(closed) January catch-all

[futhark]

Who: Cú and Soren, Cú and Elidibus
When: second half of the month when the kidnappings starts
Where: Aefenglom (Inkchanted, around docks)
What: dealing with kidnappings redux
Warnings: everyone involved had some Really Bad time a year ago, so going mentally into dark places, memories of torture might happen

starters shall be in comments

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[futhark]

The size of the axe is a sight to behold, at least for the other tavern goers. Where Cu comes from, they haven't been that rare. Unlce Fergus and his legendary sword comes to mind, and that's only an example from when he was alive, long time ago. Despite causing a minor bafflement, a whisper, the sensation dies down, as Elidibus politely put the weapon away.

He nails it indeed, 100%. The second drink bought really brings a wide grin on Cú's face, as he rests his chin on his palm. "Second drink is just as good, friend, and I thank you for it."

The hustle and bustle of a crowded place has always been one of the places he just fell into with familiarity and ease. And no chairs are being broken, nor duels are spontaneously happening. That's a good thing in book, Red Branch Knights were a rowdy bunch and sometimes provided more than just a headache. Everyone here are civilised, mostly.

"Been a while since I met someone... new. To this city, I mean! Figured, that as a veteran I can at least offer answers, ya know?" He takes a Big Sip, enjoying the refreshing rush. Maybe, just maybe, he'll get to relax a bit. Finally. "So speak your mind, ask your questions. I'm feeling charitable today"

A druid's role is to guide. Even if he is but a sham of one.

[notbert]

The newly arrived warrior doesn't seem to mind the stares and the murmurs that ripple through the gathered crowd. It's not uncommon, given the usual size of the weapon and sometimes his usual attire. It probably firmly marked him as a Mirrorbound but he also wasn't trying to hide it.

Funny one should mention guides. It is Elidibus's role as well, though not in any way could it be construed as a sham. The problem lay with the perspective of just whom and why he was offering guidance. He offers a faint smile. The new round of ale is brought to the table and paid for. First for him, second ready and waiting for Cú. Elidibus takes a drink. It's a good gulp and like much still in this mortal experience he's trapped in, not something he really savors. Yet, it's not bad either and at least he has started to get a grasp on what the different tastes- sweet, bitter, tart- mean.

"I've not often found it wise to speak my mind. But yes. I cannot say I have ever encountered something quite like this world." And this is certainly saying something. "I can walk its streets, read its archives and talk to its people and Mirrorbound alike. But that doesn't mean I'll know the right questions to ask."

What the man wishes to ask is about the time one year ago. But that doesn't seem to be an appropriate place to start.

"How long have the Mirrorbound been appearing here? Truly?" Elidibus is at least interested in the topics he'll bring up, so there should be no sense of someone trying to couch the desired topic in niceties. He also takes another long pull off his ale.

[futhark]

"Give it a little more than three months, till Boaltinn. That festival will mark a second year." Cú finishes his own drink, so he can begin the one Elidibus just bought him. It's hardly having any effect on him yet— one could say, fast metabolism is a downside of a fire witch... but the truth is, it's still easier to get drunk than whilst being a Servant.

"I was part of that first batch. There was a whole goddamn crowd of us, we gave miss Nessie a big scare." he shakes his head first and then rubs the back of his neck. "We've been coming and going ever since. Almost makes you think this World calls for us for a reason. The Dreams used to hint at it, but they've been sparse ever since"

[notbert]

"I hadn't expected such a short time really would be the answer," Elidibus answers. And it is certainly with some surprise. Or at least stronger interest. His expression grows thoughtful. "Yet it makes sense, with the state of the Mirrorbound's presence in the city."

While he isn't matching Cú drink for drink, there is attention given to the matter of consumption. Thoughtful moments such as this call for another generous draw. It really does quench the thirst, doesn't it? And while one ale isn't going to do him in- the host body certainly had a high tolerance before and he'd made sure that it was at its best when he'd possessed it- what Elidibus hasn't experienced is what that actual limitation is or its impact on his mind. Or the notion that consuming food with alcohol is something done to ease the impact. He's sure he has the willpower to handle a mortal level of drunkenness. Surely!

