I understand if this letter is not welcome, and should that be the case, you may disregard it, and I will accept that. I apologise for leaving abruptly during our last encounter, although despite this I have given much thought to what you said, and your offer.
It is not anything you have done. I recognize that I have far too much on my mind for you to know what it is I am thinking. I have consulted Joshua's thoughts on the matter and he is fairly confident that despite any tension, which is entirely my fault, your offer to join your crew was genuine.
Although I had remained undecided, I have to admit that he can be very persuasive when he wants to be. [ Namely Joshua said he wanted Dion to come. ]
Should the offer not be rescinded, I would like to accept.
If there's anything you wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to do so.
[Well he had two surprises in store for him upon seeing this message. First, that it was Dion to begin with. Second... Well, no, perhaps he shouldn't have been so surprised to get a long letter in text form after seeing it was from Dion. Though the contents itself are also surprising in their own right. Not welcome? An apology?
....Acceptance of his offer????
Now that he truly did not expect, and there are several moments as he just stares at the words before he chuckles.
Joshua, is it? He hadn't realized the two were such good friends. But works for him.
And because he's such an easy-going fellow, he'll respond in kind. Have a letter—if much shorter.]
Dion,
Your texts are always welcome, so never worry about it. Nor do you need to be concerned about what happened earlier — I was also a bit in the wrong, and for that I also apologize.
Regardless, I am happy to accept your acceptance. Though I suppose I should thank Joshua for this, hm?
As for what to discuss, the matter of you being in Elah might cause some complications, but given that things are still being organized, it's no matter. Eventually I'll find a more central location where all can meet and serve as another place of domicile, but that won't be a while yet. For now, just continue as you are.
Of course, if you ever hear of any news that could help us... ;)
Now if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
We shan't go back and forth with apologies, it will get us nowhere in the end, so let us end that there for the time being.
I suppose you should, it is certainly due to him that I made my decision. Not that you weren't enticing enough but I know most of you as acquaintances at best at the moment, it may have been premature. [ But Joshua, he considers a friend. ]
Of course you are correct. Do let me know when things are organized and I will come then. I don't wish to impose or cause problems unnecessarily.
Alas, I have not, although I'm not nearly so terrible. I did encounter a Corsair and helped her out of a difficult situation as I would you, unless of course you put yourself in it, in which case you may get yourself out of it.
[ He's kidding. He'd still help. ]
I haven't any questions about this at this time, not having seen the ship or having come to meet the crew, so for the time being I will be able to keep this missive on the short side.
Are you suggesting I am too loquacious for your tastes?
That does put my mind at ease somewhat, but if only because I'm uncertain how to relate to the rest of you. It is merely a new experience, nothing more, where we need not fight at the drop of a hat.
If it is any consolation, I can refrain from adding more for the moment.
Second, no need to think too hard about it. But if you want to know, the ones joining us are Kaveh, Yuffie, and Sorey. Not sure if you met any of them, but you may be able to get along with Kaveh and Sorey.
While I appreciate your literary criticism, it isn't terribly important is it? I suppose if you are not interested in receiving my missives, I could take that into account. [ In other words: just deal with it ]
I've had the opportunity to meet Sorey, at least, seems like a rather pleasant fellow. We did a guard shift together. I've not had the opportunity to meet the others.
I can be very agreeable, you know, I have no intention on causing any fights.
You realize I'm just pulling you, right? [Dion. Please. But he's still amused.]
I almost feel guilty bringing such a kindhearted soul into our ranks, but I think he and Joshua would get along, as well. Both sem to enjoy researching and all.
But I have no doubt you'll get along fine with the rest, nor do I anticipate any trouble. And if you ever come across anyone who you think could use a place even if for a while, you're welcome to run it by. [ie, help scout some more paladins to their group for "assistance" in the future—]
I feel in this short time I understand your nature, yes.
Fortunately I think you are correct on both counts. I'm sure we can all get along long enough for Sorey not to be bothered too much. Joshua would probably appreciate someone to study with him.
he's not the easiest person to get along with but he is a remarkable genius. once he stops sulking about whatever is translating everything for us, he'll be interested in exploring.
and despite what he'll say about it, he's a mean hand in a fight.
well, that's a bit tricky. He doesn't really limit himself to one field or college. He's primarily a Haravatat scholar--ah, that would be semiotics--but he's excellent with elemental energy and he frequently explores old ruins. He's...well, he's not as good with machines as I am, but he's still decent.
He seeks out knowledge like plants seek sunlight. In terms of sheer understanding of the world we're from, I don't think anyone who isn't a god knows more than he does.
[Kaveh takes a moment to think about this. What else should Cid know about Alhaitham before talking to him....]
...just, despite his temper and personality, you can trust him. He hates lying and he's unnecessarily blunt with his opinions, but he's loyal, and while he never does kind things that don't also benefit him, it doesn't mean he doesn't do them. He's just weird and sideways about it.
I've known he could turn into a dragon for a while and he knew I could too, I just didn't know that meant he was an Eikon. So it kind of started as casual conversation.
He explained some. That Priming takes a toll on the body, and there's semi-Priming which does less damage, but really, anyone who uses magic drains away their life and turns people to stone. Probably just the basics.
[ "Probably." ]
He also said that if anyone was looking into how to fix it while you're in some other world and there's a possibility of finding a way to not die, it'd be you. So how can I help?
[ What can she say, she's got the sort of personality where people tell her things. First Barney, and now Dion. ]
The more people you have working on it that you can trust, the better off you'll all be, right? Something something, many hands, something, lighter load. I also kinda like my friends when they're not statues.
[ Gloreth has a statue... a very large one that stands at the center of the Kingdom brandishing a sword. It's quite a painful thing for Nimona to look at. ]
Fair enough. But the problem does come down to the fact that it's a curse based on the use of our powers, even with the tattoo. It helps, but it's only natural for us to immediately draw on our own natural reserves. Normally it only really advances should we need to use high level spells, but for those with more advanced conditions, even constant use of normal spells can take a toll.
So, while the end all solution is to not use magic at all, in a world like this that's not practical. So all that's left is figuring out some counter spell or relic that either removes that little "curse side effect" completely or seals it away somehow. Short of that, something that can slow the progress.
Okay, but what about some sort of relic that lets you draw on a different source of magic so you aren't using your own reserves? That's probably an easier stepping stone on your way to curse breaking or sealing.
I considered, but it would be a small stepping stone as we'd be just moving the what we're relying on to a relic. There is also the question if we could find one that could accommodate all of us and how much power it could hold if it's something we keep on our person.
There is still also the issue that our bodies will inherently choose to use what it's familiar with, which is our own personal reserves. Aether is a part of us just like blood and bone are.
A small stepping stone is better than not moving forward at all? Maybe there's one out there that acts like a charging station. Fills you up on something close enough to your magic so you aren't going into danger territory. One that you could keep on your ship or something.
[ If Aerith and Cloud sending troll things can possibly result in gnomes appearing in the next month, why not put it out there for some potential overwatcher in the world? ]
Like... what makes the magitech so adaptable to everyone's powers? Who's to say that you couldn't build some magitech device that does the opposite? Maybe people will donate to save a life.
[Just a slight arch of the brow before he considers it.]
Suppose there is some merit to your words. Then the question is how to devise such a thing... Though suppose that's where I come in.
[A wry grin.]
But it would help if I knew more on how the magic of this world works and if such a thing is possible, so if that's something you want to help looking into, that may be a place to start.
[ She puts her fist into the palm of her other hand and bows. ]
I am wise to the ways of the world, young'un. But I leave the tech in your hands.
I can look into it. There's that spellcaster guy who was changing things into other things. Maybe he'll let me in on some secrets after I helped him out.
You know! The guy on the Manta board this month with the spell that may or may not turn people and things into sheep. It wasn't his intent to turn people into sheep, he wanted something different.
It's a polymorph spell. That you could use on literally any target, living or not.
So if he sort of knows how to do that, then he must know at least something about magic and how it works. Right?
Aah, I avoided that one, fortunately. But not sure if that would be the right type of magic to look into.
Honestly what we'd need to know is what this magic runs on. In my world it's aether, but the energy here is different. I sit from the earth itself? The air? A product of something else? After that it would be creating a device that can pull directly from that source that we in turn can draw from.
But there would be ramifications for such a thing.
Needless to say, I used some of my money to buy fabric with, and I figured that I would make a suit, especially for you. Don't ask how I got your measurements, but it should fit you perfectly.
You can fight in it, or go on a date with it. Your choice! Maybe both, but I hope it's to your liking.
-Rin
[The suit is hanged nicely on the door for him to see and try on, if he wishes. None the less, he'll notice that the material is quite flexible, and not stuffy at all. So, if he wishes to be stylish, or go in a date, he can do both.]
[Well this is a nice surprise, and he won't waste any time in trying it on, surprised by how well fit it is. And once he does, he'll shoot Rin a text.]
You say not to ask, but now I have to know as I haven't felt anything this well tailored in quite some time.
But it's a secret! Maybe I can just tell with my naked eye.
That being said, I'm glad that it's tailored perfectly. Phew! I was a bit worried that it wouldn't fit, and it might be too loose or too tight so I'm glad I got the measurements right.
But I'm rather surprised by the quality of the materials. I've worn a few suits before, but they've never felt this loose when moving around. Is it a special type of fabric or thread?
[Her species might have something to do with it, but. You know.]
It's a special fabric that Rem gave me when I met her in the hot spring... I figured it would go to waste if I didn't use it on someone cool, and you're a pretty cool guy.
There's still some fabric left, if you need something special made.
Well, I have all your measurements written down, so no worries there. I have some fabrics left from making everyone clothes, so I'll put that on the list. Any particular style you like?
I'm not sure if these shellphones can take pictures or not. Haven't tried it yet.
We'll have to share pictures some time then. I don't really have time to take pictures back in my world, so it'll be nice to be able to take and share some, honestly.
Oh? Hit me with your project. I'll be happy to do whatever you wish of me.
That sounds like a fine idea, if you don't mind most of them being various locations.
[And, again, a certain bird, but he's obviously not going to share those. Not because they are questionable or anything, but because said bird would kill him for sharing anything of them.]
I don't mind! I need to get out of my room more and explore the land and honestly our island...
I'm familiar. I used to make a lot of special operations outfits for my husband and his crew.
If you're asking me, I'm guessing you need one, which... I'll be happy to make, but gotta ask: what kind of mission are you on that you need a diving suit?
It's not for me, actually, though I am a bit curious myself. Someone made a request as he wishes to explore the depths of the oceans and wanted a protective suit for it.
Now I'm actually not so familiar with these outside of what some basic ones I've seen around, so if you can tell me more about them and how they work, it would be appreciated.
Do I know who this person is, by chance? Is it someone from the crew?
Hm... Well, I do have some information but it's second hand. But let's save it for when I have the diving suit made, and I can go over it with you in full detail.
So you'd say you're not much for desserts, then. I see.
[She had plans on making him a birthday cake, but didn't know whether he preferred chocolate over fruit, but now those plans seem like they need to be tossed away. A dilemma, indeed.]
Well, thank you for your time.
[Surely, this cannot be the strangest conversation he's ever had, so hopefully she didn't leave him too suspicious.]
This venerable one requests that you meet him in private to use lighting on him again. It is not a test as it was the last time nor is it for purposes of sparring, so it will not break the pact this venerable one has with Benedicta. However, it is important and it must remain secret.
When is the soonest you can meet this venerable one on Avaleci, in the sulfer fields?
[Daqiang is immensely relieved that Cid didn't try to ask about before agreeing to meet. Unfortunately, he knew Cid well enough by now to know that he wouldn't simply strike them and then ask what it was about: he'd have to be convinced to do it if he thought there was any sort of risk.]
This venerable one will be waiting.
----
[And he was. 'Daqiang' was in the sulfur fields, just far enough in that it would not be easy to see them from the hot springs, but not so far that the heat was overwhelming for Orchid's weaker body. Next to 'Daqiang' was a young woman who stood about half a foot shorter than the Moon Supreme and was dressed in an airy and pale dress that rippled with layered pastels that ruffled prettily in the winds. She stood as stiffly as Daqiang usually did and was about as expressive, too.
When she spotted Cid, before he managed to reach the two, she turned an leaned in to murmur to 'Daqiang',: "Call him Cid. He prefers that." then stepped forward to put herself between Cid and the Moon Supreme. Almost like she was... trying to protect him?]
[ 'Daqiang' nods once when the murmured information is given. Nor does 'Daqiang' protest when she steps in front to protect him, though he does reach out to gently take her arm. ]
Thank you for coming to meet us, Cid.
[They could keep up the act, but if Cid is to help them, then he must understand what has happened in the first place. If Daqiang trusts him enough to have him do this in the first place, then how could anyone else do any different? ]
[He may not have asked it then, but he is certainly going to be asking questions. He only decided to hold off on it until he was there in person as he presumes Daqiang wouldn't just ask him to strike him willy nilly.
But when approaches the meeting point...more questions beyond that initial request arise, and his steps slow as he tries to...process. There is a young woman who is reminding him more of Daqiang, and it seemed strange that she would step in front of the taller man like that. And then even stranger when he hears Daqiang speak and...
....take...her...arm...?
Something definitely doesn't feel right, and he doesn't need his Eikon to give him that bit of intuition as he glances from one and then the other.]
[The woman straightens her shoulders, but refrains from folding her arm behind her back because 'Daqiang' was holding it. She actually shifted slightly to make the hold easier for him. So he wouldn't have to hunch his shoulders quite as much. Daqiang didn't hunch.
She lifted her chin a bit so she could attempt to look down her nose at Cid - he was shorter than the other man currently, so it was not quite as easy to do as when they were of equal stature.]
We have been affected by a curse. It can only be reversed through a kiss.
[Though the voice was feminine, the tone was that familiar even and somewhat bored tone that Daqiang had most of the time.]
We must be struck by lighting during the kiss.
[Keep it as simple as possible. No need to go into the details that the curse was something not of this world. He trusted Cid to strike them, but he'd still prefer if Cid didn't realize this wasn't a one-off 'cure']
[ That slight shift to make it easier is noticed, even if it's to ensure that Daqiang doesn't hunch. It's appreciated all the same. This Cid person seems to be on friendly enough terms with Daqiang to know that something is wrong just from their body language and how 'Daqiang' spoke.
Normally, she would bow to Cid in greeting, but is aware that a certain someone wouldn't like that. So there is a simple nod of 'Daqiang's' head with a smile. ]
You can call me Orchid. It's a pleasure to meet you, though I would have preferred to do it in my own body.
[ She wants to make it clear that she is not being forced into this, but wants to swap back. ]
Again, Cid will just darting his eyes from "Daqiang" to "Orchid" and back again as he...]
...A curse.
[...slowly repeats the words while trying to...once again process this. On the one hand, he doesn't expect Daqiang to lie and...all right, part of it is seeing "Orchid" presenting Daqiang's original body in such a strange way, subtle as it is. It's clear she's trying to keep him to appear "normal" and...really it's the words. With that voice.
...]
And I have to strike you both with my lightning...while you're kissing.
[THIS IS SO BIZARRE, HE'S SORRY.]
I'll do it, you'll just have to forgive me if I find this quite absurd. [A small huff of laughter.] But suppose there are worse curses to share with someone.
[From what Daqiang understands of mortals (through the novels he's read), if this were the sort of curse that some magician were to cast - possibly to teach two people what it's like to live a life very different than their own - having to survive a lightning strike while kissing just to get their own body back would be cruel. Mortals could survive lighting strikes, but it was still a much bigger risk to their lives. For the two immortals standing in front of Cid, it wasn't so much cruel as it was an inconvenience. An incredibly problematic one, of course, but not potentially life threatening in and of itself. Daqiang supposes Cid must find that inconvenience humorous.
Cid found many things humorous that Daqiang did not understand.
With a huff, Daqiang turned his head and frowned. Took a breath.]
Fine. This venerable one will forgive you.
[Then he turned further and stepped back from Orchid, breaking her loose hold on his arm so they could face each other. He glanced up at her and then down. Despite her agreeing to this, he wasn't sure if she'd resist his advance or not. Even when wanting to change back, the only time she'd allowed them to do so without fighting him previously, was when she thought he was at risk of being killed by Changheng and that other man from Shuiyuntian. And even then, she had been the one to initiate.
Given those facts, he decided lift his chin, look back up at her in expectation, and wait. She couldn't say he attempted to force anything or fight him if she was the one who initiated the kiss, right? Right.]
[ While Orchid is not pretending to be Daqiang at this moment, she will spare him any of her usual antics that she does with her facial expressions in front of Cid. Except smiling, she will still smile with his face. Mostly because she can't help it, though smiling does make him look more friendly.
She will have to admit that it is amusing, and sometimes very useful - but right now, all she wants is to be back in her own body. That someone here can control the lightning to help them is much better than having to wait for a storm. ]
Thank you for agreeing to help us. I will find a way to repay you.
[ Make Cid some flower cakes or a meal. Help his flowers grow faster and healthier. Something thank him for his help today.
Then Daqiang is stepping away to turn towards her, she allows her hand to fall away. Orchid stares at him as he looks at her in such a way - expecting her to make the first move and initiate the kiss. There are many things about this that are awkward. Being in his body is one of them, having someone to witness it being another. The others all have to do with the fact that his memory does not match hers.
Still, it must be done so she takes that expectant face between her palms and leans down to kiss him. ]
He just smiles in return to Orchid's words as he waits for them to get to it...still feeling a bit. Awkward. It's one thing to just happen to see someone kissing, private or public, it's quite another when he has to wait. Perhaps there's some levity as he wonders if Daqiang knows how, yet there does seem to be some familiarity to this... ...And who is this girl, anyway? When did she show up? How does he know him?
