An Early and Mid-Ieneuer Variety Post

[notbert]

Who: Elidibus and you, Elidibus and Myrobalan Shivana, Elidibus and Jin Zixuan. (Closed or Open will be marked)
When: First Half of Ieneuer/January with some overlap to second Half
Where: Various Aefenglom Locales
What: Cult Observations, New Moon, Other Adventures or Casual Encounters
Warnings: Elidibus is a very cunning liar (both outright lies and truth by omission) and has no conscience about doing so to meet his goals and manipulate others. But he's also balancing this with an altruistic persona of 'Ardbert'. Other warnings to be updated as scenes progress.


i. New Moon (First New Moon!) - OPEN

Surely the onset of the new moon would be good reason to turn to pure study side of magic rather than practical. And that, Elidibus would say if it came up, is where one would be foolish not to take an opportunity to learn how to maintain spell work and control during a phase when they would be in their most powerful state. Routine practice is the key to establishing a good foundation.

Of course, this also shouldn't be done in an inappropriate location. That is why arrangements have been made, through trade of work or money earned or a combination of both. A wide area, indoors or out, with proper strong barriers provided by a scroll fashioned by a practiced Coven witch at their own height of lunar-infused power. It would keep spell craft where it belongs; properly within the arena and only a danger to the caster. Or anyone who dared join him.

You could be someone known to him and giving lesson or suggestions, even joining in on practice. Someone observing, or someone who heard the noise and was curious enough to investigate. There are ways to peek inside, though there would be signs warning of what's going on. Would you cross the line of the barriers- they are focused on keeping magic from ruining the outside world, not to keep people from passing through- to get a better view?

Elidibus is a man dressed as a warrior clad in leathers, scales and fur and with him is a massive axe. Very massive. And in this case, it's in use. Practicing magic? Well... yes, but why not technique at the same time? Holding the weapon in two hands before him, incantations are spoken, seeking to fuse magic into the blade as an enchantment. Whether it is the lack of time in Aefenglom to be fully under the sway of the new moon, or a prodigy in the making- perhaps a mix of these- the are few moments in which he loses control, relatively speaking. He's been preparing himself for this moment. And with recent events, a Bond he's recently made and likely not spoken of, this type of magic has come a bit... easier still.

But it still takes him no less than three tries to get a proper weaving with the correct level of magic energy. Two more to have the magic stick. His eyes close briefly to calm himself and gather his stamina. The axe, switched to one hand with the axe head very nearly touching the ground, seems held effortlessly despite its weight. It is no spell, other than the bare bones, mild enchantment on the weapon itself, but a tribute to the mortal body's strength. There are targets at the other end. Wood and densely packed straw, of course. Even a boulder, but it is the straw target that is aimed for first as he runs down the lane. The swing upward scrapes against the ground but is not slowed, even though an impressive scrape is left along the training ground. The weight of the axe and the angle of his body allow him to bring it around full force from the side.

The enchantment lasts until just after the swing cleanly cuts off the top of the straw like so much butter. As Elidibus spins around and brings it down overhand, it begins to carve from top down, though not nearly so finely. Oh there's no real stopping it, but the cut is ragged. Elidibus halts, bracing himself and using his other hand to keep his balance before jerking the axe clear. It would be evident that he stopped the flow of action, that there should have been more, but the lack of perceived success- maintaining the enchantment throughout the exercise- was seen as a reason not to continue.

A scroll is drawn out and words read off. The straw dummy restores itself. Though Elidibus' expression is grim and worn with the effort, it is not without determination. No time spent cursing, just a read of the restoration, putting away the scroll and stepping back to the starting point to try again.

