perched in, looking to haul itself higher. Which worked for Jingyi, really, because with the bear there, he could jump down and end up... redirecting, because the bear was wise enough to get it's face out of the way of a person with a sword, and he coasted off the fur of its craggy back and hitting the ground and running. Not far, as he was luring the bear the opposite direction to the young woman who'd been targeted, but how impressed he was by the situation is continuing to take a sharp nosedive.
Particularly as the bear proved to be fast, shaking the earth behind him as it ran after him, and Jingyi rolled his eyes before he stopped, whipped around, and dropped to the ground to roll up underneath the bear, bringing his sword up to carve into the creature's stomach.
Nell might have heard quite a few angry, loud, pained, protesting bear noises by now.
no subject
"Lan Jingyi?" She didn't want to distract him at a fateful - or fatal - moment, but she also wanted to make sure he was okay.
no subject
A roar followed, bellowing in nature, and he shifted back out of kicking range and leapt to the top of the bear again, digging his toes in for purchase. One upside to no boots, he supposed, but he'd rather have them if he was honest.
He repeated the process of leaping toward a tree, using a lower branch to balance on as the bear rounded and barreled toward him. If he timed this correctly...
no subject
"I better not have gotten myself all totally lost now," she muttered between gasps for air. "S'all I need is to be stuck here. Probly get eaten by one of them birds."
no subject
When the bear went down, he had to pull his sword out with a sound of disgust, finally pausing to summon out of the bag attached to one horn by his SCA band. The hand towel he'd been using for awkward just in case moments appeared, allowing him to clean off his sword and resheath it, simply opting to shift back dragon after.
Meaning Nell might notice a darker shadow overhead when he caught up with her, using her scent trail to figure out her general location. By now he was tired of playing accidental tracking hound, and the forest still grew thick, but with time to peer down, he could angle himself down without wiping through trunks thicker than he was. It did mean he was, more or less, hanging at a vertical with his forepaws juuust touching the ground, his neck in a tight s-curve, and no real big indication of his injury from fighting the bear. In dragon form, the scales hid more than they showed.
"Please tell me you're ready to head back to one of the main camps."
no subject
In a normal situation she'd be able to have a sense of it through the land, but here nothing worked right.
"Thank you for saving me. Truly, I..." and she couldn't even speak as the enormity of it all washed over her. All she could do was shake her head and rest a shaking hand against the closest tree.
no subject
"Should have been out with at least one friend," he said, not because he thought that was the rest of her sentence, but because it was basic survival for anyone, including himself. He who turned into a dragon still would not willingly wander off without someone with him. He hardly had eyes in the back of his head.
(He wondered if anyone on train did. It seemed like the kind of weird thing someone could have going on.)
"Either way, come on, I'll fly you back to camp. There's bound to be something warm to drink there, you should get some of it."
Food, or food adjacent things, solved most ills in his experience when it came to shocks to the soul. Perhaps even a blanket was in order, though someone in camp would have to provide as much.
no subject
"I didn't realize I'd come so far," she said quietly. "I was looking for more - it doesn't matter. Yes, please. I'd like to go back. Thank you. I'll make sure you'un get some food. We've made enough of it."
She was a strong widow woman and she pulled the cloak of that strength, and that of the five years of being completely alone while the church men hounded and threatened her, around her as she straightened her back and met his eyes calmly without a tremble in body or voice. "I thank you kindly."
no subject
"You have a whole team, and a whole train's worth of people besides. You felt something important was out here, would they all turn down coming with?"
The question was rhetorical, not calling into the light whatever she was doing, as he assumed she had a task and her reasons, but more that first assertation, left unfinished. I don't have a-
Even if one didn't feel they had a particular friend, they did have a team. Someone like him, who was trained since infancy to work with one, and to operate alone as needed, couldn't see why it would be easier to wander off alone instead of pull someone else along for whatever task was at hand.
no subject
She'd already said it had been unintentional - not that she'd have pulled someone with her to grab a few extra of the plants she'd been gathering, but if she'd realized how far afield she was getting she'd have headed back quickly.
"I've never worked with a team before, but I won't leave the area I'm assigned to again."
no subject
"You don't have any reason to apologise to me, and who cares if you want to leave an assigned area? I'm saying, you aren't alone. You can keep doing for yourself and not doing without in telling someone where you are. Or what you want to do! No one wants to learn you went missing just to find you in the luggage carriage... Though geez, what kind of place were you that people ignored what you wanted to get done?"
She could possibly feel his full body shiver as they hit above the tree line, Jingyi circling just high enough to get a glimpse of what he considers familiar at this level. He flew slow, compared to how he'd been on Aquafir, most of it having to do with again being unable to buffer the wind, and the drain it costs for his energy. Instead, he simply made himself run hot, giving off more physical heat than usual, to offer her some sort of buffer zone compensation.