Very juicy questions that he can't wait to ask, but for now it's the kiss and—ah, there they go.
Perhaps he should have asked if Orchid is an immortal or human, but it doesn't matter. Cid has masterful control over his element, and as destructive and deadly as it can be, he knows how lessen the force. So once they initiative the kiss...
...
He may give them a moment or two just in case there's something going on between time, but not too long where it would be too awkward if not. Might as well make the kiss counts as good and proper, eh? After that, there's just the snap of his fingers and a single lightning bolt rushes down from the sky, striking the two of them. It will certainly be felt, a strong, tingling, electrifying rush along with a noticeable heat, but it will not burn nor will they suffer much physical harm. Perhaps a few singed places here and there and a bit of smoke on their hair, but nothing worse for wear. It also will also be over in an instant so they won't have to wait too long.]
[Daqiang stands there, Orchid's arms at his side, staring open-eyed at his own face while Orchid presses their lips together. Controlling himself while in Orchid's body. Right up until the lightning strike, Cid would probably be left with the impression that the situation was entirely an annoyance to the Moon Supreme and he simply wants it over with.]
[However, that impression would not remain for long.
The exact moment the bodyswitch was complete, Daqiang's hand was in Orchid's hair, gripping the nape of her neck firmly and pulling her head backwards as he pressed forwards into the kiss, dipping her slightly. His other arm wrapping tightly around her waist to prevent her from pushing away while he all but devoured her lips. Any hesitation he may have shown while in her body was gone.
It may even have looked like he didn't care about the audience, but that, too, was untrue. He was very much aware of his audience and he was going to be damn sure Cid knew exactly who had a claim on Orchid before any other words could be exchanged.]
[ It is entirely a perfectly normal kiss up until that lightning strike happens. Then the swap happens and truthfully, it seems as if Orchid was expecting the change in Daqiang when he's back in his own body. She knows him very well, and this is the first time they have been in the proper bodies in front of someone. Orchid is also aware that Daqiang is a very jealous man - even if he isn't yet aware of that.
Another thing that Daqiang doesn't know, is that Orchid has already fallen in love with him. So it will be quite the surprise to him when she doesn't even make an attempt to pull away and lifts her hands to cup his face gently.
Really, though. She doesn't entirely understand why Daqiang is so jealous in front of a man she just met. ]
[Indeed, Cid wasn't sure how they would be once they swapped over, especially with how "Daqiang" was acting.
But—]
...Well, right then. Guessing it did.
[—when he sees Daqiang just going at it with that girl, his brows just shoot up before he tactfully looks away, arms crossed over his chest as he feels very much like a third wheel.]
You know the hot springs are right over there? Might be better than out here. In the sulfur.
[That also answers the idle question he had about the god. Good lord, man.]
[Orchid's complete lack of resistance caught him off guard enough that his grip on her eased. Enough that if she wanted to break the kiss, she wouldn't have to fight. His eyes blinked open to see if what he was feeling from her - her hands on his face, her leaning back into him, the seeming eagerness of it - was real. The softness of her lips and the gentleness of her fingers eased as he became the one to pull away in soft wonder, heart fluttering oddly and breath difficult to swallow without gulping it down.
While he had started the kiss with the intention of staking a claim, Orchid's response made him forget Cid was there for a few brief moments. So his statement about the sulfur and the smell that Daqiang had largely ignored had Daqiang's eyes slipping away from Orchid to find Cid with his back to them.
His eyes blinked a few times while he stared at Cid's back, knowing he should probably say something. But with Orchid's response to the kiss - and her still in his arms - his mind was having trouble coming back into focus. Had she really been kissing him back?]
[ That does seem to have done the trick, as Daqiang's grip loosens in surprise, and he's the one to pull away first. She has always been the one to pull away or attempt to push him away, which never seemed to have an effect on him. At least not to her knowledge, anyway.
Cid's voice is like dowsing herself in water - much like it had been when Shangque interrupted their last kiss. She turns in Daqiang's arms to hide her face from Cid, despite his own back being turned, hands coming up to cover her blushing cheeks. Yet she still doesn't move away from the stunned Moon Supreme now that she can. ]
My apologies! We aren't— [ Yet Orchid can't bring herself to finish that because it would be half a lie. She loves Daqiang and would marry him in a heartbeat, but he does not feel the same in return. The kiss to him was not entirely the same as it was for her. ]
I will make you a full meal in thanks. [ And as an apology for having to witness them "making out" in public. ]
["We aren't". He had imagined it then. He must have. Whatever had been in the willing return of his kiss was probably just relief at being in her own body once more. She had always been easy with her affections. Throwing herself at him for hugs when happy. Grabbing his arm and bouncing on her feet because she could not contain her emotions and did not bother to try. It was nothing more than joy at returning to herself.
His posture straightened as she turned in his arms, hiding from Cid in her embarrassment. Daqiang put one hand behind his back, but kept the one around her waist where it was. Then he shot Cid a glare for his attempt to tease when Orchid was already clearly distressed.]
Do not.
[Whether or not he trusted Cid and thought well of him, making Orchid unhappy was not acceptable. Waiting a moment to ensure his warning was acknowledged, then continued:]
If you wish to accompany us back to the hot springs, you may. This venerable one... thanks you, Cid, for your aid in this matter.
[ Cid is certainly half-right, as far as Daqiang is concerned - Orchid still has affections for someone else. He doesn't wish to know about his future, in which she has realized that it wasn't love and instead found true love with the man standing next to her. It's true that she has always been easy with her physical affections - not having many people outside her very few friends and Daqiang to share them with. It's not as though Orchid goes around kissing people!
She is a shy flower when it comes to truly being in love, but she does notice that one arm remains around her. Which is nice and does make her feel safe, so Orchid lays a hand on Daqiang's arm to try and return that feeling of comfort a little. ]
It's fine, it's fine! Don't be angry, Daqiang.
[ Orchid doesn't even need to look to know that Daqiang is glaring at Cid, that's a common tactic for the Moon Supreme. The only thing that is making her unhappy is something that can be resolved with time and his accompaniment. After taking another minute to collect herself, she turns back around to have a better conversation with their helper. ]
Is there a food that you enjoy, Cid? If I don't know how to make it, I will find a way to learn.
[Fortunately, he's fairly immune to glares. He has a certain bird that glares at him constantly so he just continues to smile in some amusement as he meets Daqiang's gaze before he hears those words of gratitude. Well look at that, he got a thank you from the Moon Supreme himself...! achievement unlocked
However, he knows better than to push it too much, not wanting to rile up his friend too much. So he just chuckles as he nods in understanding before he looks over at Orchid.
Curious...very curious...]
I am a bit curious about our young lady here, so if you don't mind me learning a bit more then I'll hang around for a bit. And I'm not really too picky, nor would I want you to go out of your way to make something you're not familiar with. [Hmmm.] However, if you so insist, I wouldn't mind trying something from your homeland.
[As Orchid turns around to face Cid, Cid would see the hand on her waist curl slowly into a fist before slipping down and away. When he began walking, putting himself subtly in front of her once more, the hand hung at his side, no longer in a fist. His gaze settled on a point in the distance, but he maintained total awareness of where Orchid was relative to him. Alert for potential threats.
Cid counted among them if Daqiang's body language was anything to go off of.]
Orchid is from the Three Realms and and under this venerable one's protection.
[He said simply, then fell quiet. Orchid was certain to fill in anything else. She was far more talkative than he was and so long as Cid understood that Daqiang took his protection of Orchid seriously, then Daqiang would be content to let them speak while he kept an eye them both. Unlike the situation at Silent Moon Palace, in this world he could not count on the loyalty of hundreds of guards to give their life to protect Orchid when he was not near.]
[ His fist goes unnoticed, but his protective positioning does not - not that it seems to matter because with some quick steps, she catches up to walk beside Daqiang. Orchid stays within arm's reach of him, even if it means having to walk a bit faster. It says that she is well-aware of why he's so alert and ready to protect her from harm, nor does she dislike it.
Not that she thinks Cid is a threat after he went through all this trouble to help them. ]
I am a... [ Here she pauses a bit, looking up at Daqiang. ] flower fairy from Shuiyuntian.
[ Orchid can guess what Daqiang will think about the pause, they have had a few conversations about this just from his last memory of home. Regardless of what she truly is and where she's from, Shuiyuntian has been her home. One of them. He isn't yet aware that Orchid has questioned everything about herself, which is the truth behind the pause. ]
My Shifu found me as a little orchid seed, she took care of me and taught me how to fix Destiny Books. I have fixed forty-two thousand, and seven hundred in my thousand years of cultivation. My cultivation isn't very good, but I have been getting better since meeting Daqiang. I can make flowers and other plants grow and bloom.
Before I met Daqiang, I had never left Shuiyuntian, but now I've been to all Three Realms and this far away place. [ So she is somewhat sheltered, and knows it. ]
[Cid will keep his own pace a little slower to better match hers, but he does notice not only that fist but Daqiang's protective stance. It makes him arch a brow, and almost wants to tease them.... But knowing Daqiang's disposition, he'll forgo that idea. Better to not rile up his god-friend's ire.
So he'll just look at Orchid with some curious interest. Damn that's a lot of years and a lot of books—but since he's already heard about Daqiang it's a little less surprising...if still something to try and comprehend.]
A flower fairy? Well can't say I've met one before, but I can believe it.
[And there's his natural charming smile....that he should probably do less of. Don't glare at him, Daqiang, he's not even trying anything!!]
But what is this "cultivation"? I take it doesn't mean agriculture.
[Daqiang's occasional disgruntled glare shot at him over the top of Orchid's head is something that Cid will simply have to weather for the time being. But he otherwise seemed fine in allowing Orchid to walk between the two of them. Protected on both sides despite how ready he was to grab the fairy and pull her against his side at a moment's notice.
Though he remained silent, allowing Orchid to speak with Cid without his own interruption (at least for now), his presence was noticeable in the distinct decrease of the heat around both Orchid and Cid. Taking it into himself now that he was back in his own body and could do something to keep her from wilting from continued exposure. It had been disturbingly uncomfortable to feel that kind of heat while in her body. He knew what it must feel like to her.]
[ Being between the two men doesn't really bother her, and the heat is going away, so she's feeling better being back in her own body. Why Daqiang asked to meet here when he knows the heat is bad for her is strange, perhaps something she'll question later.
If anyone knows anything about how old Daqiang is, then her thousand years is practically nothing. It shows that Cid knows when he doesn't comment on her age. ]
There are many fairies in Shuiyuntian, but not all of them are flower spirits.
[ That charming smile is met with a happy one of her own, there aren't many she's talked to in depth about her since her arrival. ]
Cultivation is improving your power to achieve immortality through meditation and training. Mine isn't very good, but I think I've gotten stronger since meeting Daqiang. I can now restore dead plants, or heal broken ones, and do things I never thought I could before.
[ She refrains from saying she can bring back the dead with her blood or destroy evil qi. ]
[Oh, he will definitely notice and appreciate the cooler temperature, just a small glance at Daqiang as he can take a good guess as to how it's happening. But stop with those glares!!!]
And anyone can do this? Or is it only certain being?
As interesting as it sounds, I'm afraid I may not be so adept at it, what with busy with other things. But that's all the more reason to admire and respect your efforts.
[ The way he speaks about humanity surprises Orchid to the point that she stumbles over... possibly nothing or maybe a small rock. It easily causes an ache in her chest as the image of a newly married bride lay dying, knowing that nearby a newly married groom had also drawn his last breath.
In her stumble, Orchid reaches out to grab Daqiang's arm to not fully trip over her own two feet.
When she speaks again, her own words are spoken quietly. ]
Living in Arbiter Hall, I couldn't see how important the moments in their lives were. Then I went to the Mortal Realm. My time among them was so brief, but their lives were so much fuller than I ever imagined.
[As soon as she started to stumble, almost as soon as her foot began to turn wrong on the rock and before she even visibly slipped, his arm was up and ready for her to grip. His hand on her elbow. Hyper aware of her.
His own ankle ached for a moment.]
Orchid is the disciple of the Arbiter of Fate. She maintains the destiny books of all living beings.
[He explained so Cid could understand why Orchid would have reason to watch mortal lives. Though, he hadn't know she had been to the mortal realm. She'd only ever talked about Haishi City. She had mentioned her master enjoyed spending time in Yunmengze. Perhaps she had taken her along on a trip at some point before the one she was currently on?]
Living among mortals in this world is the longest this venerable one has ever been around them, himself.
[He stops when she stumbles, and he wonders if his words were somehow too much. He didn't think much of it, but perhaps it's different for an immortal? Or perhaps it's Orchid herself...? It doesn't help that he doesn't really hold "gods" and higher deities with much regard—current company excluded.
[ It was most certainly that his words struck something personal within her. To be talking to a mortal about why their lives are so big and how one might accept all the bad things and understand it. Time moves differently between Shuiyuntian and the Mortal Realm, it moves faster for mortals, so to her - their lives seem very fleeting at times. She wasn't able to speak with anyone mortal about this, as that would interfere with their destiny and primordial spirit. Especially when Orchid was trying to allow a destiny to manifest in what resulted in two deaths.
Orchid's grip on Daqiang's arm tightens for just a moment, as if it were her dress she was holding while dealing with such complicated feelings. There's a nod of her head at Daqiang's words, agreeing with him. ]
Whether you are immortal or mortal, everyone has a one-leaf Destiny Book upon the fate tree. Your destiny is written in the Destiny Books as a fate poem. It's not as detailed as a novel, but it records the major events in one's life. When they are born, what sort of job they might have, when they will marry, and have children. If they somehow stray from the fate poem, their cultivation will be damaged at least, or their soul will dissipate.
[ This is a conversation she's had with Jieli before. ]
As immortals, we are not supposed to interfere with the fate of a mortal or even other immortals.
[Daqiang, of course, didn't care much about destiny books or fates beyond the one belonging to Chidi Nuzi.]
This world lays somewhere in the Ruins of Ten Thousand Heavens. Across the River of stars and outside of time and the flow of fate. This venerable one believes that what happens here is unlikely to have any effect on what happens in the Three Realms.
[It was the argument he had made about it to Orchid while they spent time in each other's body, since she had been worried about damaging the souls of the mortals in this world.]
Time flows differently here and too many imperfect worlds have had their people converge through the rifts. So our presence here cannot count as interference.
[Not that he had known about what interfering with fates did when he first arrived. His own spirit could not be damaged in that way simply because he was, personally, outside the cycle of reincarnation. If he died, he would die and that would be the end of him in any and all lives.]
That doesn't sit well with Cid, not especially with how certain fates in his world turned out. So there is a moment where his expression hardens, but...
...
Well, Orchid already seems to have been affected by his words, and he doesn't want to risk upsetting both of them. It's their world, their...culture. Perhaps that's just how things worked—things "had" to work, if what she says about straying from one's fate is as dangerous as it sounds. The cultivation part he couldn't care less, but if it damaged one's soul... Of course, as a human who is staunch on free will so already he thinks, "but if it's worth the risk in the current life," so it's not a concept he can so easily agree with.
But, he will be respectful and not share his thoughts on that matter. Instead he'll just...nod in understanding—in the sense of it being an explanation, anyway.]
Aye, if our being here affected our world, I am sure there'd be a lot more chaos, especially what with time also being a factor as well.
[He then glances at them, though it shifts more to Orchid.]
Perhaps you can try experiencing what it's like to be living among mortals. Dongfang here is...well, he is getting there.
[ Fate could be changed, but there was always a cost for that. For the one interfering. Orchid is well-aware of that and wouldn't mind sitting down with Cid to discuss it someday. She, herself, has altered the fate of a person she cared about to save his life, despite being one of the two people who knows best just how forbidden it is and how bad the consequences could be.
She doesn't decide what that fate is, Orchid only fixes them so that people's souls don't disperse. So they can be reborn into another life.
Orchid doesn't know how fate works in other worlds, if it's as fragile and yet unchanging as it is in hers. ]
I was worried about telling people my true identity upon arrival, as I didn't want to harm anyone. The more I see of this realm, the less I worry.
[ She smiles up at Cid at his suggestion. ]
Mm! [ A sound of agreement. ] I won't have to hide who I am this time!
Daqiang's eyes dart between Cid and Orchid. He decides she's smiling too much at Cid. Of course she would charm him, but Cid was not allowed to charm her back.
Clearing his throat, Daqaing tugged on Orchid none-too-gently where he still had his hand on her arm. The motion would cause her to fall backward towards him and as she did, he dipped down to scoop her up into his arms in a single smooth motion. While her steps faltered, his did not. And when it was done, she was held in a princess carry.]
We should part ways. Orchid's feet are getting sore. This venerable one will take her back to the hot springs.
[ Orchid lets out a squeak at the sudden feeling of being pulled backward, reaching out with her free hand to grab onto whatever she can. It is nearly Cid's arm she grabs, seeing as how it's closest to her hand already, but her fingers merely brush over it - unable to get a grip.
Then she's being scooped up in an all-too-familiar fashion in Daqiang's arms. She pouts up at him, knowing it won't make a difference at all. ]
My feet are fine.
[ Before she's carried away by the jealous immortal, Orchid turns back to Cid quickly. ]
If you want to talk more, you can send me a message at xiaolanhua.
[ Will he figure out how to spell it? That is the question. ]
[He declared to try and shut down that argument. If it didn't shut it down, she would argue with him the whole way back. Which was fine. If it made her forget about Cid-
As soon as the invitation to message her is out of her mouth, is expression shifts right to wide-eyed offense. right in front of his salad, orchid? in his arms?]