The fact that as the new moon's influence wanes, this training will take a step back does not phase him. For now, he simply pushes forward. Or intends to, anyway. Various scorch marks of raw magic around the arena, particularly near the starting point, suggests he's already been at this awhile, to the assessment of those just arriving.


ii. Elidibus and Myrobalan Shivana (Cult Shenanigans) - CLOSED

Coming and going of cultists from meetings has been an interesting watch for Elidibus of late. Where they go, who they pair up with. And even what they are. There is a sense that something more than honest fervor is going on. He knows what to look for. He's whispered lies and half truths, guided and manipulated for eons. The speed in which one goes from doubting soul to staunch supporters of the Circle is more of the speed in which a mortal's aether can be enthralled by a Primal. Something... unnatural in its speed.

He has read several bestiaries by now. He knows the common traits of monsters, so when fauns are seen amongst the faithful, especially the most faithful, this is of particular interest to him. Are they truly enthralled? Do they pretend, or is someone making absolutely certain they are in this cult's sway. Elidibus was not going to approach them at first. But then, something changed and he espied a blind faun. It was an advantage, that the faun would not be able to visually recognize him and tell others whom to look out for it a discussion took a turn for the worst.

One day on Myr's path home- because yes, Elidibus did watch for a pattern for a day or so- when the faun was alone, there would be a quiet stretch of his journey wherein the sound of footfalls can be heard, just after the creak of a wooden post which Elidibus pushed himself away from before approach. "I would have a moment of your time, faun."

The voice is that of Elidibus himself, not his persona as "Ardbert. There is little outward emotion attached; a simple, calm politeness for the sake of civility. It is neither 'good' nor 'evil'. Elidibus stops his approach an appropriate distance away. The sound of the last footfall coming to a rest does suggest he is not blocking Myr's way. The faun can choose to move on, or not.


iii. Elidibus and Jin Zixuan (Cult Shenannigans) - CLOSED

Elidibus has been a presence for a few days. And it's not as though he'd been unaware that people here could actually see or hear or touch him. It shows in the places he waits. On a balcony he gained access to, casually leaning against the rail while eating an apple and watching the movements of those leaving a Circle meeting below. Or on ground level, turning from one road onto another that just happens to follow the route of some well-to-do cultists homeward. It's subtle enough. Mayhap even with the help of some purchased spell scroll to nullify detection, on occasion.

But he does not yet have the funds to do it every single time. Nor the skill to cast the spell on his own... yet. Still, there is the need for mundane practice. Today is one such day. And while he chose some people who were returning- on foot as carriages were difficult to follow without a spell to keep it from being exceedingly obvious- there are subtle clues to spot for the astute.

Like when the cloaked 'warrior' doesn't just continue on 'his' route when the group turns to another road. Rather a few steps later he momentarily pauses, as if calculating where to intersect them, before continuing forth and turning off a little further on. It was truly brief. Not everyone might have caught it. Yet, if someone keen of eye were watching. Or mayhap had noticed the tail begin on them and backtracked a bit to watch the suspect's actions once they turned on another road...


iv. Cult Observations - OPEN Elidibus does not plan to get deeply involved, being too cautious and new to Aefenglom. So no infiltration, no going out of the city without due preparation. But he is keen on collecting information. Eavesdropping anyone observed to be sneaking around (though not trying to eavesdrop directly ON the meetings), looking through records. Since he can no longer do this the old fashioned way (completely invisible to nearly everyone and just listening where he pleases), Elidibus, or 'Ardbert' as he's more publicly known, will be in a position to be seen or encountered. Or does he see you doing similar information gathering?


v. Other Exciting Adventures - OPEN Please contact Elidibus or PM through Discord Everyworker#8128 if you want to propose a scene or brainstorm a scene. I'm generally game for most any interactions! (e.g. though many of the above examples are serious tones, more casual scene ideas are welcome).

Comments

[omnicrafter]

"I should be asking you that," she replies with a small laugh. "I imagine you'd only come in a place like this if you really needed something, or as an errand for a friend. But, well, to answer your question... I admit I'm just being frivolous. I like looking, even if I can't buy anything. Girly stuff, you know."

She has to wonder if Lamitt or Renda-Rae were ever particular about taking their time with a shop's wares. Hell, somebody in that group must have been.