"But two years and there is still enough change in the population of Mirrorbound to merit mention?" And for that matter, enough departure that the population of their kind hasn't grown beyond an unsustainable point. "It seems haphazard at best. More an experiment than a chosen calling."

Elidibus looks curious. Dreams were mentioned. Of course, he's new enough and thus unlikely to have had time to experience such dreams. "But these dreams you spoke of. Perhaps you could explain the matter further?"

[futhark]

"They showed the past, a potential future, and once—" Caster makes a gesture of pointing his finger up, as if counting the numbers. It's for emphasis, really "Once they showed the state of current affairs, only somewhere else."

In Dorchacht namely, but he's not throwing names yet, to not make it overly confusing. There's a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of stories. Yet, if there is an actual reason, he can't tell. Elidibus makes a good point that it also might be an experiment, but these are also done for a reason.

He's simply used to chosen calling, even haphazard ones.

"That one time though was also when a talented Dreamer intervened. It's one of the Divination school subjects— more of that later, though. While the Dream we all shared was hijacked by a certain Witch later, for every else Coven was unable to give us an explanation. Aside from the fact that we all must share a form of connection"

He takes another sip before continuing.

"Sometimes in these Dreams unknown or familiar faces appear, these make their way later through the Mirrors to the city proper"

[notbert]

If there wasn't conversation to be had, it might be noticed that 'Ardbert' may be timing his own drinking habit to Caster's. This probably isn't going to bode well for him in the future. But the important part here is that he's basing his drinking pattern around his table companion for the sake of the conversation, not his personal enjoyment.

After all, it's an act to better put the man at ease.

Elidibus nods with acceptance as Cú explains the nature of these 'dreams'. Shared visions? It interests him to learn others not already part of the world had been touched... and sometimes appeared. It sparks a memory which causes the man's eyes to briefly narrow.

"I had dismissed it. But I believe I had such a dream before my arrival." Though the words are expressed with a moment's somber displeasure, 'Ardbert' raises his gaze and offers a smile. "I had chalked it to some Fae trick." Elidibus had done no such thing. Though it is an easy excuse, as the creatures are commonly known for such ability where he hails from. This is simply to see what the thoughts on such creatures here are by Caster's reckoning.

But talk of connections through dreams or some sort of connecting force between Mirrorbound in general? That doesn't seem to come as a shock at all. Viewing the past, the present, the future, and more are only a small piece of abilities that are-- were as natural as breathing to Elidibus. And it would surprise him little to discover that people here call them 'dreams' or 'visions' in comparison.

He suppresses a brief flash of irritation at another indication that this Star might subject him to even more mortal parody.

"I would like to hear more of the dream you mentioned was... 'hijacked'. But am I correct in assuming the natives do not experience these dreams? It is only the Mirrorbound and perhaps potential... candidates?"

[futhark]

"Dreamwalking isn't unheard of here, and there was one incident involving the whole city. But in general, if you're meeting familiar faces in a dream, it's only limited to us, otherworlders"

Who would have thought that he would be someone to keep a record of all these dreams? Keeping lore like a proper druid— that he never lived long enough to become.

"Have you heard of the mess that was Dorchacht? It came to light because of a Mirrorbound dream too. That's what I meant by current affairs"

[notbert]

"I see," the man calling himself Ardbert expresses with some interest and thoughtful reflection. There is much that can be inferred from the notion. Even a familiar equivalent concept if he were to dwell on the matter of comparison for overlong. But this is filed away for later. Now is the time to gather information, not completely disseminate it.

Once again the man focuses on Caster. "Yes, even though I have not been here long, I have made a point to collect as much information upon the history of Mirrorbound in the city as possible. These dreams then, are not unlike an ability I am familiar with." He offers a wry smile, "Though perhaps as with many 'similarities' of this star, there are differences."

There is the slightest hint of emotion surrounding the phrase 'this star'. It is not a favorable one but he hides the true depth of his ire well; at least in tone and body language.

Is it now the time? There's a brief sobering of expression as this 'Ardbert' regards Cú from across the table. A pause long enough to take another pull off the ale- to his mind it is about the act and the social meaning it gives to do so than its taste or enjoyment- before setting it down again.

"Were there any dreams which warned of the event one year ago?" The kidnappings, then. Elidibus is careful to use a tone that respects the difficulty to speak about the incident.