[ Don't be too jealous, Daqiang. She isn't putting her arms around Cid's neck right now, that honor goes to the Moon Supreme. The hold isn't tight in the least, as Orchid trusts him to carry her around. ]
Thank you again, Cid. Goodbye.
[ With that farewell, she looks back at Daqiang. ]
I'm considering coming up with a new one every time we talk. Just to see how many I can.
Okay, imagine this. You capture an image with a device - sort of how the shellphones do videos, then put it onto paper. No drawing needed. Just push a few buttons and a machine draws the image for you!
Basically, it's a machine that makes portraits from the image the picture takes.
Because if you want to draw people, you have to ask them to stand there forever, and that's no fun on their wedding day. I want to capture lots of images all at once without interrupting their happy day, then the machine can just draw all the pictures out for me much faster, so I can give them as a gift!
And maybe someone's not very good at drawing - not me, I'm amazing - but future customers!
Yes, exactly! The duplicate pictures don't have to be life-sized, so the machine doesn't have to be big. Think like a flat portrait that could fit on the page of a book, or a couple that could go on a single sketchbook page.
This way you could capture important memories, and then keep them in a neat little book to look at whenever you want. Or hang some up on a wall. Like family pictures.
I've only learned about the printed presses here, so this will certainly be a jump in my knowledge. But perhaps... Something that can receive the data like how we send pictures and videos to each through the phones...
[Great, he's already thinking about this THANKS NIMONA.]
Yes! So it's a little like that. You put inkwells of different color on a bar, it moves across the paper and mixes colors to create the image. It sprays very tiny dots of ink to form the picture.
As for how it knows what the picture is, it has to communicate with the device that took the picture. Sort of how the shellphones talk to each other. The printer has the job of figuring how to translate that picture into the tiny dots of color.
You can get away with just four different colors of ink; cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. More complicated, you add orange and green.
[ Nimona will deliver him a whole notebook of drawings in a pink pencil, with little notes about what it is and what it does. Laser-shooting crossbows, laser-shooting cannons, laser blades (that are more like gunblades), flying horseless carts, mechanical arms, a subway train. There's more mundane stuff - a coffee maker, televisions, electronic locks with digital touchpads, computers, blow torch, power saw (it's a weird collection since she has no idea what all he might even have knowledge of).
Every page has a pink Nimona animal with a text bubble that describes the device as best she can. ]
[Good Greagor, Nimona this is a lot of stuff??? A lot of it also going over his head??? But it does also intrigue him, so he will take the notebook happily and we'll see what comes of it!!]
[Taking full advantage of the permission he had to just show up on the Enterprise II whenever, Daqiang teleported to the main deck. He didn't bother waiting to be acknowledged by whomever might be on deck at the time, or notice if he had startled them, before he was jogging off towards where he could feel Cid's spiritual presence.
No matter where that was just then, when Daqiang spotted Cid, his face lit up with excitement and he raised his voice to call out and catch his friend's attention.]
[He should be glad he wasn't in bed with Benedikta at that time—
Instead he's actually out in the underground "city" in the Roost. "City" when it's more like a small town or village with the stone buildings filling the expansive underground cavern, sunlight streaming through the open "skylights" high above so despite being underground, it's quite bright as if it wasn't underground at all. Helps they have some additional lighting installed, but mostly the sun for now.
So Cid will look up from the well they had repaired and stares at Daqiang surprised.]
[Daqiang had not seen the full Roost before in his last visit. Cid had been outside it so he had not lingered or cared much about it. As well lit as the place was with the sun coming through, he had an excellent view of the small town getting back up and running. As he had not seen it before the damage, he could not say if the repairs were going well, but he assumed they were.
Once Cid had answered him, Daqiang hurried over in something slightly faster than a jog, but not quite a run. He shook his head as he came to a stop, looking... well, excited. Happy, even.]
Nothing is wrong. This venerable one wished to share news with you.
[He took a moment to reach up and pat his cheeks.]
Is this venerable one smiling?
[(He was. Not quite enough to puff up his cheeks, but he was.)]
[Daqaing leaned over to examine his reflection. As he did, he moved one finger from each hand to the corners of his mouth and pushed upward. Trying to make his smile bigger. So that his cheeks puffed up properly with the motion.
Why was smiling so hard to do on purpose?
He grew frustrated after a moment and shook his head.]
Forget it. This venerable one can practice later. He has news to share.
[He straightened up and the excitement was back in his eyes. His smile growing despite his conscious ability to do so.]
You remember Orchid. She is difficult to forget, so you must remember her. She has agreed to marry this venerable one!
[Oh this is so amusing as he sits against the edge of the well. Really the one he had was natural enough. But his brows will raise sky high at that as he stares at him. In fact he was so surprised he almost leans to the side far enough to almost topple right in the well, BUT HE RECOVERED.]
Marriage? You and Orchid?
[Though he is still trying to process this because whoa.]
[Cid's reaction is... not as enthusiastic as he'd thought it would be. Like he's confused about it. What is there to be confused about? It wasn't like Orchid had anyone else she liked-
Unless... Cid had been interested in her?
Daqaing's smile receded entirely, replaced with a frown and a suspicious narrowing of his eyes.]
[Oh if Cid had any idea what Dongfang was thinking—but Cid just continues to stare at him for a moment as if lost in thought.]
No, sorry, it was just so sudden it caught me off guard.
[And then a laugh because he knows how this must look and he feels a bit sorry for confusing him. So with a wider, genuine smile he stands to clap Dongfang on the shoulder in that overly familiar and friendly manner of his.]
But congratulations! Have you set a date? How did it even happen?
[The frown stays, but it lessens in intensity and becomes the more familiar grumpy face Daqiang had developed across the last several months that meant he was probably in a good mood overall... just put out a bit by thinking someone was making fun of him.
That he doesn't react to Cid's shoulder clap beyond a quick side-eye said a lot about how comfortable he'd become with Cid's familiar and friendly manner.]
We have not set a date. The stars in this world are changing. Picking an auspicious date will be difficult when they cannot be read. Other methods will have to be employed and we are preparing for an expedition. There is no rush, so time can be taken.
And how it happened--
[His lips pursed and he frowned again, but this time in thought.]
Do you recall the announcement of Kaveh and Alhaitham's wedding? They were discussing what was expected of their guests and this venerable one was informed of several differences in how marriages and the planning of families in their world is conducted. This included the fact that they are not planning on continuing their line with children. It made this venerable one wonder if the reason Orchid was upset at him and continued to reject the idea of being a couple with him was because she did not want his children.
[He looked over at Cid.]
So this venerable one asked her. About children. And she asked why this venerable one was asking about children when we 'aren't even married yet'.
[He listens with interest, especially hearing they would use the stars to determine an auspicious date...wasn't there a posting about learning about the constellations?
But then he speaks of Kaveh and Alhaitham's wedding announcement, and he can't help but grin wryly......and then just stare at him incredulously. Oh...the things...he wants to say......... But just keeps mum because it...somehow worked out???
Yes. This venerable one did not propose properly, so he is planning on gathering the appropriate gifts. He does not have the resources to present a full twelve chests to Orchid at this time, but he believes he can provide six by the end of the month.
[Not because Orchid asked for them, but because she deserved to have them.]
After he has done so and an auspicious date has been found, we will begin preparations for a wedding and Orchid's coronation.
[Unless Orchid decided they didn't need to wait on a date and do all the traditional stuff. He didn't care about it himself. Just as with the betrothal gifts, he simply wanted to give Orchid everything she deserved.]
Only six. The other six will have to be obtained whenever we are both able to return to the Three Realms. It does mean that this venerable one will have less leeway in what is included in the betrothal gifts. Tradition has it's demands and Orchid should be honored the same as any other intended bride of the Moon Supreme would be.
[But less leeway just meant he would be much pickier about what was included.]
And yes, a coronation. This venerable one has told you. He is Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe, ruler of Cangyanhai. As his wife, Orchid will be crowned as Moon Queen. It will have to be a much smaller ceremony. As the only two known to be from Cangyanhai in this world, there is no one else to witness it but us.
[A small sigh, because Orchid certainly deserved all the pomp and circumstance he could muster, but the realities of their situation was, well, the realities.]
This venerable one will see her recognized regardless.
However, he can tell that Daqiang is being genuine in his efforts and it's all for that love and care for her that he is going through such lengths. How can he not respect that? So as overwhelming as it all sounds, he still smiles.]
Is it possible to not have both the coronation and the wedding at the same time? Perhaps it's too forward to ask and I do not want to disrespect your culture, but if you already need to make adjustments, then merging the two ceremonies may work in your favor.
hi have you seen sorry did he come back to the ship i hope hes back because he was chasing ghosts or maybe it was really his friend and i tried to stop him but he kept seeing him and now his phone is off and i dunno if that means hes gone home or that some spooky shadowy figure snatched him from the forest and doing something funky to his phone signal or whatever and that place was so sketchy but he sort of vanished right in front of me but then there were like so many of the shadowy figures that i lost track of sorry in the fog and i searched for hours but i couldnt find him and i think the forest ate him or maybe they want to do some sort of ritual sacrifice so that he joins their numbers of weird ghosts and can i have a bomb so i can go back to the forest before we move on and blow it up no wait thats probably not safe if sorry is in the forest with them and still alive and people frown on body parts flying around and dont like having blood splattered on them but i dont usually mind but sorry was my friend and i dont want him dead so maybe you have something that clears away fog or whatever because im pretty sure fire and lightning wouldnt be great and i already tried wind but that didnt work
[ Speech-to-text in one breath without stopping to correct a single mistake. Please stop her before she sends more. ]
Please tell me you're calling to say that Sorey is nestled snug in his cabin or reading some nerdy book somewhere on the ship and that the fog creatures didn't take him.
[ She doesn't know that auto-translate turned Sorey's name into sorry. ]
He was seeing someone in the fog on the competition island. Followed that person deeper into the fog. I managed to stop him for a moment, tried to get him to realize that person couldn't be here. But his friend is kind of ghost-like back home, so he thought maybe I just couldn't see him. He wasn't going to take the chance it was really his friend. So we started to look together.
Except I lost sight of Sorey and he was just poof gone in the blink of an eye! I looked for him for a little bit, waited at the edge of the forest, tried his phone. Nothing!
[ She throws both hands up. ]
Then I called you to see if he came back to the ship and make sure that he didn't get eaten by cannibalistic fog people or sacrificed to their demonic god, his phone somehow blocked from getting calls. Or if maybe, you know, he walked straight into a place that just sent him home or something! I don't know! No one has ever disappeared so close to me before!
[Really, if the topic itself wasn't so serious, he'd hold back a laugh. As it is, however...]
All right, there's one easy way to do this. Just wait a mo' and I'll see if he's still on my contacts. If he's not, then it means he's returned to his world.
[And he's already tapping through, pulling up his contacts...]
I'm gonna keep looking on the island. Just in case.
I'm used to people leaving, and getting used to those people being friends. It's definitely the creepiest leaving anyone's ever done to me, though. But I mean, I gotta be alright, because someday everyone's gonna leave.
There's a bit of a difference between knowing someone left and seeing it happen right before your very eyes.
[He still looks at her with some concern, but there's not much he can do as of this moment, knowing that she herself may not feel much better until she does what she needs to do. In this case, look around the island.]
Just don't stay out too long. If you're bored, you're welcome to hang around the ship. Even have some extra paint if you want to do some arts and crafts.
[Teasing a little, both in reference to the ship battle and "treating her like a kid."]
I mean, if he's gone then there's not really anything I can do about it. If some creepy thing on the island did take him, at least then I can go beat something up.
[ People leave her, it was just part of her life. Someday, the people here in this world will leave her too. There's not a whole lot she can do about death or the rifts right now. ]
I already do hang around the ship. You just don't always know it. [ Not spying! Just chilling. ] Arts and crafts like... you're going to let me paint on the walls of your ship? Because I'm awesome at that. If I could show you the Murder Wall I made for someone, I totally would use it as a reference to make you a business sign or a Corsair flag.
[It does feel a little weird how accepting they've all become about people returning to their worlds, but...as she said, there's not much they can do. He will miss them a bit, though, both their own unique characters that added to the "crew family."]
[ Until they find the relic that brings them here and sends them home, they just have to accept it. It is a little easier with some, those who are going home to live a lot longer. She'd be more upset if it was Cid, Zack, or any of the Eikons she knows about. ]
I'm really good at it! So if you have a space that needs a little spicing up, I could just add a tiny something.
Well, all the Eikons are basically elemental, right? I could do an epic drawing of all of that. If I knew what all your Eikons looked like, I'd do a little family drawing.
[ But please don't change just to "pose" for a family picture. ]
You might be thinking too big. I was gonna go for something like... this size for the height of everyone.
[ Nimona holds up her hands to show off the size which is about the size of a piece of paper. So one person/Eikon wouldn't cover the whole wall of a ship. ]
But hey, if you need a wall spiced up in the Roost, I'm definitely the artist for the job.
If we do this on the ship too, I'm not sure you'd have enough wall space for your real sizes. It'd be epic if it was on the outer part of the hull - very intimidating to have a bunch of Eikons bearing down on those naughty crews.
[ Eikons are basically "mini" gods or whatever, right? ]
Yep, I'll be here. Just lemme know what you want to do.
[With that he'll hang up, but he'll look towards the door, curious to what Clive would have to tell him.
And when he does arrive, he'll find the door unlocked so he can enter freely, Cid waiting with his feet propped up against his desk while leaning back against his chair.]
[ Knowing that Cid was already expecting him Clive simply makes his way into the workshop when he arrives, only offering a small bit of nod as a greeting. ]
Apologies again for the late hour. [ He'll do the outside a courtesy and shut the door behind him. ] I had thought to wait until morning, but I just spoke with Joshua and thought you should know, too.
I— [ He pauses as the words get stuck in his throat. You can tell he's struggling just a bit with the next string of words, but his emotions were a little bit all over the place at the moment. No need to keep his guard up. ] —would consider you apart of our family, as well. For all that you have done.
[ The man will step in a bit further into the room. His hand clasping the air as he balls it into a tight fist. ]
For saving Jill and I all those years ago. If you haven't intervene when you did, I... I would have not been able to ask for her hand in marriage.
[At first Cid can only sit there with his brows raising ever higher as Clive struggles to get the words out. Talking about him as part of his family... It does bring a warm feeling as he had long considered Clive and his family a part of his own, especially considering what all they've been through.
But it was really more...concerning that he's starting with that. And his intuition was correct—just in not a in a way he would have ever expected.
For a moment he can just sit there dumbstruck before he can finally find his voice again.]
Ask her hand—you proposed?
[There's disbelief, but there's a growing shine in his eyes, the smile following quickly after as he begins to rise up from his chair.]
[ A sudden flood of redness crawled its way to Clive's cheeks, so much so that he had to dip his head down to hide the feeling of bashfulness overtaking him.
It was an odd thing to say out loud. Sure, he had done it, but saying it again and again had only slowly began to chip away at the reality of it all. It had felt like he was dreaming- like he was still dreaming. ]
I did. [ His words are accompanied by a smile hidden behind his bangs, yet his joy was evident. ] Tonight, under the full moon, I finally asked her... and she accepted.
[ He should have expected the jostle, but it comes as a surprise all the same. His body folds under the new weight, ducking his head with the onslaught of head ruffles. Normally he would be quick to push Cid aside, but today seemed like a special occasion and for the moment he would allow it, giving himself the opportunity to mask how quickly the burning in his cheeks had become.
He was never one to be the center of attention, but seeing Cid this proud caused a swelling in his heart that panged noticeably in his chest. So he'll allow it, but just for right now... ]
No, no plans for a date yet. A simple and quiet ceremony with family is all we need.
[He just laughs, knowing full well he's likely embarrassing the younger man, but as usual doesn't care much. If there's ever a perfect moment for it, it's now.]
Thought as much, you never were one for large parties.
[His eyes shine as he continues to tease him a bit before giving him one last hearty clap and shake of the shoulder.]
But it suits the both of you. If you need someone to officiate, I still have the authority and license for it.
[ There's a small hitch in the back of his throat as he tries to speak. He's trying to fight with his emotions, but Clive was never one to try to suppress them, especially on an occasion so rarely afforded to them. ]
Don't make me too involved. Just where I'm needed.
[It really is good to see Clive like this. Of course the past year has been different, but it's hard to forget how he was before. It's moments like these that he can't help but be a little more grateful to this world. For him and Benedikta and Mid, Clive and Jill and Joshua. All of their fates changed so much that they are finally living the way they've all dreamed of. Of course it's also a bit regretful that they had to come to a completely different world, some of them after their chances have already been taken.
Yet regardless, they have the here and now, so he can only continue to smile warmly before ruffling Clive's hair.]
And speaking of where people are needed, I don't want to keep you away from your bride for much longer. I'll be sure to tell Benedikta unless you wish to tell her yourself.
[ He'll accept another ruffle given their circumstance, but will gently shove as his arm in order to free himself. Cid was right, the hour was late and he wished to be at her side again. So, with a chuckle, Clive will shake his head. ]
Heh. I'll leave that to you.
Should you wish to invite her along, she's welcomed to. [ A pause. ] ... If she even wants to.
[ A neatly wrapped package with Cid's name on it is left at his residence. There isn't any name to hint who it was from as if the sender didn't want to pressure him into feeling he needed to give a gift in return.
Inside is a nice tea set, complete with a vessel for cream and sugar and a very small, Moogle-sized teacup. Have a tea party with your Moogle child, Cid ]
[What a lovely tea set! He may be an avid coffee drinker now, but that doesn't mean he's abandoned his tea roots entirely.
However... It does take him a moment to puzzle out what this very tiny teacup is for before it dawns on him.