"Anyway, did you finally find a house that had a place for your amaro?" The labels are visible through the fabric, just barely; she gestures lazily towards it. "Looks like it, right?"

[notbert]

"I have made a friend who might be interested," Elidibus answers with a lie that comes easily. This time, he's not caught unawares of who Irhya is. But it remains that he absolutely came in here drawn by his own interests. "I've been helping him restore a home he recently purchased." His free hand comes up to tap the netting on his shoulder, indicating the bag's contents. "This is what I was sent out for, in truth."

With a few weeks of practice and a crash course on mortality, the Emissary is doing better at this pretense of Ardbert. But this may be interpreted as relaxing after having his life upended after he became one of the Mirrorbound, when it comes to his facade. And, a few weeks of (mostly) keeping up the act even when it shouldn't really matter what people around here call him by...

Hopefully, details won't be tested.

Elidibus offers a light chuckle. "Well far be it for me to get in the way of 'girly stuff'." Whatever that means. Were males not supposed to observe overpriced items and make note of them for future purchase? How strange. "But it certainly shouldn't hurt to look. Maybe you'll find something within your allowance."

The question about housing does give him a moment's internal pause. This Warrior of Light should recognize the name of his current landlady. But finally he chooses. "Indeed I did. I met a dwarf--" there is a purposeful pause before a 'correction'. "Forgive me, she refers to herself as a lalafell. She had a shed which could be converted and was kind enough to give me shelter while I find my footing in this city."

There was a moment's pause before he offers, "Though it has been suggested by another that I may wish to consider rental in the public stables of the city. I'm yet uncertain, though if I am to eventually find my own place, I may need to consider it given the limited space in the city."

Relatively speaking, anyway.

[omnicrafter]

"Ah, that makes sense. The city really is limited in terms of space for larger animals... I think that would be a good idea if you can afford it. Might be worth taking up a part-time job for the purpose?"

What Ardbert might be skilled at, or moreover interested in, she isn't sure. Little does she know, neither does he, most likely.

"The lalafell must be Tataru, then. It sounds like her. She's quite the powerful witch, if I do say so myself." A quick smirk, and a reminder to herself never to cross the Scions' bookkeeper. "I need to keep a tighter grip on my cunes, myself... hence the dilemma, you see? It's rather hard when faced with something you really love."

Her eyes slide to the side, a little guilty. "But I have the self-discipline to manage. Usually."

[notbert]

"You know her?" Elidibus manages to convey being pleased well enough. "But you are right, her name is Tataru. It was fortune she was willing to open her door to a stranger. I must have cut a pitiable sight."

Which is true. He was probably half frozen, so to speak. And of course he had the amaro with him. It's more accurate to say it's fortunate Tataru took him in because he really was largely ignorant of what could have happened to him without proper heat and food during that night.

Tataru has also been helping a lot with his mortal routine. But that's another story. "I run errands, help around the house. Contribute some of the money I've earned. The arrangement works well for the both of us, I think."

Elidibus has been looking around the nearby. "I've been doing odd-jobs about the city for now. There's always plenty of work for a strong person of character." Lots of dock work, errands, cleaning and even repair. Not that the Emissary would take on an actual job without looking into how to do it. Either way, he manages. At the end of the day, being an escort comes up. A strong man with a massive axe is a deterrent in itself, no matter how much magic he's mastered.

"You are having trouble with money?" Though he phrases the question curiously, his gaze doesn't turn to Irhya. He seems fixed on something at the back of the shop. Should the miqo'te turn to look, she'd probably be able to trace the direction of his attention to an upright piano.

[omnicrafter]

"Ah, no, that's not what I..." She starts shaking her head, but trails off when she notices his attention drift away. Her head follows his gaze to a ways behind her; it's hard not to notice something the size of a piano. But why would it capture his interest like that? Ah, but it occurs to her -- maybe he's never seen one...? She herself mistook it for a harpsichord the first time she saw one, after all.

"Oh, that?" A pause. "They don't... have pianos on the First either, do they? It was sort of a new thing to me, too..."