Welcome to Complaining Jingyi. It was, unfortunately, part of the package.
no subject
She could take Complaining Jingyi. But she'd be cautious. In her experience men were particularly dangerous when they were disgruntled.
no subject
"You lived alone?"
Verifying that he'd understood, as he navigated his way over the treetops. By now it was more of a gusty late day soar than anything particularly adrenaline fueled. All that had been the bear and its attack, and their handling of it, such as it was.
no subject
Except for the dogs - until the church men had killed them - but it was still too hard to think about them much.
no subject
"You had an older husband and an older wife?" Presuming when they died of illness it wasn't one that struck the young at healthier ages. "My apologies for the losses."
One shouldn't congratulate a person on losing spouses, generally speaking, though he wasn't sure what was really due here. Was it good? Bad? She'd lived alone for five years since the death of both spouses, and spaced years between then. What was all this about grids, too? The language was so obscure to him in concept he simply didn't know.
CW: Warning for talk of child marriage
She shook her head, wishing she could shake the thoughts as easily. "But yes. Older. And thank you. It was hard to keep up the house and land alone. It's a hard life even when you have others to help, but I was determined."
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Childless by blood, sure, wasn't the preference, but it could be a reality, even for couples who in theory had all the right parts to carry babies in the usual ways. But one, with her age, the childless life... saving her? Couldn't that have been an adoption, too? Unless her family prior was the problem, but it seemed to him in that moment adoption simply wasn't part of anyone's thoughts. Also, why so many wives, why not more husbands?
Which was his next question.
"Couldn't they have married another husband in too?"
Instead of just finding another one, marry in an extra husband, and now there's more hands, and more tendency toward pregnancy for the women who yearned for it? Whatever, it wasn't like it had to make sense to him. It all sounded complicated, and not like her marriage was even meant as part of, who knows? Politics or love, clearly. Some degree of practicality, he supposed. If that's how saving people worked.
"Sounds like you managed it. Still... if you say it was to save you, what did that mean when you were left alone again?" He coasted around a tree, and ahead, the glimpse of light burning down at ground level through thick foliage could be seen.
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Nell's eyes widened at his suggestion and her laugh was harsh, without humor. "A woman with a second husband? Never. The men are in charge and they control all the women The elder who wanted me already had several wives and concubines, but he wanted more. Offered for me as soon as I was twelve. I told him no and just what I thought of him in church in front of God and everybody and then I ran out. Hid in the barn. John Ingram and his wife Leah found me there. She was sick and dying and because there were no children to care for her she suggested John marry someone independent and strong and young who might not mind never having kids. They offered and I accepted."
She was quiet. "Before he died, John married me legal - government legal - so he could leave me the house and the land. The church fought me for them, but I beat'em in court. So now they come after me directly. They've attacked me, trying to drag me physically back to the church, force me to marry who they say, even -" her voice choked up, "even killed my dogs. But so far I've held 'em off."
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He sounds disturbed, banking carefully once they reach the campsite. "There were some mortal empires that practised men with a wife and concubines in the past, but that idea's ridiculous these days. If a woman wants multiple husbands, it makes as much sense as a man wanting multiple wives. Is it rude to call all that stupid?"
Sounding grumpier and grumpier, he comes in for a landing, bracing with his legs.
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She had to stop and make herself take a breath. "But my sisters are still there and if I'm gone... If I stay nearby, on my land, maybe one day I can convince them to leave too."
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Cult doesn't have any particular impact, but he's scowling as much as his dragon features can manage. "They're still under the illusion that any of it is normal, aren't they? That sucks. Maybe you can learn one of the songs for clarity... if that'd help."
He wasn't sure, given he had no experience working with indoctrinated people in the kind of way she spoke of; people under mind control or poison control weren't the same thing. He supposed he counted as an indoctrinated person, but not so isolated as what she described. For all he'd understood roughly a fifth of it, he'd gotten the general idea.
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A song for clarity. Yes, that sounded good.
"I'd love to learn a song for clarity, if only to help myself see things better."
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It made his fur fluff up some using his childhood hero's courtesy name, when he personally never referred to him as such, but he was more and more figuring out how others would recognise Lan Wangji. Titles from another world had less relevance.
"Sounds like a shitty god. They should get a new one," he said, wondering if there was a lack of them. (No one had broached the concept of a singularity of god concept to him yet, as it were. Just pantheons of gods, or the belief in a wholeness of the universe not concerned with what was or wasn't particularly godlike.)
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Her eyes went wide at his next suggestion. "There's only one God," she said. "Not like we got a bunch to choose from. I prefer to think that they just don't listen right to the one we've got. They'd rather listen to their own wants instead."
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