Eventually Sherlock will just receive a simple thank you text along with a message that if he so desired, he could join the rest of the "family" for tea time. Completely with a 😉 emoji.]
[ Oh, Sherlock hadn't expected an invitation. He honestly doesn't get those that often. (Given his habits, he wouldn't be surprised if he was banned from drinking anything with caffeine it in.)
Well, given that he had gifted Kupli a beginner's chemistry set, it would be good to see how the Moogle has put it to use sometime.... ]
Hello sir! It was quite difficult to find both you and your crew, despite your renown! Regardless, I hope that the season has treated you well and that you've found the time enjoy the holiday! It's not much, but please accept and enjoy this gift with your loved one!
Happy Holidays,
Santa Claus
[Inside of his Christmas present Cid will have two fancy, crystal wine glasses and a necklace with a silver chain and a golden heart, or half of a heart. There's a note that says 'Your half is with the one you care for the most. Enjoy!'
Also, he gets a wooden recreation of Enterprise II (the ship he has here, not Enty. Unless he also wants a model of Enty).]
[Now this is not something he would have expected...and why does he have an inkling he knows who this "Santa Claus" is. Still, he will appreciate the "mysterious benefactor," especially when he'll later find that "other half" with Benedikta as expected.
That model of the Enterprise II will definitely be set on a shelf somewhere in his office at the Roost on proud display.]
A fake long beard that has lightning bolt beads braided into it, a singing sacabampaspis (you know what you asked for, Lae), and a voucher for one Get Out of Jail free written in Nimona's handwriting. What does that even mean, Nimona? ]
[Inside a box wrapped in cream-colored paper, Cid will find a small collection of vials. He may find them familiar, especially if he remembers scents well: they are either for energy or for use against pain, the same as the very first concoctions of Alfyn's he ever tried. And there's a note!
We don't have a holiday like this one where I'm from, but I've heard you should give your friends gifts they can use. I might hate the thought that you'll get good use out of these, but I do think they'll help you with whatever comes next. You're a good fellow, and you do right by all of us, and I want to thank you for it. -Alfyn]
[He recognizes these indeed, and it gets a goodnatured chuckle out of him. He'll send Alfyn a thank you note, though he does add while he makes no promises, he'll try his best to use these sparingly.]
[ Hello it is one redhead making good on his promise to stop by. It took him a while, but honestly they're both busy men. It was probably for the better. ]
Yo, Cid. I got those diagrams ready for you. And I brought a little something for your lady friend, too.
You want me to drop them off at your shop, or are you good to have a guest?
[ Luckily, Reno frequented Nogard and knew his way around, so finding his way there was of little consequence to the redhead when the locals could point him to the storefront.
Hopefully the workshop and storefront were the same thing! If not, he had more walking to do with a little bundled folder tucked under an arm. Should it be the right place and he's greeted by one scruffy old man, Reno would hold up the folder and wave it slowly. ]
I hope you're ready to get your socks knocked off.
[Fortunately for Reno, they are indeed the same so he only has one place to go. The door will be open for him to come through without issue (Cid's at least fixed the "automatic" door issue so it opens the moment Reno steps on the pressure plate right in front), and Cid will look up from his desk near the back.]
Ready as I will ever be. Let's see what marvels you have.
[ He looked up at the frame as the doors slid open, pouting his lips with a look that was both impressed and appreciative for so small a thing(which, in the context of this world, was not small at all). It was a small creature comfort for him, someone so used to the sterile automation of ShinRa Headquarters.
But Cid's voice carried, and Reno followed it easily. He was quick to set up, mindful not to disrupt whatever was going on atop Cid's desk prior with the splay of a large schematic, and smaller packets of accompanying notes.
Reno wasn't one to half-ass anything, and while his memory was sharp and his hands knew the parts, there were blanks and more vaguely drawn parts, showing where his limitations were in understanding and memory. He couldn't be wholly blamed, not with something this intricate, but it wouldn't make anything any easier. ]
This model's specifically for helicopters. We have others, but planes ain't my thing.
[ He reached, opening one of the little packets of paper to flip through. On the papers were more crude drawings of his preferred helicopter model--the photos in his phone were used as reference, no doubt. But it was slid away for the moment. ]
This is designed to keep hot air moving where it needs to go to turn the turbines here--and all of this is cause it's gotta turn the gearshaft sideways to make the propellers rotate, compared to piston motors that use an up-down motion.
[ He pointed. ]
Hot air goes in here from the combustion chamber. This shit gets hot enough to warp the rest of these parts that gotta fit together exactly, and there's blades that move independently in the turbines, so there's this empty air chamber here for insulation. Hot air moves the turbines, there's counter turbines for stability to keep the engine from ripping itself apart..
And it aaaall moves down the compressor to... here. Where you get the gearshaft that changes the axis, and gives you rotation for these. The rotors.
[ Which! As he said, he went back to the drawings of a helicopter, and pointed to the blades up top, and on the tail. ]
I'm more used to diagnosing and repairing the parts, so it's more muscle memory than technical memory, but lucky I'm part of the intel department back home, so my memory's a little better than most.
[As Cid looks over the plans and listens to Reno's explanations, his eyes widen in awe at it all. There were some things he's heard about from others before, but this is his first time seeing such schematics.]
Have you met Enterprise? She's actually a warship, believe it or not, and she also has some extensive knowledge about airplanes and such.
But what's the advantage of the helicopter over a larger airplane or airship?
[ Reno missed a beat when Cid came out of left field with a metal fucking chair. He just blinked at Cid for a second before his brows knit with...very visible confusion. ]
Enterprise...name rings a bell. What's her face? Pretty sure I'd know if I've seen a whole-ass warship on legs.
But...yeah, leave her name and I'll do the legwork of seeing if she can help fill in all my blanks on here for ya.
[ How the fuck is he supposed to address that? Then again. People with bird wings, jellyfish ghost-worlds, and pink spider demons. So. Might as fucking well. The following question seemed to snap him out of it, and with a quick blink and shake of his head, he continued.
In fact, he hopped up to sit on the desk as he pulled out his phone, leaning so Cid could watch the screen with him. ]
Take a look, yo. Maneuverability.
[ He pulled up a brief video of a test flight on his phone. There was some heavy artillery plugged in underneath the cockpit of the helicopter, but it was useful none the less. As it hovered a few meters off of the ground, it swayed side to side, ascended, descended, wheeled around. It touched down and lifted off again, ascending more than a few stories into the air as quickly as it could manage with the weight and a little wobbling that was quickly brought under control. ]
Great for recon, search and rescue, transport--you name it.
You take a plane when you need speed and have runways for take-off and landing, airships for long-haul..moving freight, troops..the like. Helicopters are your quick and dirty.
[ Once the video was done, he'd hop off the desk, but if Cid made any indication that he wanted to watch the video again, Reno would linger and let him. ]
There's nothing like the open skies in one of those when you know how to push her right.
[ A satisfied hum. ]
I've left a few soldiers with brown pants. They learned how to behave in my birds.
[And with that settled away, he'll lean in to watch the video, brows raised. Now, he's seen the remnants of what were once airships of his world and he knew how large those were. He's seen some of the planes that Enterprise had been able to conjure with her own abilities. So he has something of a frame of reference, especially if he likened the difference between ships that served similar purposes.
Warships, cargo ships, passenger ships, smaller boats... Similar, just in the air.
So with that basic understanding he nods before chuckling.]
[ If he had any sense of shame, he might be a little embarrassed about being so delighted to chatter about one of his hobbies back home, but he did not. So he was not embarrassed in the slightest. But! He did give Cid his personal space back, and hopped back off of his workstation after tucking his phone back into his coat. ]
That's what I got paid for, yo.
Besides, it got smiles outta my old boss even if he wouldn't admit it, and that's what really mattered.
[ He shrugged about it with a lopsided grin--one that was maybe a little warmer than it was vulpine. ]
And I remember that stunt you told me about over hotwings when I first got here. Sounds like you knew how to have a good time with your people, too.
No problem at all, been a busy time for everyone I wager. Just a shame you weren't able to find a simpler solution to problem.
But you can come by either later today or tomorrow. I'll be at my workshop then.
[He'll also attach a map with directions to his public workshop in Nogard. And really, after some recent news he could use another project to work on.]
So long as you don't try going and arresting people, you should be fine. And if anyone does ask questions, just say you have business at the Telamon workshop.
I'm not famous or anything, but I've at least made enough of an establishment for them to know I exist.
Suppose I'll be on my best behaviour then. Can't guarantee there won't be some bloody noses if there's trouble but I won't drag your name into things if they get messy.
I'll be by tomorrow. Anything you need bringing along that isn't a weapon?
If it's just some bloody noses, then I'd say you'd have earn you way in.
But not that I can think of at the moment. However, if after I examine your weapon I determine I need some materials, I may send you off to retrieve those.
[ She would practically bend over backwards to get her own weapons back so she can stop borrowing from Garrus. It's also hard to argue you've got the better rifle when it's a broken heap of scrap. ]
Understood. It's appreciated.
Going to aim to be there late morning/early afternoon.
[And with that parting message, Cid will go ahead and prepare for Shepherd's eventual arrival, pulling out the notes and materials he used for Garrus. By now he's improved on a few features, so she may end up with a better weapon ho ho ho.
Whenever she arrives, the workshop's door will slowly but automatically open when she steps on the mat, the sound of air releasing from the pneumatic system a hint as to how he managed it. Cid himself will be back at his desk, ever working like a busy bee.]
[ She has a lot less trouble getting to Nograd than she was expecting, helped by the sheer number of neutral and enterprising traders willing to let someone hitch a ride for some coin, very few questions asked. As a result, she turns up at the workshop slightly earlier than she intended, but not so early that Cid isn't already working away.
Automatic doors are the standard where she's from, but it's still slightly jarring after months of bumping into nothing but traditional doors. She raps her knuckle against the doorframe in case the sound of the system wasn't clocked, knowing how engrossed engineers and craftspeople can get when their minds are focused elsewhere. ]
If there was any doubt I was in the wrong place, that's long gone now...
i just realized idk if he actually knows her name HHAHSDHF WHOOPS
[She's right—he actually didn't notice because he had been focused on his work, so the knock and the voice is what makes him look up in some surprise before he grins.]
If you're looking for a workshop, then you've got the right one.
[A wink before he stands and steps away from his desk to hold out his hand in greeting.]
You must be the one inquiring about her weaponry. Cid Telamon, at your service.
AGSUGF he's a busy guy and she doesn't remember if she told him either
[ She strides forward to take the offered hand, shifting the lumpy, blanket-wrapped bundle as she goes. Her grip is strong, but not crushing - a good, firm handshake. ]
It's good to meet you, Cid. Name's Shepard.
[ She takes a quick moment to have an appreciative look around the workshop, her eyes returning to Cid with a smile. ]
You're seeing it in its better days. Some days you can barely walk through.
[A light chuckle as he can already get a good feeling out of that handshake and he just smiles all the more before retracting slightly only to gesture to the bundle.]
And I take it this is your weapon. You can set it down here and we'll take a look and see what we're working with.
[ With a small nod, she places the bundle down and quickly unties the loose knot holding it together. Inside, in various pieces, is a sniper rifle that looks like it's been to the seven hells and back again. Some parts are bent out of shape, some have been crushed together so hard it's impossible to pull them apart by hand, but the entire thing is covered in rust and burns, the black paint flaking from the most sheltered parts the only indication of its previous colour. ]
I've got two for you, but this one here is the priority. As you can see, it went through a lot prior to my arrival here.
[ She runs a hand over the mangled gun and sighs, shaking her head. The Black Widow is her pride and joy... that also cost her a quart-million credits back home. ]
[Seeing the weapon's condition, Cid can't help but raise his brows sharply and look back up at her. Clearly he thinks she should maybe just get a new weapon................ But he knows well what a weapon can mean to someone. Many have had their broken swords reforged for such reasons.
Still.]
....Right.... Well I'm no weaponsmith, so we'll need someone else to repair its original form. Fortunately I know a few that can help, so that won't be an issue. But I suspect this is different from the rifles that are found around this world, correct?
It is, which is why I'd prefer to stick to my guns on this particular weapon.
[ She snorts softly at her own pun. Shepard's fully aware what she's asking for is a lot, but she's confident it can be achieved in the right hands and with the right tools. She just lacked the connections...
Plus, when it comes to weapons from her home world, she has a trump card: ]
I'm sure it wouldn't take much persuasion to get Garrus to help provide technical help with anything that's strange or unusual to the weaponsmiths. Even back home you'd struggle to find someone as... dedicated to guns as he is.
[There's a wry chuckle at that has he recalls witnessing such dedication firsthand.]
Then that's that particular problem solved. The rest is having this function with this world's tech, aye? Since this will have to be rebuilt from the ground up, that will actually make it easier since I won't have to worry so much about breaking it.
[Since it's uh. You know. Kind of broken already—]
It also gives us an opportunity to add any other modifications that might prove useful for you.
[ But not really seen - she's been very careful to not discharge the beam cannon his assault rifle turns into if you pull the trigger for long enough. Fortunately, years of using guns with a tendency to overheat have drilled that into her. ]
Magitek, was it? The "magi" part is wildly out of my area of expertise.
In my case, the most "magic" I use is utilizing these elemental crystals and special conduits as they serve as alternatives to power and other functions that you may be more familiar with in your world.
So unless you also want your weapon to be able to fire off elemental rounds, you wouldn't see much difference if you wanted it more similar to what you were used to.
[ A small laugh, dragging her hand back through her hair. ]
I used to be able to charge my rounds via my omni-tool - a taser shot or cryo rounds as and when the situation called for it. The tool made the jump, but it's completely beyond hope...
[ Considering the state of the rifle, it's safe to assume this omni-tool is in a state magic nor miracle could fix. ]
... so if those functions can be added to the gun itself that would be great.
[ "Great" being a massive understatement - she'd have been over the moon with the weapon just being functional on a basic level. ]
Lucky for you, I had already devised a system a while back, so it won't be too difficult to implement it here. Might even be able to improve on it further.
[With that in mind, he pulls out a pencil and starts jotting down the notes.]
Just the side-arm, but that's in better shape than the rifle.
[ Probably because the heavy pistol is a more compact shape. It's still charred to hell and back, but it is recognisable as a pistol. With a bit of TLC, it'll function as well as it did before. ]
I had a detachable suppressor on it - muffles the sound and reduces the muzzle flash - but that didn't make the jump here.
I haven't tried making something that could have a silence effect... However, I know someone in my crew who does. I can ask him and see if we can't do something similar here.
Given how volatile the waters can be, better to be safer, particularly for your own protection.
[He muses for a moment as he starts to jot down a few things.]
First step will be to get your weapons repaired, even if it's just the exterior.
[Tearing off a new piece of paper, he jots down a few potential weaponsmiths, Darin's included.]
After that, I'll need the following materials for these parts that I know we'll need... The rest will have to wait until I'm able to see the weapons proper as I won't be able to make the full designs until I see what exactly I'm working with. But I can at least get started with what you've told me so far.
[ Seeing Darin's name comes as a small but pleasant surprise - really she could have saved herself an additional trip by asking him about it when she was giving her armour over. But, even with the title of Master Smith, it sounded from his background that he wasn't from a place with guns so Shepard had incorrectly assumed they were outside his area of expertise.
With Garrus's input and rifle as a reference, the only real issue is the pair of them spending all their time bickering rather than fixing the gun.
... on second thought, maybe she should check out who else is on the list first. ]
It's appreciated. I'll let you know when everything's ready for round two. You want any payment for your time today?
[A grin as he gestures to the notes and preliminary sketches he's made.]
Having something new to work on is already enough. You can place the down payment for my services once you've brought in the materials, and the rest once I've completed the job.
[ She chuckles, folding her arms across her chest. ]
Glad I could provide something novel.
[ Her gaze sharpens on the mention of a "condition", a sudden stiffness setting into her posture as she waits for the other boot to drop. Figures, things sounded too good to be true. ]
[He looks at her with utmost seriousness, his expression hardened from what it was before.]
Truthfully, I don't really do much with weapons. Any weaponry I do make of my own is more defense than to inflict damage or harm.
Thus while I am willing to work on someone's personal weapon, I would rather you not speak of this outside of here and your close circle. I also do not want you to allow anyone else to study your weapon if it can be helped.
This kind of technology... I'm sure others will eventually develop something similar, but I would rather have no part of any future mass productions.
[In other words, for specialized cases like these, he will do it. One's weapon is one's main source of defense, after all,and since she's a friend of Garrus, he's placing some trust that she won't use this against civilians or outside of necessity. So this particular condition is to basically keep the technology that he develops confidential.]
[ Her jaw unclenches when she realizes the direction of the condition, glad that her habit of expecting the worst has once again proven to be unfounded.
It's an understandable concern that she hadn't really thought too much about before - hasn't needed to, because those she typically discussed weaponry with back home were privy to the same information, with their suppliers being military - no need to worry about the tech being copied or painting a target on anyone's back. ]
Understood. I'm not really one for letting anyone else handle my weapons, anyway.
[Only after her agreement does his expression relax to return to his more friendly countenance.]
Then we have an agreement. Get me the materials and have your weapon repaired and I should be able to make the needed adjustments to make it function as you wish.
[ The consultation done, and conditions outlined, Shepard stoops and quickly reties the bundle of rifle parts into a sack that gets tossed over her shoulder as she stands up.
With a wide grin, she holds her free hand out to Cid, either unaware or unbothered by the soot that's still all over the tips of her fingers. ]
[So, Darin's dramatic breakout has had the undesired effect of putting all of the heat squarely on him. Which means, he can't exactly go back to Eltrut right away.]