Then she snaps back to attention, making a tight face. "Anyway! My ledger is just fine, thank you! There's a reason Tataru is the one who balances the numbers in the group, but it's not like I'm incapable of living on my own without help." It's a fervent declaration, like she's determined to set straight a misunderstanding -- almost too fervent.

[notbert]

Hm? 'Ardbert' looks back. "Of course I know what a piano is!" Most of the First was swallowed by the Flood by the time Irhya should have seen it. So PROVE HIM WRONG. Though he does continue. "But I don't think I've seen one which looks like that before." ...Probably not true in Elidibus' case. But it at least seems to balance why Ardbert might have been looking in that direction.

But sure, let's move on! Fortunately, the Warrior of Light's ardent plea to be believed in regards to financial stability offers a good way to cause a distraction from further discussion about pianos. There's a very notable arch of an eyebrow and the touch of an amused smile. Elidibus noticed the intensity. "Of course. A well-traveled young woman such as yourself, probably has picked up a few lessons in crafting on the way?"

Good job, Elidibus. That was almost quite like Ardbert.

"Or is it the compulsion to reach beyond your means that's the problem?"

...AND a double entendre that is a little bit more like Elidibus, despite the sense of 'jest' in which it's couched.

[omnicrafter]

If there's anything she's learned about Ardbert during her time talking to him one-on-one as a specter, it's that, while earnest, he isn't particularly well-bred. Which is hardly a point against him -- neither is she -- but something about that phrasing just seems... off. It doesn't sound right to her ears. It's too polite, too unassuming... just the right amount of either to be a certain Ascian of poor acting ability with Ardbert's face instead.

But if she desires to call him out on the suspect wording, she chooses not to in the end, despite eying him with curiosity withering into a touch of sulk. "A few lessons? Oi. Listen." Irhya jabs a finger in his direction with a pout, leaning over slightly. "I grew up on godsdamned crafting. Had everything I made picked apart by someone or other until I got it right. But -- wouldn't you know it, materials are expensive when you're not harvesting them yourself straight off the earth!"

She bites her lip as she crosses her arms, humming in discontent. "I mean... I could probably be better about keeping part time jobs, true. I just get so antsy after a while... But I would thank you not to be likened to the hapless sods in Gatetown, at least."

It took her less than half a day to sniff him out the first time. Perhaps it took longer the second time, but only because she's been trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. If each exchange is just going to make that more difficult, will she have to bite the bullet and make the accusation eventually? That'll hardly be fun.

[notbert]

There's a rub there, as Elidibus is listening. Gatetown? He picked up on its existence when he took Ardbert's body. What better sort of place to bring his message that everyone could be a hero than Eulmore's detritus. Leave it to mortal man, to place their dinner table right next to their septic pit. Anyway, listening to her gives him time to wonder whether something would have existed in Ardbert's time. Perhaps he can avoid familiarity suggesting one thing or another. He settles on an impression of a neutral response. After all, she could be talking about a place here as much as a place near Ardbert's homeland.

Let's be fair. That 'half-day' was more tracking him down and pinning a specific identity than not knowing it was an Ascian. Right now, 'Ardbert's' grin widens as he provokes her to pout and point levels of prickled pride. It's not malicious or anything. Just what he feels his host body might have been seen doing in this circumstance.

"Sorry!" Clearly that grin does mean he's not very sorry. Still, he raises both his hands (the one hanging onto the bag as best it can be anyway) and holds them palm out as though to ward off Irhya's pout. "But if it's about materials and expenses, and you know that Tataru's good for handling ledgers, why not just speak to her and see if you can't work on something together?"

No more impatience with part-time jobs! A professional businesswoman handling the books. More things to think of than whether Ardbert sounds too much like Elidibus! It would be a win-win...-win.

Surely Irhya has thought of this before?

[omnicrafter]

Irhya makes an embarrassed face. "Well..." An uncomfortable shift. "I feel like asking that would be too presumptuous, when she doesn't know me at all. Though I suppose if she were willing to make it into a paid service, I wouldn't feel as bad about it..."