[And most of his friends have small apartments and can't really accommodate him. Good thing Dad #3 has an island.]
[Time to make a call.]
So, Cid. I've got some good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?
[Despite what he's saying, Cid can probably hear the grin.]
L-Look! I said I will so I will! I'm not gonna back down now, alright?!
Gah! Dammit, now I'm all out of sorts...!
[He needs a minute.]
Alright, with the heat on me right now, I can't exactly go back to Eltrut to my forge or my house so...I was wondering if maybe you had an extra room or something. Just until the Paladins cool their asses a bit.
But honestly, I'll do whatever you need. They didn't freeze my assets or anything so I'll pay whatever you want. Or I'll do some work around the Roost.
Hell, Zelda's probably going to pitch in too. She's not the type to just sit on her laurels.
Currently it's a place where young girls and women who were in...abusive situations have been rescued by Benedikta and taken in to learn new skills and find a new path in life. We support them in their recovery and while most settle into the Roost, we've helped a few return to society proper.
[As he speaks, Darin can hear the warmth and pride in his voice.]
We're actually looking to put more focus on this endeavor among other things. But you would have to speak to Benedikta if you wanted to learn more about it.
[And if Darin remembers what Cid has told him of what he used to do, it will ring very similar.]
Relax! There'll be plenty of time for romance once our names are cleared and we can go back to our home on Eltrut! Right now? I'm rarin' to go!
Speaking of, we're gonna stop by the house and get some essentials. There's a small port nearby. Not a lot of paladin traffic. Think you can meet us there?
[There's a pause, Shadow looking over the choice words Cid provides. Familiarity. Eventually, a photo of Clive is going to be sent, in rags that one wears upon arriving in this world. He'll be sitting on the ground, looking a mixture of being both dumbfounded and irritated. Don't mind the bleeding leg he's nursing.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Text; un: dragoonoflight
I hope this letter finds you well.
I understand if this letter is not welcome, and should that be the case, you may disregard it, and I will accept that. I apologise for leaving abruptly during our last encounter, although despite this I have given much thought to what you said, and your offer.
It is not anything you have done. I recognize that I have far too much on my mind for you to know what it is I am thinking. I have consulted Joshua's thoughts on the matter and he is fairly confident that despite any tension, which is entirely my fault, your offer to join your crew was genuine.
Although I had remained undecided, I have to admit that he can be very persuasive when he wants to be. [ Namely Joshua said he wanted Dion to come. ]
Should the offer not be rescinded, I would like to accept.
If there's anything you wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to do so.
Warm regards,
Dion Lesage
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....Acceptance of his offer????
Now that he truly did not expect, and there are several moments as he just stares at the words before he chuckles.
Joshua, is it? He hadn't realized the two were such good friends. But works for him.
And because he's such an easy-going fellow, he'll respond in kind. Have a letter—if much shorter.]
Dion,
Your texts are always welcome, so never worry about it. Nor do you need to be concerned about what happened earlier — I was also a bit in the wrong, and for that I also apologize.
Regardless, I am happy to accept your acceptance. Though I suppose I should thank Joshua for this, hm?
As for what to discuss, the matter of you being in Elah might cause some complications, but given that things are still being organized, it's no matter. Eventually I'll find a more central location where all can meet and serve as another place of domicile, but that won't be a while yet. For now, just continue as you are.
Of course, if you ever hear of any news that could help us... ;)
Now if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
Sincerely,
Cid
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We shan't go back and forth with apologies, it will get us nowhere in the end, so let us end that there for the time being.
I suppose you should, it is certainly due to him that I made my decision. Not that you weren't enticing enough but I know most of you as acquaintances at best at the moment, it may have been premature. [ But Joshua, he considers a friend. ]
Of course you are correct. Do let me know when things are organized and I will come then. I don't wish to impose or cause problems unnecessarily.
Alas, I have not, although I'm not nearly so terrible. I did encounter a Corsair and helped her out of a difficult situation as I would you, unless of course you put yourself in it, in which case you may get yourself out of it.
[ He's kidding. He'd still help. ]
I haven't any questions about this at this time, not having seen the ship or having come to meet the crew, so for the time being I will be able to keep this missive on the short side.
Do take care,
Dion Lesage
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Dion,
You may want to reread the definition of "short." However, I've received and understood your message.
Just to note, you may feel a little more "comfortable" about the crew. Managed to get a few more Paladins.
Sincerely,
Cid
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Are you suggesting I am too loquacious for your tastes?
That does put my mind at ease somewhat, but if only because I'm uncertain how to relate to the rest of you. It is merely a new experience, nothing more, where we need not fight at the drop of a hat.
If it is any consolation, I can refrain from adding more for the moment.
Best wishes,
Dion Lesage.
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First, this was better.
Second, no need to think too hard about it. But if you want to know, the ones joining us are Kaveh, Yuffie, and Sorey. Not sure if you met any of them, but you may be able to get along with Kaveh and Sorey.
Sincerely,
Cid
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While I appreciate your literary criticism, it isn't terribly important is it? I suppose if you are not interested in receiving my missives, I could take that into account. [ In other words: just deal with it ]
I've had the opportunity to meet Sorey, at least, seems like a rather pleasant fellow. We did a guard shift together. I've not had the opportunity to meet the others.
I can be very agreeable, you know, I have no intention on causing any fights.
Sincerely,
Dion Lesage
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You realize I'm just pulling you, right? [Dion. Please. But he's still amused.]
I almost feel guilty bringing such a kindhearted soul into our ranks, but I think he and Joshua would get along, as well. Both sem to enjoy researching and all.
But I have no doubt you'll get along fine with the rest, nor do I anticipate any trouble. And if you ever come across anyone who you think could use a place even if for a while, you're welcome to run it by. [ie, help scout some more paladins to their group for "assistance" in the future—]
Cid
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I feel in this short time I understand your nature, yes.
Fortunately I think you are correct on both counts. I'm sure we can all get along long enough for Sorey not to be bothered too much. Joshua would probably appreciate someone to study with him.
I will keep my eyes and ears open.
Dion Lesage
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Aha, now you're learning to write more casually. [Without the formal salutations.]
But keep in touch. And if you ever get into a spot of trouble, you can contact any of us. Crew or not, we can look out for each other.
Cid
text; un: paridisaea | Lmao here we go
say we had people we wanted to maybe bring aboard the hideaway
do we need to bring them to meet you first
hypothetically speaking of course
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So, who are you trying to bring?
Hypothetically speaking.
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he's my roommate
he's not the easiest person to get along with but he is a remarkable genius. once he stops sulking about whatever is translating everything for us, he'll be interested in exploring.
and despite what he'll say about it, he's a mean hand in a fight.
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And a "genius," you say? What field?
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well, that's a bit tricky. He doesn't really limit himself to one field or college. He's primarily a Haravatat scholar--ah, that would be semiotics--but he's excellent with elemental energy and he frequently explores old ruins. He's...well, he's not as good with machines as I am, but he's still decent.
He seeks out knowledge like plants seek sunlight. In terms of sheer understanding of the world we're from, I don't think anyone who isn't a god knows more than he does.
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He already sounds like he'd make a fine asset just from that alone. Was he one of the people you told me about before?
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I can try and bring him to the ship to talk. He's not...taking very well to sea travel, but I usually win arguments.
[This may be the greatest lie Kaveh's ever told.]
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I promise he'll behave.
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he can be pretty taciturn with people he doesn't know very well, but trust me, once he does it's kind of hard to get him to shut up.
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In that case, no need to worry. Handled that type many a time.
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I didn't think he'd pose too much of a problem for you, no.
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Anything else I should know?
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...just, despite his temper and personality, you can trust him. He hates lying and he's unnecessarily blunt with his opinions, but he's loyal, and while he never does kind things that don't also benefit him, it doesn't mean he doesn't do them. He's just weird and sideways about it.
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From the sounds of it, you two must be close.
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...I suppose so.
[It's Complicated, but cid doesn't need the entire story
yet.]no subject
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I'll save the rest of the questions for the man himself, but I at least with your staunch support I see no reason to refuse.
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[Kaveh you are fooling literally no one.]
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I'll talk with you later, Kaveh.
[AND JUST GOING TO DITCH HIM JUST LIKE THAT have fun stewing over those words.]
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video; un: pinksidekicking
So were you ever going to say that turning into an Eikon is also killing you?
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And who told you that little number?
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A dragon told me.
[ The problem with that is: is she talking about Dion or an actual dragon because there's a lot around right now. ]
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And I expect your "dragon friend" explained the mechanics behind it.
Not exactly something you bring up in casual conversation.
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I've known he could turn into a dragon for a while and he knew I could too, I just didn't know that meant he was an Eikon. So it kind of started as casual conversation.
He explained some. That Priming takes a toll on the body, and there's semi-Priming which does less damage, but really, anyone who uses magic drains away their life and turns people to stone. Probably just the basics.
[ "Probably." ]
He also said that if anyone was looking into how to fix it while you're in some other world and there's a possibility of finding a way to not die, it'd be you. So how can I help?
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She'll be able to see the dry weariness on his expression before there's a flicker of an amused smile.]
While I appreciate the enthusiasm, this is no small task. The fact that this world affects us differently only complicates it.
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The more people you have working on it that you can trust, the better off you'll all be, right? Something something, many hands, something, lighter load. I also kinda like my friends when they're not statues.
[ Gloreth has a statue... a very large one that stands at the center of the Kingdom brandishing a sword. It's quite a painful thing for Nimona to look at. ]
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Fair enough. But the problem does come down to the fact that it's a curse based on the use of our powers, even with the tattoo. It helps, but it's only natural for us to immediately draw on our own natural reserves. Normally it only really advances should we need to use high level spells, but for those with more advanced conditions, even constant use of normal spells can take a toll.
So, while the end all solution is to not use magic at all, in a world like this that's not practical. So all that's left is figuring out some counter spell or relic that either removes that little "curse side effect" completely or seals it away somehow. Short of that, something that can slow the progress.
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I considered, but it would be a small stepping stone as we'd be just moving the what we're relying on to a relic. There is also the question if we could find one that could accommodate all of us and how much power it could hold if it's something we keep on our person.
There is still also the issue that our bodies will inherently choose to use what it's familiar with, which is our own personal reserves. Aether is a part of us just like blood and bone are.
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[ If Aerith and Cloud sending troll things can possibly result in gnomes appearing in the next month, why not put it out there for some potential overwatcher in the world? ]
Like... what makes the magitech so adaptable to everyone's powers? Who's to say that you couldn't build some magitech device that does the opposite? Maybe people will donate to save a life.
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Suppose there is some merit to your words. Then the question is how to devise such a thing... Though suppose that's where I come in.
[A wry grin.]
But it would help if I knew more on how the magic of this world works and if such a thing is possible, so if that's something you want to help looking into, that may be a place to start.
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I am wise to the ways of the world, young'un. But I leave the tech in your hands.
I can look into it. There's that spellcaster guy who was changing things into other things. Maybe he'll let me in on some secrets after I helped him out.
[ Also they can go harass the alchemist. ]
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[Explain, Nimona.]
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It's a polymorph spell. That you could use on literally any target, living or not.
So if he sort of knows how to do that, then he must know at least something about magic and how it works. Right?
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Honestly what we'd need to know is what this magic runs on. In my world it's aether, but the energy here is different. I sit from the earth itself? The air? A product of something else? After that it would be creating a device that can pull directly from that source that we in turn can draw from.
But there would be ramifications for such a thing.
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Needless to say, I used some of my money to buy fabric with, and I figured that I would make a suit, especially for you. Don't ask how I got your measurements, but it should fit you perfectly.
You can fight in it, or go on a date with it. Your choice! Maybe both, but I hope it's to your liking.
-Rin
[The suit is hanged nicely on the door for him to see and try on, if he wishes. None the less, he'll notice that the material is quite flexible, and not stuffy at all. So, if he wishes to be stylish, or go in a date, he can do both.]
< text >
You say not to ask, but now I have to know as I haven't felt anything this well tailored in quite some time.
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That being said, I'm glad that it's tailored perfectly. Phew! I was a bit worried that it wouldn't fit, and it might be too loose or too tight so I'm glad I got the measurements right.
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[Joking. Partly.]
But I'm rather surprised by the quality of the materials. I've worn a few suits before, but they've never felt this loose when moving around. Is it a special type of fabric or thread?
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[Her species might have something to do with it, but. You know.]
It's a special fabric that Rem gave me when I met her in the hot spring... I figured it would go to waste if I didn't use it on someone cool, and you're a pretty cool guy.
There's still some fabric left, if you need something special made.
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But now that you mention it, I suppose I could use some more nice shirts.
[For all those future dates and such.]
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I'm not sure if these shellphones can take pictures or not. Haven't tried it yet.
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Send me pictures though. I like working with different styles of clothing.
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[And probably get a certain bird's input—]
But that reminds me, I've been meaning to ask you something. A potential project if you feel up to it.
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Oh? Hit me with your project. I'll be happy to do whatever you wish of me.
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[And, again, a certain bird, but he's obviously not going to share those. Not because they are questionable or anything, but because said bird would kill him for sharing anything of them.]
How familiar are you with diving suits?
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I'm familiar. I used to make a lot of special operations outfits for my husband and his crew.
If you're asking me, I'm guessing you need one, which... I'll be happy to make, but gotta ask: what kind of mission are you on that you need a diving suit?
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Now I'm actually not so familiar with these outside of what some basic ones I've seen around, so if you can tell me more about them and how they work, it would be appreciated.
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Hm... Well, I do have some information but it's second hand. But let's save it for when I have the diving suit made, and I can go over it with you in full detail.
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But that works well with me. Is there anything I can do to help?
text
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How was it otherwise, and how did it break?
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I lost the mouse as a result.
[ Actually he deliberately cut it to use the mouse to taunt G'raha...who then took the mouse for himself. ]
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Not too surprised, it's expected for the string to wear down after a while. How long did it last?
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My own has already managed to drag it across the room and bang it against the wall, so you just never know what can happen.
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You understand why I did not try to pursue it, I'm sure.
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[Of course he'd wonder. He can already guess but always the curious mind.]
Did you want another one?
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This time, however, I insist on paying for it.
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[Insert amount here because what is coming up with actual prices]
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[ And this time he won't deliberately lose the toy. ]
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» text
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[Did Clive do something stupid again—]
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No, nothing is wrong. I just wanted your opinion on something: chocolate or fruit?
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But.
Uh.
Well??? Not what he expected.]
Depends on what it's for.
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Allow me to rephrase it then: sweet or savory?
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Again it would kind of depend. But I suppose...savory?
[He like sweet things, sure
smokerbut he also wouldn't want too sweet... So whatever this is about, safer to go with savory.]no subject
[She had plans on making him a birthday cake, but didn't know whether he preferred chocolate over fruit, but now those plans seem like they need to be tossed away. A dilemma, indeed.]
Well, thank you for your time.
[Surely, this cannot be the strangest conversation he's ever had, so hopefully she didn't leave him too suspicious.]
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WAIT.]
Hold on, I didn't say that. I quite fancy desserts.
[Okay seriously—]
Jill, what is this for?
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[Oh, and that question of his? She'll pretend she never saw it.]
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[He's noticing her ignoring. Maybe he should ask Clive.]
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You're really giving this too much thought. It was a matter of simple curiosity, that's all. Some people like sweets, others like savories.
[The less he thinks about this, the better.]
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...
Yeah he probably won't think much more about this. Still, he's going to poke Clive, anyway, because right now he's curious.]
Very well. I hope it helped sate your curiosity.
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[Off she goes to find out what to make this man for his birthday party now. Gale will probably have some books on the subject...]
Text | Backdated to March 1st
This venerable one requests that you meet him in private to use lighting on him again. It is not a test as it was the last time nor is it for purposes of sparring, so it will not break the pact this venerable one has with Benedicta. However, it is important and it must remain secret.
When is the soonest you can meet this venerable one on Avaleci, in the sulfer fields?
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text -> Action
This venerable one will be waiting.
----
[And he was. 'Daqiang' was in the sulfur fields, just far enough in that it would not be easy to see them from the hot springs, but not so far that the heat was overwhelming for Orchid's weaker body. Next to 'Daqiang' was a young woman who stood about half a foot shorter than the Moon Supreme and was dressed in an airy and pale dress that rippled with layered pastels that ruffled prettily in the winds. She stood as stiffly as Daqiang usually did and was about as expressive, too.
When she spotted Cid, before he managed to reach the two, she turned an leaned in to murmur to 'Daqiang',: "Call him Cid. He prefers that." then stepped forward to put herself between Cid and the Moon Supreme. Almost like she was... trying to protect him?]
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Thank you for coming to meet us, Cid.
[They could keep up the act, but if Cid is to help them, then he must understand what has happened in the first place. If Daqiang trusts him enough to have him do this in the first place, then how could anyone else do any different? ]
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But when approaches the meeting point...more questions beyond that initial request arise, and his steps slow as he tries to...process. There is a young woman who is reminding him more of Daqiang, and it seemed strange that she would step in front of the taller man like that. And then even stranger when he hears Daqiang speak and...
....take...her...arm...?
Something definitely doesn't feel right, and he doesn't need his Eikon to give him that bit of intuition as he glances from one and then the other.]
...All right, you have some explaining to do.
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She lifted her chin a bit so she could attempt to look down her nose at Cid - he was shorter than the other man currently, so it was not quite as easy to do as when they were of equal stature.]
We have been affected by a curse. It can only be reversed through a kiss.
[Though the voice was feminine, the tone was that familiar even and somewhat bored tone that Daqiang had most of the time.]
We must be struck by lighting during the kiss.