Her hand passes over her hair, flattening her ears briefly, then letting them bounce back into place. "I guess if I just work at it a little harder, it'll sort itself out. Tataru seems like a busy lady, after all. And I've only got so many daylight hours in me to spare these days."

Slowly, though, something dawns on her, and she takes on a more thoughtful look while she lets the idea percolate. "I mean, I can't be the only one, right? Maybe there's a specific niche that needs filling amid the nocturnal monster community, I wonder...?"

[notbert]

"If it worries you so much, ask her not as a friend, but as a potential business partner," 'Ardbert' offers. Paid either way. "I don't doubt it would be easier to trust someone whose skills you know to have your back." He certainly hadn't made the suggestion on the belief that Tataru would be expected to do it from the goodness of her heart, certainly.

And what would the actual crafting of an item have to do with the cycle of day or night? Tilting his head, Elidibus asks a question. "I imagine it couldn't hurt to ask. And I don't know what the day or night cycle has brought to mind," the man offers her a half-grin. "But if you are looking for a customer and are capable of handling leather goods, I know I for one would have an order which could not be easily filled by others."

It's not like the Ascian is a mind reader after all. But at least he's sincerely curious about what the Warrior of Light is speaking of.

[omnicrafter]

It's not like she doesn't want to talk to Tataru more, and his suggestion is a good one. But her stubborn independent streak tells her to do it herself, just to prove she can manage it on her own. Irhya looks unsure nonetheless, making a sound of acknowledgment.

"Oh-- wait, I guess I never actually told you," she says, hesitating for a long moment. Her weight shifts, one hand finding her ponytail and combing fingers through it. "I'm nocturnal. Always have been, but now more than ever, since I became a vampire. I'm actually running on barely any sleep right now, if that tells you anything."

The world doesn't stop for the nocturnal just because they can't get out of bed. She perks up at the mention of an order, though, her ears twitching and expression brightening. "But I work with leather, yes. What are you thinking?"

[notbert]

Elidibus presses no more on the matter of whether Irhya should approach Tataru. He's set it out there, it'll be on the Warrior of Light's shoulders to address it. Or not.

Especially as the miqo'te reveals something he'd not yet learned, by way of her Monster identity. A vampire would explain the rigid nocturnal schedule, from what he's learned. A bloodsucking creature of the night and a Mirrorbound who experienced a form of 'death'.

Elidibus is well-practiced enough not to smile a bit over how fitting that seems for the Warrior of Light of the Source. Irhya may not be the one he recognizes, but that doesn't mean he is entirely above a small moment of pettiness by proxy. Ah, but he's likely expected to respond like Ardbert, isn't he?

"I.. see." Elidibus blinks and seems to look at Irhya with new regard. "...Well I suppose that does explain matters. And why you were just beginning your day when we first met." He follows with a brief chuckle. "Or night, I should say."

But nocturnal schedules should not in any way stop a crafter. And when Irhya perks up at the suggestion he might have a work order for her, Elidibus does continue to speak of the matter.

"As you are aware, I arrived in Aefenglom with an amaro. And since you mentioned Seto and some familiarity with my world, I am thinking you may have better insight on what is needed in regards to a proper saddle and bridle." Elidibus grins in a good-natured way. "Even the halter I have is something they modified when I first arrived. And since I don't relish the thought of flying with no more than feathers to hold on to, it is a matter of some importance."

Elidibus tilts his head to the side, still watching the miqo'te's reaction. "I can aid in the procurement of the materials needed. And though I'm looking for something practical in this instance, should you be willing to pursue the use of your skills to earn a wage, perhaps some time can be spared for a second, more decorative design to attract attention to your skillset."

Maybe Irhya will be too keen on nerding over the prospect of saddle-making and crafting to pick up on the way Elidibus is sort of sliding between a more Ardbert way of speaking and one more Elidibus-like this time?

[omnicrafter]

Irhya looks at him, eyes darting up and down for a moment like she's evaluating him. If she has come to a decisive conclusion about this being Elidibus, she makes no indication of it. In fact...

"Yes, that would be doable. I grew up near a chocobo stable, so I'm familiar with saddles and the making of them. Though..." she pauses to cast him a sly look, "are you trying to suggest I'm not getting paid for this?"

It seems like she's just needling him for the sake of it, regardless of his identity. Most craftsmen don't even make things for their friends or family for free upon request, after all.

[notbert]

Elidibus remains passive during her sudden regard, patiently waiting for a response. Certainly, he notices it, but as to acting out and cementing her decision? Well, he's not about to hand it to her, that's for sure.

When she seems willing to continue pleasantly- in a manner of speaking- he's willing to continue on course as if she hadn't. There really wasn't anything to indicate, as Irhya speaks, that she wasn't just sizing him up as though evaluating whether he was playing her for free work.

Which, in fact, he certainly wasn't. The Emissary lifts his hands in a gesture of hurried dismissal. "What... of course not! Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of what we're talking about just now?" Lowering his hands, the man then crosses his arms over his chest. His expression does have a bit of a sly, albeit cheerful look and keenly he looks upon the miqo'te.

"Though I would expect any materials I provided would not be included in the final cost. As for the more showy piece..." A hand is raised and dropped in a gesture of concession. "It depends on if you decide you are interested in advertisement. I wouldn't normally require fancy barding." This is likely true whether this was Elidibus or not. "So some further compensation toward the price of it just to have my amaro wear the thing and tell people about it?" Especially aristocratic people who would be the main draw for fancy leatherwork and craft.

[omnicrafter]

Despite the subtle game of psychological warfare taking up a piece of her attention, Irhya still can't help but laugh at his response. That much, she supposes, is true universally, no matter which she's talking to. "All right," she says, smiling from behind her hand as if trying to mask the playful gesture. "I'll do it. Since you're appealing to my inner perfectionist and all... it's true, I can't help it. I do like making aesthetically appealing things where I can, though many turn out not to be as practical. But for a saddle, I could probably tool some designs in..."

In this case, perhaps she should stay away from the usual floral and stick to something more abstract...? He doesn't seem like much of a person for flowers. She takes a moment to envision it before returning to reality.

"Yes, I can make it work. I'll check what I already have and let you know what I need, and we can go from there. I'm thinking an additional strap behind the main cinch will keep the saddle on taut like you want, but I'll have to take a few measurements so it doesn't accidentally hinder any movements."

[notbert]

One could imagine Ardbert's reaction to floral patterns on his amaro saddle.

But since we only have Elidibus here... nothing is said, since no hint is given that flowers were even considered this time around. "I'll leave it to you what to choose." But the saddle should certainly be a practical thing. The Ascian nods his head to acknowledge the need for an extra strap. And especially for measurements. "I'm sure we can find someplace meet so you can have those measurements done."

Particularly important, if Irhya has never specifically made an amaro's saddle. Their wing placement and span, and their whole body conformation are different from a chocobo's after all. He looks around the shop again. There really doesn't appear to be anything attracting his attention other than the piano earlier. "You still have my watch information, I expect? Given you mentioned earlier having limited time, I should not take more of it this afternoon."

Focusing on Irhya again, Elidibus has a faint smile. "I myself should be returning soon. My friend can be a little irritable about unexpected delays." He most certainly will not be mentioning that he was delayed by chatting with the Warrior of Light to Lahabrea though.

[omnicrafter]

"Aye, I do. I'll not keep you, then."

She waves to him, her mind already sorting through design choices, when it occurs to her what she could do. Not only would it be pretty (in her opinion), but it'd be a gamble that would decisively tell her whether this person is Ardbert or Elidibus. One worth taking, she thinks; at least if it's Ardbert, he won't take it too terribly. She can be forgiven for being extra cautious, right? Considering the circumstances...

"I'll contact you when I have a better idea of what I'll need. Until then!"