[Keep it as simple as possible. No need to go into the details that the curse was something not of this world. He trusted Cid to strike them, but he'd still prefer if Cid didn't realize this wasn't a one-off 'cure']
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Normally, she would bow to Cid in greeting, but is aware that a certain someone wouldn't like that. So there is a simple nod of 'Daqiang's' head with a smile. ]
You can call me Orchid. It's a pleasure to meet you, though I would have preferred to do it in my own body.
[ She wants to make it clear that she is not being forced into this, but wants to swap back. ]
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............
.....................
Again, Cid will just darting his eyes from "Daqiang" to "Orchid" and back again as he...]
...A curse.
[...slowly repeats the words while trying to...once again process this. On the one hand, he doesn't expect Daqiang to lie and...all right, part of it is seeing "Orchid" presenting Daqiang's original body in such a strange way, subtle as it is. It's clear she's trying to keep him to appear "normal" and...really it's the words. With that voice.
...]
And I have to strike you both with my lightning...while you're kissing.
[THIS IS SO BIZARRE, HE'S SORRY.]
I'll do it, you'll just have to forgive me if I find this quite absurd. [A small huff of laughter.] But suppose there are worse curses to share with someone.
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Cid found many things humorous that Daqiang did not understand.
With a huff, Daqiang turned his head and frowned. Took a breath.]
Fine. This venerable one will forgive you.
[Then he turned further and stepped back from Orchid, breaking her loose hold on his arm so they could face each other. He glanced up at her and then down. Despite her agreeing to this, he wasn't sure if she'd resist his advance or not. Even when wanting to change back, the only time she'd allowed them to do so without fighting him previously, was when she thought he was at risk of being killed by Changheng and that other man from Shuiyuntian. And even then, she had been the one to initiate.
Given those facts, he decided lift his chin, look back up at her in expectation, and wait. She couldn't say he attempted to force anything or fight him if she was the one who initiated the kiss, right? Right.]
This venerable one is ready.
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She will have to admit that it is amusing, and sometimes very useful - but right now, all she wants is to be back in her own body. That someone here can control the lightning to help them is much better than having to wait for a storm. ]
Thank you for agreeing to help us. I will find a way to repay you.
[ Make Cid some flower cakes or a meal. Help his flowers grow faster and healthier. Something thank him for his help today.
Then Daqiang is stepping away to turn towards her, she allows her hand to fall away. Orchid stares at him as he looks at her in such a way - expecting her to make the first move and initiate the kiss. There are many things about this that are awkward. Being in his body is one of them, having someone to witness it being another. The others all have to do with the fact that his memory does not match hers.
Still, it must be done so she takes that expectant face between her palms and leans down to kiss him. ]
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He just smiles in return to Orchid's words as he waits for them to get to it...still feeling a bit. Awkward. It's one thing to just happen to see someone kissing, private or public, it's quite another when he has to wait. Perhaps there's some levity as he wonders if Daqiang knows how, yet there does seem to be some familiarity to this... ...And who is this girl, anyway? When did she show up? How does he know him?
Very juicy questions that he can't wait to ask, but for now it's the kiss and—ah, there they go.
Perhaps he should have asked if Orchid is an immortal or human, but it doesn't matter. Cid has masterful control over his element, and as destructive and deadly as it can be, he knows how lessen the force. So once they initiative the kiss...
...
He may give them a moment or two just in case there's something going on between time, but not too long where it would be too awkward if not. Might as well make the kiss counts as good and proper, eh? After that, there's just the snap of his fingers and a single lightning bolt rushes down from the sky, striking the two of them. It will certainly be felt, a strong, tingling, electrifying rush along with a noticeable heat, but it will not burn nor will they suffer much physical harm. Perhaps a few singed places here and there and a bit of smoke on their hair, but nothing worse for wear. It also will also be over in an instant so they won't have to wait too long.]
Hope that worked.
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The exact moment the bodyswitch was complete, Daqiang's hand was in Orchid's hair, gripping the nape of her neck firmly and pulling her head backwards as he pressed forwards into the kiss, dipping her slightly. His other arm wrapping tightly around her waist to prevent her from pushing away while he all but devoured her lips. Any hesitation he may have shown while in her body was gone.
It may even have looked like he didn't care about the audience, but that, too, was untrue. He was very much aware of his audience and he was going to be damn sure Cid knew exactly who had a claim on Orchid before any other words could be exchanged.]
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Another thing that Daqiang doesn't know, is that Orchid has already fallen in love with him. So it will be quite the surprise to him when she doesn't even make an attempt to pull away and lifts her hands to cup his face gently.
Really, though. She doesn't entirely understand why Daqiang is so jealous in front of a man she just met. ]
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But—]
...Well, right then. Guessing it did.
[—when he sees Daqiang just going at it with that girl, his brows just shoot up before he tactfully looks away, arms crossed over his chest as he feels very much like a third wheel.]
You know the hot springs are right over there? Might be better than out here. In the sulfur.
[That also answers the idle question he had about the god. Good lord, man.]
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While he had started the kiss with the intention of staking a claim, Orchid's response made him forget Cid was there for a few brief moments. So his statement about the sulfur and the smell that Daqiang had largely ignored had Daqiang's eyes slipping away from Orchid to find Cid with his back to them.
His eyes blinked a few times while he stared at Cid's back, knowing he should probably say something. But with Orchid's response to the kiss - and her still in his arms - his mind was having trouble coming back into focus. Had she really been kissing him back?]
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Cid's voice is like dowsing herself in water - much like it had been when Shangque interrupted their last kiss. She turns in Daqiang's arms to hide her face from Cid, despite his own back being turned, hands coming up to cover her blushing cheeks. Yet she still doesn't move away from the stunned Moon Supreme now that she can. ]
My apologies! We aren't— [ Yet Orchid can't bring herself to finish that because it would be half a lie. She loves Daqiang and would marry him in a heartbeat, but he does not feel the same in return. The kiss to him was not entirely the same as it was for her. ]
I will make you a full meal in thanks. [ And as an apology for having to witness them "making out" in public. ]
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What, not together yet?
[That grin turns into a mischievous smirk as he glances first at Orchid and then at Daqiang, a playful spark in his eyes.]
Could have had me fooled back there.
[Ooooh, he is so not going to let them off the hook for this. Least of all Daqiang.]
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His posture straightened as she turned in his arms, hiding from Cid in her embarrassment. Daqiang put one hand behind his back, but kept the one around her waist where it was. Then he shot Cid a glare for his attempt to tease when Orchid was already clearly distressed.]
Do not.
[Whether or not he trusted Cid and thought well of him, making Orchid unhappy was not acceptable. Waiting a moment to ensure his warning was acknowledged, then continued:]
If you wish to accompany us back to the hot springs, you may. This venerable one... thanks you, Cid, for your aid in this matter.
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She is a shy flower when it comes to truly being in love, but she does notice that one arm remains around her. Which is nice and does make her feel safe, so Orchid lays a hand on Daqiang's arm to try and return that feeling of comfort a little. ]
It's fine, it's fine! Don't be angry, Daqiang.
[ Orchid doesn't even need to look to know that Daqiang is glaring at Cid, that's a common tactic for the Moon Supreme. The only thing that is making her unhappy is something that can be resolved with time and his accompaniment. After taking another minute to collect herself, she turns back around to have a better conversation with their helper. ]
Is there a food that you enjoy, Cid? If I don't know how to make it, I will find a way to learn.
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achievement unlockedHowever, he knows better than to push it too much, not wanting to rile up his friend too much. So he just chuckles as he nods in understanding before he looks over at Orchid.
Curious...very curious...]
I am a bit curious about our young lady here, so if you don't mind me learning a bit more then I'll hang around for a bit. And I'm not really too picky, nor would I want you to go out of your way to make something you're not familiar with. [Hmmm.] However, if you so insist, I wouldn't mind trying something from your homeland.
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Cid counted among them if Daqiang's body language was anything to go off of.]
Orchid is from the Three Realms and and under this venerable one's protection.
[He said simply, then fell quiet. Orchid was certain to fill in anything else. She was far more talkative than he was and so long as Cid understood that Daqiang took his protection of Orchid seriously, then Daqiang would be content to let them speak while he kept an eye them both. Unlike the situation at Silent Moon Palace, in this world he could not count on the loyalty of hundreds of guards to give their life to protect Orchid when he was not near.]
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Not that she thinks Cid is a threat after he went through all this trouble to help them. ]
I am a... [ Here she pauses a bit, looking up at Daqiang. ] flower fairy from Shuiyuntian.
[ Orchid can guess what Daqiang will think about the pause, they have had a few conversations about this just from his last memory of home. Regardless of what she truly is and where she's from, Shuiyuntian has been her home. One of them. He isn't yet aware that Orchid has questioned everything about herself, which is the truth behind the pause. ]
My Shifu found me as a little orchid seed, she took care of me and taught me how to fix Destiny Books. I have fixed forty-two thousand, and seven hundred in my thousand years of cultivation. My cultivation isn't very good, but I have been getting better since meeting Daqiang. I can make flowers and other plants grow and bloom.
Before I met Daqiang, I had never left Shuiyuntian, but now I've been to all Three Realms and this far away place. [ So she is somewhat sheltered, and knows it. ]
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So he'll just look at Orchid with some curious interest. Damn that's a lot of years and a lot of books—but since he's already heard about Daqiang it's a little less surprising...if still something to try and comprehend.]
A flower fairy? Well can't say I've met one before, but I can believe it.
[And there's his natural charming smile....that he should probably do less of. Don't glare at him, Daqiang, he's not even trying anything!!]
But what is this "cultivation"? I take it doesn't mean agriculture.
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Though he remained silent, allowing Orchid to speak with Cid without his own interruption (at least for now), his presence was noticeable in the distinct decrease of the heat around both Orchid and Cid. Taking it into himself now that he was back in his own body and could do something to keep her from wilting from continued exposure. It had been disturbingly uncomfortable to feel that kind of heat while in her body. He knew what it must feel like to her.]
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If anyone knows anything about how old Daqiang is, then her thousand years is practically nothing. It shows that Cid knows when he doesn't comment on her age. ]
There are many fairies in Shuiyuntian, but not all of them are flower spirits.
[ That charming smile is met with a happy one of her own, there aren't many she's talked to in depth about her since her arrival. ]
Cultivation is improving your power to achieve immortality through meditation and training. Mine isn't very good, but I think I've gotten stronger since meeting Daqiang. I can now restore dead plants, or heal broken ones, and do things I never thought I could before.
[ She refrains from saying she can bring back the dead with her blood or destroy evil qi. ]
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And anyone can do this? Or is it only certain being?
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Anyone can do it, but I'm afraid some can spend their whole lives trying and never being successful. You have to dedicate yourself to it.
me not realizing it was my turn---SORRY
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Did you want to become immortal?
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While I know some who would, I do not. The frailty of humanity is also what makes living it just as rewarding, no matter how cruel it can be at times.
Not only that, I do not fancy the idea of watching those around me fall and be the only one left.
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In her stumble, Orchid reaches out to grab Daqiang's arm to not fully trip over her own two feet.
When she speaks again, her own words are spoken quietly. ]
Living in Arbiter Hall, I couldn't see how important the moments in their lives were. Then I went to the Mortal Realm. My time among them was so brief, but their lives were so much fuller than I ever imagined.
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His own ankle ached for a moment.]
Orchid is the disciple of the Arbiter of Fate. She maintains the destiny books of all living beings.
[He explained so Cid could understand why Orchid would have reason to watch mortal lives. Though, he hadn't know she had been to the mortal realm. She'd only ever talked about Haishi City. She had mentioned her master enjoyed spending time in Yunmengze. Perhaps she had taken her along on a trip at some point before the one she was currently on?]
Living among mortals in this world is the longest this venerable one has ever been around them, himself.
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But...]
Destiny books?
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Orchid's grip on Daqiang's arm tightens for just a moment, as if it were her dress she was holding while dealing with such complicated feelings. There's a nod of her head at Daqiang's words, agreeing with him. ]
Whether you are immortal or mortal, everyone has a one-leaf Destiny Book upon the fate tree. Your destiny is written in the Destiny Books as a fate poem. It's not as detailed as a novel, but it records the major events in one's life. When they are born, what sort of job they might have, when they will marry, and have children. If they somehow stray from the fate poem, their cultivation will be damaged at least, or their soul will dissipate.
[ This is a conversation she's had with Jieli before. ]
As immortals, we are not supposed to interfere with the fate of a mortal or even other immortals.
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This world lays somewhere in the Ruins of Ten Thousand Heavens. Across the River of stars and outside of time and the flow of fate. This venerable one believes that what happens here is unlikely to have any effect on what happens in the Three Realms.
[It was the argument he had made about it to Orchid while they spent time in each other's body, since she had been worried about damaging the souls of the mortals in this world.]
Time flows differently here and too many imperfect worlds have had their people converge through the rifts. So our presence here cannot count as interference.
[Not that he had known about what interfering with fates did when he first arrived. His own spirit could not be damaged in that way simply because he was, personally, outside the cycle of reincarnation. If he died, he would die and that would be the end of him in any and all lives.]
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That doesn't sit well with Cid, not especially with how certain fates in his world turned out. So there is a moment where his expression hardens, but...
...
Well, Orchid already seems to have been affected by his words, and he doesn't want to risk upsetting both of them. It's their world, their...culture. Perhaps that's just how things worked—things "had" to work, if what she says about straying from one's fate is as dangerous as it sounds. The cultivation part he couldn't care less, but if it damaged one's soul... Of course, as a human who is staunch on free will so already he thinks, "but if it's worth the risk in the current life," so it's not a concept he can so easily agree with.
But, he will be respectful and not share his thoughts on that matter. Instead he'll just...nod in understanding—in the sense of it being an explanation, anyway.]
Aye, if our being here affected our world, I am sure there'd be a lot more chaos, especially what with time also being a factor as well.
[He then glances at them, though it shifts more to Orchid.]
Perhaps you can try experiencing what it's like to be living among mortals. Dongfang here is...well, he is getting there.
[A small, teasing wink.]
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She doesn't decide what that fate is, Orchid only fixes them so that people's souls don't disperse. So they can be reborn into another life.
Orchid doesn't know how fate works in other worlds, if it's as fragile and yet unchanging as it is in hers. ]
I was worried about telling people my true identity upon arrival, as I didn't want to harm anyone. The more I see of this realm, the less I worry.
[ She smiles up at Cid at his suggestion. ]
Mm! [ A sound of agreement. ] I won't have to hide who I am this time!
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Daqiang's eyes dart between Cid and Orchid. He decides she's smiling too much at Cid. Of course she would charm him, but Cid was not allowed to charm her back.
Clearing his throat, Daqaing tugged on Orchid none-too-gently where he still had his hand on her arm. The motion would cause her to fall backward towards him and as she did, he dipped down to scoop her up into his arms in a single smooth motion. While her steps faltered, his did not. And when it was done, she was held in a princess carry.]
We should part ways. Orchid's feet are getting sore. This venerable one will take her back to the hot springs.
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What's this?
Did he just feel something like ire coming from Dongfang?
And then that move to pull her back...
......Ah.
A knowing grin slowly forms as he just nods.]
Of course, and you two did just get zapped by lightning. Must have been quite the ordeal.
Go on ahead and enjoy yourselves.
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Then she's being scooped up in an all-too-familiar fashion in Daqiang's arms. She pouts up at him, knowing it won't make a difference at all. ]
My feet are fine.
[ Before she's carried away by the jealous immortal, Orchid turns back to Cid quickly. ]
If you want to talk more, you can send me a message at xiaolanhua.
[ Will he figure out how to spell it? That is the question. ]
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[He declared to try and shut down that argument. If it didn't shut it down, she would argue with him the whole way back. Which was fine. If it made her forget about Cid-
As soon as the invitation to message her is out of her mouth, is expression shifts right to wide-eyed offense.
right in front of his salad, orchid? in his arms?]no subject
I'll bear that in mind.
[And probably message Daqiang because...yeah he has no idea how the fuck to spell that one—
In any case, he just smiles and waves to them.]
Take good care of her, Dongfang.
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Thank you again, Cid. Goodbye.
[ With that farewell, she looks back at Daqiang. ]
voice; un: pinksidekicking
Hey, Captain Brownbeard. I have a project for you that I might be willing to pay you for!
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But what is this project?
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Okay, imagine this. You capture an image with a device - sort of how the shellphones do videos, then put it onto paper. No drawing needed. Just push a few buttons and a machine draws the image for you!
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So you, say, take a picture. And then you want a machine to draw it for you...? Why not just draw it yourself to begin with?
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Because if you want to draw people, you have to ask them to stand there forever, and that's no fun on their wedding day. I want to capture lots of images all at once without interrupting their happy day, then the machine can just draw all the pictures out for me much faster, so I can give them as a gift!
And maybe someone's not very good at drawing - not me, I'm amazing - but future customers!
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He's trying to understand this...]
So you what you're saying is you would have an original picture or photo...and this machine would be able to create duplicates based off it?
[He thinks he's understanding it now.]
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This way you could capture important memories, and then keep them in a neat little book to look at whenever you want. Or hang some up on a wall. Like family pictures.
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[Great, he's already thinking about this THANKS NIMONA.]
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[ Her evil scheme is working, then. If she catches his interest, then chances are better that he'll work on it! ]
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Don't suppose you know of how these "printers" are designed where you're from?
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Have you been introduced to a typewriter yet? Surely this world has those somewhere.
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As for how it knows what the picture is, it has to communicate with the device that took the picture. Sort of how the shellphones talk to each other. The printer has the job of figuring how to translate that picture into the tiny dots of color.
You can get away with just four different colors of ink; cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. More complicated, you add orange and green.
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And it works just like that? That really is quite the invention, and I can see how it would be useful.
[.............Hm.]
This may be outside my area of current expertise, but I could still look into it.
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[ Nimona plops her chin into her hand, eyes alight with excitement. ]
Outsourcing, I like it. I just thought I'd see if you were interested in trying your hand at making it.
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Still, if you could perhaps send me a few more drawings so I can have better visual idea, that will help greatly.
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Don't worry, I'm great at drawing! You'll have Nimona pinkprints in no time.
[ Get it? Because she's pink and her drawings are going to be in pink. ]
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Even if not, they can bring some inspiration either way. So I'll be looking forward to it.
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[ Nimona will deliver him a whole notebook of drawings in a pink pencil, with little notes about what it is and what it does. Laser-shooting crossbows, laser-shooting cannons, laser blades (that are more like gunblades), flying horseless carts, mechanical arms, a subway train. There's more mundane stuff - a coffee maker, televisions, electronic locks with digital touchpads, computers, blow torch, power saw (it's a weird collection since she has no idea what all he might even have knowledge of).
Every page has a pink Nimona animal with a text bubble that describes the device as best she can. ]
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Action!
No matter where that was just then, when Daqiang spotted Cid, his face lit up with excitement and he raised his voice to call out and catch his friend's attention.]
Cid! Speak with this venerable one!
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Instead he's actually out in the underground "city" in the Roost. "City" when it's more like a small town or village with the stone buildings filling the expansive underground cavern, sunlight streaming through the open "skylights" high above so despite being underground, it's quite bright as if it wasn't underground at all. Helps they have some additional lighting installed, but mostly the sun for now.
So Cid will look up from the well they had repaired and stares at Daqiang surprised.]
...Dongfang? Something the matter?
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Once Cid had answered him, Daqiang hurried over in something slightly faster than a jog, but not quite a run. He shook his head as he came to a stop, looking... well, excited. Happy, even.]
Nothing is wrong. This venerable one wished to share news with you.
[He took a moment to reach up and pat his cheeks.]
Is this venerable one smiling?
[(He was. Not quite enough to puff up his cheeks, but he was.)]
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And at his question, he can't help but laugh.]
Think it's the first time I've seen you smiling, but if you want proof—
[He scoops out some fresh water into the bowl that happened to be there and holds it out to him.]
See for yourself.
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Why was smiling so hard to do on purpose?
He grew frustrated after a moment and shook his head.]
Forget it. This venerable one can practice later. He has news to share.
[He straightened up and the excitement was back in his eyes. His smile growing despite his conscious ability to do so.]
You remember Orchid. She is difficult to forget, so you must remember her. She has agreed to marry this venerable one!
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Marriage? You and Orchid?
[Though he is still trying to process this because whoa.]
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[Cid's reaction is... not as enthusiastic as he'd thought it would be. Like he's confused about it. What is there to be confused about? It wasn't like Orchid had anyone else she liked-
Unless... Cid had been interested in her?
Daqaing's smile receded entirely, replaced with a frown and a suspicious narrowing of his eyes.]
What is it that makes you question it?
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No, sorry, it was just so sudden it caught me off guard.
[And then a laugh because he knows how this must look and he feels a bit sorry for confusing him. So with a wider, genuine smile he stands to clap Dongfang on the shoulder in that overly familiar and friendly manner of his.]
But congratulations! Have you set a date? How did it even happen?
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That he doesn't react to Cid's shoulder clap beyond a quick side-eye said a lot about how comfortable he'd become with Cid's familiar and friendly manner.]
We have not set a date. The stars in this world are changing. Picking an auspicious date will be difficult when they cannot be read. Other methods will have to be employed and we are preparing for an expedition. There is no rush, so time can be taken.
And how it happened--
[His lips pursed and he frowned again, but this time in thought.]
Do you recall the announcement of Kaveh and Alhaitham's wedding? They were discussing what was expected of their guests and this venerable one was informed of several differences in how marriages and the planning of families in their world is conducted. This included the fact that they are not planning on continuing their line with children. It made this venerable one wonder if the reason Orchid was upset at him and continued to reject the idea of being a couple with him was because she did not want his children.
[He looked over at Cid.]
So this venerable one asked her. About children. And she asked why this venerable one was asking about children when we 'aren't even married yet'.
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But then he speaks of Kaveh and Alhaitham's wedding announcement, and he can't help but grin wryly......and then just stare at him incredulously. Oh...the things...he wants to say......... But just keeps mum because it...somehow worked out???
But good lord—]
So...you proposed after all that?
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[There was some crying involved, too, but the less that was spoken of, the better.]
She said that she loved this venerable one and wanted to marry him.
[He's back to being all smiles again.
...and looking more than a little smug about it, too.]
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Then that's all that matters. Congratulations again.
[And then another friendly shake of his shoulders. Possibly in answer to that smug look you bastard—]
And soon you'll be a married man! You'll have a lot of planning ahead of you.
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[Not because Orchid asked for them, but because she deserved to have them.]
After he has done so and an auspicious date has been found, we will begin preparations for a wedding and Orchid's coronation.
[Unless Orchid decided they didn't need to wait on a date and do all the traditional stuff. He didn't care about it himself. Just as with the betrothal gifts, he simply wanted to give Orchid everything she deserved.]
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Twelve chests? Of—gifts? [He's just going to stare at him wide-eyed.] And a coronation?
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[But less leeway just meant he would be much pickier about what was included.]
And yes, a coronation. This venerable one has told you. He is Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe, ruler of Cangyanhai. As his wife, Orchid will be crowned as Moon Queen. It will have to be a much smaller ceremony. As the only two known to be from Cangyanhai in this world, there is no one else to witness it but us.
[A small sigh, because Orchid certainly deserved all the pomp and circumstance he could muster, but the realities of their situation was, well, the realities.]
This venerable one will see her recognized regardless.
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However, he can tell that Daqiang is being genuine in his efforts and it's all for that love and care for her that he is going through such lengths. How can he not respect that? So as overwhelming as it all sounds, he still smiles.]
Is it possible to not have both the coronation and the wedding at the same time? Perhaps it's too forward to ask and I do not want to disrespect your culture, but if you already need to make adjustments, then merging the two ceremonies may work in your favor.
text; un: pinksidekicking
[ Speech-to-text in one breath without stopping to correct a single mistake. Please stop her before she sends more. ]
> video
At first he starts to text back.
Then he thinks better of it and just calls her because he could barely make it through this. Better yet, they're going to facetime this.]
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Please tell me you're calling to say that Sorey is nestled snug in his cabin or reading some nerdy book somewhere on the ship and that the fog creatures didn't take him.
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[He was wondering who or what she was writing about. However, noting her expression and the question, his expression hardens.]
But no, I haven't seen him. Tell me again, from the beginning.
[And then a look.]
Slowly.
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[ She doesn't know that auto-translate turned Sorey's name into sorry. ]
He was seeing someone in the fog on the competition island. Followed that person deeper into the fog. I managed to stop him for a moment, tried to get him to realize that person couldn't be here. But his friend is kind of ghost-like back home, so he thought maybe I just couldn't see him. He wasn't going to take the chance it was really his friend. So we started to look together.
Except I lost sight of Sorey and he was just poof gone in the blink of an eye! I looked for him for a little bit, waited at the edge of the forest, tried his phone. Nothing!
[ She throws both hands up. ]
Then I called you to see if he came back to the ship and make sure that he didn't get eaten by cannibalistic fog people or sacrificed to their demonic god, his phone somehow blocked from getting calls. Or if maybe, you know, he walked straight into a place that just sent him home or something! I don't know! No one has ever disappeared so close to me before!
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All right, settle down. Take a few deep breaths first.
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But what if Sorey is breathing his laaaaaast?
[ She runs both hands down her face. ]
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All right, there's one easy way to do this. Just wait a mo' and I'll see if he's still on my contacts. If he's not, then it means he's returned to his world.
[And he's already tapping through, pulling up his contacts...]
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It's not there. But you heard the stories of that island! People disappear and are never heard from again. What if even his name disappeared with him?
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But he'll check himself as well, juuust in case, and...
Hm.
There will be a slight furrow of his brow.]
Then he took Eizen with him. He's also no longer on my list.
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But Eizen wasn't even there.
[ Very dramatic gasp. ]
Unless he was and I lost my ability to see him! He was one of those seraph things, right?
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I think the far more reasonable assumption is coincidental timing.
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You're really really really really absolutely really sure?
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Aye, I am.
That said, that really must be harrowing to experience, especially given the circumstances. Will you be all right?
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I'm gonna keep looking on the island. Just in case.
I'm used to people leaving, and getting used to those people being friends. It's definitely the creepiest leaving anyone's ever done to me, though. But I mean, I gotta be alright, because someday everyone's gonna leave.
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[He still looks at her with some concern, but there's not much he can do as of this moment, knowing that she herself may not feel much better until she does what she needs to do. In this case, look around the island.]
Just don't stay out too long. If you're bored, you're welcome to hang around the ship. Even have some extra paint if you want to do some arts and crafts.
[Teasing a little, both in reference to the ship battle and "treating her like a kid."]
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[ People leave her, it was just part of her life. Someday, the people here in this world will leave her too. There's not a whole lot she can do about death or the rifts right now. ]
I already do hang around the ship. You just don't always know it. [ Not spying! Just chilling. ] Arts and crafts like... you're going to let me paint on the walls of your ship? Because I'm awesome at that. If I could show you the Murder Wall I made for someone, I totally would use it as a reference to make you a business sign or a Corsair flag.
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Not the kind of painting I had in mind.
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I'm really good at it! So if you have a space that needs a little spicing up, I could just add a tiny something.
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And what kind of "tiny something" do you have in mind?
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Well, all the Eikons are basically elemental, right? I could do an epic drawing of all of that. If I knew what all your Eikons looked like, I'd do a little family drawing.
[ But please don't change just to "pose" for a family picture. ]
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That's actually not a bad idea. In fact I rather quite like it.
If it's illustrations you need, I imagine I may be able to sketch something out.
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Do you want just the Eikons, or your whole crew? I could do something separate for your whole Eikon family that you can put in your workshop.
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I feel trying to put the whole crew would be an entirely different endeavor.
[A quiet chuckle at that.]
But we do have a lot of "wall space" in the Roost.
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You might be thinking too big. I was gonna go for something like... this size for the height of everyone.
[ Nimona holds up her hands to show off the size which is about the size of a piece of paper. So one person/Eikon wouldn't cover the whole wall of a ship. ]
But hey, if you need a wall spiced up in the Roost, I'm definitely the artist for the job.
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I'd say the bigger the better, but others may disagree.
[He's amused though.]
I'll get back to you on it. There are some considerations I'd need to think about, but I do like the idea in general.
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If we do this on the ship too, I'm not sure you'd have enough wall space for your real sizes. It'd be epic if it was on the outer part of the hull - very intimidating to have a bunch of Eikons bearing down on those naughty crews.
[ Eikons are basically "mini" gods or whatever, right? ]
Yep, I'll be here. Just lemme know what you want to do.
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voice: un; gruffier
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[ He pauses before gathering his thoughts, but his voice seems... lighter today. Some would even say happy. ]
Not really a need, but something I wanted to share.
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Sounds important. Would you rather in person?
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I would, but it's late. You sure you're not in your nightwear already?
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[Clive can hear that smirk in his voice before there's a low chuckle.]
S'alright, I'm just in the workshop finishing up a few things before heading home.
[Where Benedikta is undoubtedly tapping her foot waiting—]
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He should have known he opened himself up to that one. Can you hear him rolling his eyes?
But hopefully Benedikta won't scold you too much, as Clive would take just a little more of his time... ]
Then I'll meet you there. Just a moment.
[ And off he goes! He might even get there a bit faster than that, considering the anticipation was currently eating him from the inside out. ]
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[With that he'll hang up, but he'll look towards the door, curious to what Clive would have to tell him.
And when he does arrive, he'll find the door unlocked so he can enter freely, Cid waiting with his feet propped up against his desk while leaning back against his chair.]
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Apologies again for the late hour. [ He'll do the outside a courtesy and shut the door behind him. ] I had thought to wait until morning, but I just spoke with Joshua and thought you should know, too.
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Joshua, too?
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I— [ He pauses as the words get stuck in his throat. You can tell he's struggling just a bit with the next string of words, but his emotions were a little bit all over the place at the moment. No need to keep his guard up. ] —would consider you apart of our family, as well. For all that you have done.
[ The man will step in a bit further into the room. His hand clasping the air as he balls it into a tight fist. ]
For saving Jill and I all those years ago. If you haven't intervene when you did, I... I would have not been able to ask for her hand in marriage.
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But it was really more...concerning that he's starting with that. And his intuition was correct—just in not a in a way he would have ever expected.
For a moment he can just sit there dumbstruck before he can finally find his voice again.]
Ask her hand—you proposed?
[There's disbelief, but there's a growing shine in his eyes, the smile following quickly after as he begins to rise up from his chair.]
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It was an odd thing to say out loud. Sure, he had done it, but saying it again and again had only slowly began to chip away at the reality of it all. It had felt like he was dreaming- like he was still dreaming. ]
I did. [ His words are accompanied by a smile hidden behind his bangs, yet his joy was evident. ] Tonight, under the full moon, I finally asked her... and she accepted.
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Congratulations, my boy! And about time that you did.
[May be slinging his arm fully around his shoulders now, rubbing that mess of hair of his.]
Have you set a date? Or plan to sneak away away from prying eyes?
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He was never one to be the center of attention, but seeing Cid this proud caused a swelling in his heart that panged noticeably in his chest. So he'll allow it, but just for right now... ]
No, no plans for a date yet. A simple and quiet ceremony with family is all we need.
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Thought as much, you never were one for large parties.
[His eyes shine as he continues to tease him a bit before giving him one last hearty clap and shake of the shoulder.]
But it suits the both of you. If you need someone to officiate, I still have the authority and license for it.
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Is that— would that be something you could do for us?
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Why, of course I would! You think I'd just sit back and let someone else do it?
[A click of his tongue before he shakes Clive's shoulder.]
Think I'm more offended you didn't even think to ask.
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[ There's a small hitch in the back of his throat as he tries to speak. He's trying to fight with his emotions, but Clive was never one to try to suppress them, especially on an occasion so rarely afforded to them. ]
—I'm grateful you would offer to do it.
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Only natural.
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[ He gazes back up at the man, genuinely smiling from every inch of his face. ]
Jill and I will set a date proper, but I'm certain you will be involved in one way or another.
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[It really is good to see Clive like this. Of course the past year has been different, but it's hard to forget how he was before. It's moments like these that he can't help but be a little more grateful to this world. For him and Benedikta and Mid, Clive and Jill and Joshua. All of their fates changed so much that they are finally living the way they've all dreamed of. Of course it's also a bit regretful that they had to come to a completely different world, some of them after their chances have already been taken.
Yet regardless, they have the here and now, so he can only continue to smile warmly before ruffling Clive's hair.]
And speaking of where people are needed, I don't want to keep you away from your bride for much longer. I'll be sure to tell Benedikta unless you wish to tell her yourself.
[That would be kind of fun.]
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Heh. I'll leave that to you.
Should you wish to invite her along, she's welcomed to. [ A pause. ] ... If she even wants to.
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Indeed, hard to say, but... I'd wager she may endure for a time.
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I wish, but I'm afraid there will still be some time yet.
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[ The Hideaway is so... noisy lately. ]
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I've lost count how many times I've proposed. Think I'm due for another now.
[A mischievous grin there. Yes, using their betrothal as a reason to propose again—]
But she's still not quite ready, and I don't blame her. I'm willing to wait...for a time.
[He has patience, but he's going to help her decide if she takes too long.
And dunno what you're talking about they have soundproofing—]
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"You cannot force her hand." Jill mentioned that once to you, and I think it best you take those words to heart.
[ They both know how fleeting the winds were. Best not to anger them with constant persistence. ]
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There's a low laugh and a rub of his chin as he very well remembers that.]
Aye, though that's been a fickle thing as of late. She seems to like it when I force my hand.
[Annnnd smirk.]
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I think that's my cue to take my leave.
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[Another laugh, this one more lighthearted as he looks at Clive with a happier shine in his eyes.]
But congratulations, Clive. I wish you two the very best.
Sometime during Winterstide
Inside is a nice tea set, complete with a vessel for cream and sugar and a very small, Moogle-sized teacup.
Have a tea party with your Moogle child, Cid]no subject
However... It does take him a moment to puzzle out what this very tiny teacup is for before it dawns on him.
Eventually Sherlock will just receive a simple thank you text along with a message that if he so desired, he could join the rest of the "family" for tea time. Completely with a 😉 emoji.]
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Well, given that he had gifted Kupli a beginner's chemistry set, it would be good to see how the Moogle has put it to use sometime.... ]
Christmas Gift
Hello sir! It was quite difficult to find both you and your crew, despite your renown! Regardless, I hope that the season has treated you well and that you've found the time enjoy the holiday! It's not much, but please accept and enjoy this gift with your loved one!
Happy Holidays,
Santa Claus
[Inside of his Christmas present Cid will have two fancy, crystal wine glasses and a necklace with a silver chain and a golden heart, or half of a heart. There's a note that says 'Your half is with the one you care for the most. Enjoy!'
Also, he gets a wooden recreation of Enterprise II (the ship he has here, not Enty. Unless he also wants a model of Enty).]
Re: Christmas Gift
That model of the Enterprise II will definitely be set on a shelf somewhere in his office at the Roost on proud display.]
Winterstide Gift
A fake long beard that has lightning bolt beads braided into it, a singing sacabampaspis (you know what you asked for, Lae), and a voucher for one Get Out of Jail free written in Nimona's handwriting. What does that even mean, Nimona? ]
Re: Winterstide Gift
BUT THIS SINGING SACABAMPASPIS??????
BESSSTTTT EEEEVVEEERRRRR oh the Roost is going to be tortured now. How long this beauty will last who knows but Cid is delighted.
...And he sees what you did there Nimona—
In any case, she'll be receiving a heartfelt thank you note.]
A Winterstide Gift!
We don't have a holiday like this one where I'm from, but I've heard you should give your friends gifts they can use. I might hate the thought that you'll get good use out of these, but I do think they'll help you with whatever comes next. You're a good fellow, and you do right by all of us, and I want to thank you for it. -Alfyn]
Re: A Winterstide Gift!
text / un: general-affairs
Yo, Cid. I got those diagrams ready for you. And I brought a little something for your lady friend, too.
You want me to drop them off at your shop, or are you good to have a guest?
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[ Luckily, Reno frequented Nogard and knew his way around, so finding his way there was of little consequence to the redhead when the locals could point him to the storefront.
Hopefully the workshop and storefront were the same thing! If not, he had more walking to do with a little bundled folder tucked under an arm. Should it be the right place and he's greeted by one scruffy old man, Reno would hold up the folder and wave it slowly. ]
I hope you're ready to get your socks knocked off.
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Ready as I will ever be. Let's see what marvels you have.
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But Cid's voice carried, and Reno followed it easily. He was quick to set up, mindful not to disrupt whatever was going on atop Cid's desk prior with the splay of a large schematic, and smaller packets of accompanying notes.
Reno wasn't one to half-ass anything, and while his memory was sharp and his hands knew the parts, there were blanks and more vaguely drawn parts, showing where his limitations were in understanding and memory. He couldn't be wholly blamed, not with something this intricate, but it wouldn't make anything any easier. ]
This model's specifically for helicopters. We have others, but planes ain't my thing.
[ He reached, opening one of the little packets of paper to flip through. On the papers were more crude drawings of his preferred helicopter model--the photos in his phone were used as reference, no doubt. But it was slid away for the moment. ]
This is designed to keep hot air moving where it needs to go to turn the turbines here--and all of this is cause it's gotta turn the gearshaft sideways to make the propellers rotate, compared to piston motors that use an up-down motion.
[ He pointed. ]
Hot air goes in here from the combustion chamber. This shit gets hot enough to warp the rest of these parts that gotta fit together exactly, and there's blades that move independently in the turbines, so there's this empty air chamber here for insulation. Hot air moves the turbines, there's counter turbines for stability to keep the engine from ripping itself apart..
And it aaaall moves down the compressor to... here. Where you get the gearshaft that changes the axis, and gives you rotation for these. The rotors.
[ Which! As he said, he went back to the drawings of a helicopter, and pointed to the blades up top, and on the tail. ]
I'm more used to diagnosing and repairing the parts, so it's more muscle memory than technical memory, but lucky I'm part of the intel department back home, so my memory's a little better than most.
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Have you met Enterprise? She's actually a warship, believe it or not, and she also has some extensive knowledge about airplanes and such.
But what's the advantage of the helicopter over a larger airplane or airship?
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Enterprise...name rings a bell. What's her face? Pretty sure I'd know if I've seen a whole-ass warship on legs.
But...yeah, leave her name and I'll do the legwork of seeing if she can help fill in all my blanks on here for ya.
[ How the fuck is he supposed to address that? Then again. People with bird wings, jellyfish ghost-worlds, and pink spider demons. So. Might as fucking well. The following question seemed to snap him out of it, and with a quick blink and shake of his head, he continued.
In fact, he hopped up to sit on the desk as he pulled out his phone, leaning so Cid could watch the screen with him. ]
Take a look, yo. Maneuverability.
[ He pulled up a brief video of a test flight on his phone. There was some heavy artillery plugged in underneath the cockpit of the helicopter, but it was useful none the less. As it hovered a few meters off of the ground, it swayed side to side, ascended, descended, wheeled around. It touched down and lifted off again, ascending more than a few stories into the air as quickly as it could manage with the weight and a little wobbling that was quickly brought under control. ]
Great for recon, search and rescue, transport--you name it.
You take a plane when you need speed and have runways for take-off and landing, airships for long-haul..moving freight, troops..the like. Helicopters are your quick and dirty.
[ Once the video was done, he'd hop off the desk, but if Cid made any indication that he wanted to watch the video again, Reno would linger and let him. ]
There's nothing like the open skies in one of those when you know how to push her right.
[ A satisfied hum. ]
I've left a few soldiers with brown pants. They learned how to behave in my birds.
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Aye, I can leave you her contact.
[And with that settled away, he'll lean in to watch the video, brows raised. Now, he's seen the remnants of what were once airships of his world and he knew how large those were. He's seen some of the planes that Enterprise had been able to conjure with her own abilities. So he has something of a frame of reference, especially if he likened the difference between ships that served similar purposes.
Warships, cargo ships, passenger ships, smaller boats... Similar, just in the air.
So with that basic understanding he nods before chuckling.]
You really were quite the terror, weren't you?
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That's what I got paid for, yo.
Besides, it got smiles outta my old boss even if he wouldn't admit it, and that's what really mattered.
[ He shrugged about it with a lopsided grin--one that was maybe a little warmer than it was vulpine. ]
And I remember that stunt you told me about over hotwings when I first got here. Sounds like you knew how to have a good time with your people, too.
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Well I had to keep them on their toes somehow. How are they are to grow if they just remain complacent?
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But you can come by either later today or tomorrow. I'll be at my workshop then.
[He'll also attach a map with directions to his public workshop in Nogard. And really, after some recent news he could use another project to work on.]
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I'm a Paladin. Is getting onto Nogard going to be an issue?
[ It's not like anything on her person indicates her armada now she's not having to wear the stuff she arrived in, but better check anyway~ ]
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I'm not famous or anything, but I've at least made enough of an establishment for them to know I exist.
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I'll be by tomorrow. Anything you need bringing along that isn't a weapon?
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But not that I can think of at the moment. However, if after I examine your weapon I determine I need some materials, I may send you off to retrieve those.
[Will Shepard get to go on a sidequest—]
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Understood. It's appreciated.
Going to aim to be there late morning/early afternoon.
See you then. 👍
>>> action
[And with that parting message, Cid will go ahead and prepare for Shepherd's eventual arrival, pulling out the notes and materials he used for Garrus. By now he's improved on a few features, so she may end up with a better weapon ho ho ho.
Whenever she arrives, the workshop's door will slowly but automatically open when she steps on the mat, the sound of air releasing from the pneumatic system a hint as to how he managed it. Cid himself will be back at his desk, ever working like a busy bee.]
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Automatic doors are the standard where she's from, but it's still slightly jarring after months of
bumping intonothing but traditional doors. She raps her knuckle against the doorframe in case the sound of the system wasn't clocked, knowing how engrossed engineers and craftspeople can get when their minds are focused elsewhere. ]If there was any doubt I was in the wrong place, that's long gone now...
i just realized idk if he actually knows her name HHAHSDHF WHOOPS
If you're looking for a workshop, then you've got the right one.
[A wink before he stands and steps away from his desk to hold out his hand in greeting.]
You must be the one inquiring about her weaponry. Cid Telamon, at your service.
AGSUGF he's a busy guy and she doesn't remember if she told him either
[ She strides forward to take the offered hand, shifting the lumpy, blanket-wrapped bundle as she goes. Her grip is strong, but not crushing - a good, firm handshake. ]
It's good to meet you, Cid. Name's Shepard.
[ She takes a quick moment to have an appreciative look around the workshop, her eyes returning to Cid with a smile. ]
Nice place you've got here.
IT ALL WORKS OUT
[A light chuckle as he can already get a good feeling out of that handshake and he just smiles all the more before retracting slightly only to gesture to the bundle.]
And I take it this is your weapon. You can set it down here and we'll take a look and see what we're working with.
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[ With a small nod, she places the bundle down and quickly unties the loose knot holding it together. Inside, in various pieces, is a sniper rifle that looks like it's been to the seven hells and back again. Some parts are bent out of shape, some have been crushed together so hard it's impossible to pull them apart by hand, but the entire thing is covered in rust and burns, the black paint flaking from the most sheltered parts the only indication of its previous colour. ]
I've got two for you, but this one here is the priority. As you can see, it went through a lot prior to my arrival here.
[ She runs a hand over the mangled gun and sighs, shaking her head. The Black Widow is her pride and joy... that also cost her a quart-million credits back home. ]
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Still.]
....Right.... Well I'm no weaponsmith, so we'll need someone else to repair its original form. Fortunately I know a few that can help, so that won't be an issue. But I suspect this is different from the rifles that are found around this world, correct?
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[ She snorts softly at her own pun. Shepard's fully aware what she's asking for is a lot, but she's confident it can be achieved in the right hands and with the right tools. She just lacked the connections...
Plus, when it comes to weapons from her home world, she has a trump card: ]
I'm sure it wouldn't take much persuasion to get Garrus to help provide technical help with anything that's strange or unusual to the weaponsmiths. Even back home you'd struggle to find someone as... dedicated to guns as he is.
[ Mr. Calibrations himself. ]
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Then that's that particular problem solved. The rest is having this function with this world's tech, aye? Since this will have to be rebuilt from the ground up, that will actually make it easier since I won't have to worry so much about breaking it.
[Since it's uh. You know. Kind of broken already—]
It also gives us an opportunity to add any other modifications that might prove useful for you.
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[ But not really seen - she's been very careful to not discharge the beam cannon his assault rifle turns into if you pull the trigger for long enough. Fortunately, years of using guns with a tendency to overheat have drilled that into her. ]
Magitek, was it? The "magi" part is wildly out of my area of expertise.
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So unless you also want your weapon to be able to fire off elemental rounds, you wouldn't see much difference if you wanted it more similar to what you were used to.
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[ A small laugh, dragging her hand back through her hair. ]
I used to be able to charge my rounds via my omni-tool - a taser shot or cryo rounds as and when the situation called for it. The tool made the jump, but it's completely beyond hope...
[ Considering the state of the rifle, it's safe to assume this omni-tool is in a state magic nor miracle could fix. ]
... so if those functions can be added to the gun itself that would be great.
[ "Great" being a massive understatement - she'd have been over the moon with the weapon just being functional on a basic level. ]
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Lucky for you, I had already devised a system a while back, so it won't be too difficult to implement it here. Might even be able to improve on it further.
[With that in mind, he pulls out a pencil and starts jotting down the notes.]
Anything else?
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[ Probably because the heavy pistol is a more compact shape. It's still charred to hell and back, but it is recognisable as a pistol. With a bit of TLC, it'll function as well as it did before. ]
I had a detachable suppressor on it - muffles the sound and reduces the muzzle flash - but that didn't make the jump here.
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[He looks with interest, pondering.]
I haven't tried making something that could have a silence effect... However, I know someone in my crew who does. I can ask him and see if we can't do something similar here.
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[ She brushes her sooty hands together as she turns away from the bundle, straightening back up. ]
So. What do you need from me?
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[He muses for a moment as he starts to jot down a few things.]
First step will be to get your weapons repaired, even if it's just the exterior.
[Tearing off a new piece of paper, he jots down a few potential weaponsmiths, Darin's included.]
After that, I'll need the following materials for these parts that I know we'll need... The rest will have to wait until I'm able to see the weapons proper as I won't be able to make the full designs until I see what exactly I'm working with. But I can at least get started with what you've told me so far.
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With Garrus's input and rifle as a reference, the only real issue is the pair of them spending all their time bickering rather than fixing the gun.
... on second thought, maybe she should check out who else is on the list first. ]
It's appreciated. I'll let you know when everything's ready for round two. You want any payment for your time today?
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No need.
[A grin as he gestures to the notes and preliminary sketches he's made.]
Having something new to work on is already enough. You can place the down payment for my services once you've brought in the materials, and the rest once I've completed the job.
Ah, but there is one condition.
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Glad I could provide something novel.
[ Her gaze sharpens on the mention of a "condition", a sudden stiffness setting into her posture as she waits for the other boot to drop. Figures, things sounded too good to be true. ]
Alright, let's hear it.
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Truthfully, I don't really do much with weapons. Any weaponry I do make of my own is more defense than to inflict damage or harm.
Thus while I am willing to work on someone's personal weapon, I would rather you not speak of this outside of here and your close circle. I also do not want you to allow anyone else to study your weapon if it can be helped.
This kind of technology... I'm sure others will eventually develop something similar, but I would rather have no part of any future mass productions.
[In other words, for specialized cases like these, he will do it. One's weapon is one's main source of defense, after all,and since she's a friend of Garrus, he's placing some trust that she won't use this against civilians or outside of necessity. So this particular condition is to basically keep the technology that he develops confidential.]
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It's an understandable concern that she hadn't really thought too much about before - hasn't needed to, because those she typically discussed weaponry with back home were privy to the same information, with their suppliers being military - no need to worry about the tech being copied or painting a target on anyone's back. ]
Understood. I'm not really one for letting anyone else handle my weapons, anyway.
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Then we have an agreement. Get me the materials and have your weapon repaired and I should be able to make the needed adjustments to make it function as you wish.
sorry for the spotty replies, it has been A Month
[ The consultation done, and conditions outlined, Shepard stoops and quickly reties the bundle of rifle parts into a sack that gets tossed over her shoulder as she stands up.
With a wide grin, she holds her free hand out to Cid, either unaware or unbothered by the soot that's still all over the tips of her fingers. ]
I'll let you know when everything's ready.
no worries!!!
I'll be looking forward to it. Take care, and give my regards to Garrus.
[ooc: btw if you wanted to handwave Cid making the gun and all that so that Shep can have the weapon by now that's cool with me o7]
[VOICE]
[And most of his friends have small apartments and can't really accommodate him. Good thing Dad #3 has an island.]
[Time to make a call.]
So, Cid. I've got some good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?
[Despite what he's saying, Cid can probably hear the grin.]
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Well I've already heard about your little "dramatic escape," and since you're calling me you're clearly successful.
Now what trouble have you gotten yourself into?
[Which is, tell him both.]
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Was I that loud?
[Darin has no idea that any of what he said and did was recorded.]
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You didn't know? It was all over the network.
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Damn, word travels fast...
[Darin is still not used to the idea that people have a portable recording device in their pockets now.]
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Quite the path you've chosen yourself.
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...SOMEONE RECORDED IT?!
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Let's what was it?
"Like a shooting star you'll carry all our wishes?"
"Forge a better tomorrow?"
[Really good thing this is voice, but more for Darin because of how wide Cid's smile is right now.]
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I WAS JUST—
I WAS JUST SAYING THINGS!! GODS I LOOK RIDICULOUS!!
[He's BRIGHT RED.]
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You have to live up to it now, lad!
[Aaah, that was good and eventually his laughing will fade.]
However, I don't think that was quite what you wanted to tell me, was it?
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Gah! Dammit, now I'm all out of sorts...!
[He needs a minute.]
Alright, with the heat on me right now, I can't exactly go back to Eltrut to my forge or my house so...I was wondering if maybe you had an extra room or something. Just until the Paladins cool their asses a bit.
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So after you've declined my offer to join my crew before, you now seek help and refuge on my island?
[He's teasing him, but he's putting on that tone that makes it sound as if he might refuse.]
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There's...someone who I'd like to tag along.
[Cid's gonna make him say it so...]
It's Zelda. She was at the prison and...well, she didn't exactly have a successful parlay with the guards.
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Well now, I can't refuse to help a lady in need. Suppose I can allow you in, too.
[Quite easy to imagine the cheeky grin Cid is wearing as he answers.]
But truly, you are welcome to the Roost and "hide away" until things settle, however long that is. Just know it won't be completely free.
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Someone sent me a text with a cache location after I broke out with the message "Good luck."
Figured it was a reward or something. Even gave me a set of jars and rags to clean 'em with.
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[...Yeah he's thinking those may not be the purpose for that rum but you know what?]
Think they'd have better use here.
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Hell, Zelda's probably going to pitch in too. She's not the type to just sit on her laurels.
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[Darin can hear that grin before Cid thinks for a moment and turns contemplative.]
But as for Zelda, she may find an interest in the sanctuary Benedikta runs here.
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[As he speaks, Darin can hear the warmth and pride in his voice.]
We're actually looking to put more focus on this endeavor among other things. But you would have to speak to Benedikta if you wanted to learn more about it.
[And if Darin remembers what Cid has told him of what he used to do, it will ring very similar.]
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Yeah, that definitely seems like something Zelda might be interested in. I know she's always looking for ways to help.
So...yeah, put us to work, Cid. It's the least we could do. Honestly, it's the least I could do for you looking out for me the way you always do.
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Then don't expect this to be a vacation refuge.
[A boisterous voice with mirth laced beneath.]
Where should we pick you up? I imagine you must have some luggage you wish to bring.
Unless haste and discretion is needed, in which case I can personally grab you both and use the rings to port you directly to the island.
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Speaking of, we're gonna stop by the house and get some essentials. There's a small port nearby. Not a lot of paladin traffic. Think you can meet us there?
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Text; un: wherethereislight
Clive Rosfield. Know him?
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I found him.
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Right, I'll pick him up. Just tell me where he is.
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No. Just wanted to confirm identity.
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But aye, he's from my world. He disappeared through the rifts a few months ago, but returned not too long ago.
[As in. Earlier today BUT WHATEVER.]
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Story lines up. [The same world wasn't mentioned, but he can clarify that easily enough while he's fixing the wound.]
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But I appreciate the help.
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I will contact if there's an issue. [There won't be. He'll make sure of it.]
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Then hopefully I won't hear from you until you're back at camp 😉