[Feb Catchall][OTA]

[claritatis]

Who: Ignis Scientia
When: Jan/Feb
Where: All around
What: Feb catchall, maybe with a bit of backdated stuff for Jan
Warnings: None yet.
Note: TLs in post. Feel free to thrown down your own for me!

Comments

[claritatis]

Ignis files it away for future reference as he, too, would be very interested in pursuing a conversation about analysing cuisine. It isn't too often he meets someone of a similar mind to himself in that regard.

He listens to the other man's part silently and without judgement either here nor there about his thoughts on the Mirrorbound and how they might act. The events of the previous year aren't unknown to him, though he wasn't present for them, and he would entirely expect the Mirrorbound to look after their own before others... but that doesn't mean any patrol need do the same.

"Mm. Ideally there would be enough of us to go around." Ideally the natives would help, but since his arrival Ignis hasn't been ignorant to the various levels of animosity he comes up against.

"We should find a map. I assume there's one available?"

[notbert]

Did he bring a map? Of course Elidibus brought a map. As he's reaching into the same satchel he had secured his language notes in, the man offers his own insight.

"Given the circumstances and strange obsession many of those who join the Circle exhibit, it is reasonable to be at the height of wariness. And to expect less help than what is hoped to be gained."

'Ardbert' pulls out two rolls from a casing. One is a better than average map of the city of Aefenglom, including the wall and the outskirts. It's on thick paper with bold, vibrant ink and seems to hold only an outline of the city with a few key, although to scale, placement of landmarks, important buildings, and districts. This is because of the second roll, which turns out to be an overlay of much thinner paper, translucent enough to see through and more importantly the details. While the latter is not completely filled in, the main and somewhat less important secondary are. And primarily in the Western District, minute detail on alleys, small roads, and features that might be of some importance to practical navigation are meticulously listed. Comparatively the two levels of the map are done by different hands. But the overlay is a clear match to the earlier handwriting samples displayed in the notes Ignis would have glimpsed on arrival. While it is no means near completion, there are signs he has spent considerable effort in getting this far in a short period of time, if his claims of being a recent arrival earlier are any indication. Only a small fraction of anything outside of the Bright Wall has been indicated.

To be honest, Elidibus isn't fond of having to rely so much on physical ink and paper. But some needs must be endured.

"This is what I have personally explored since my arrival. I also have a less... accurate depiction of the city's streets which may prove useful, given my focus of late has been the Western Residential." Another rustle around the satchel and a more commonly available version of the city's maps is procured and set on the table. This is in the form of a broad book of sectional maps, updated at annual (if one is lucky) intervals.

[claritatis]

The man is well-prepared indeed, and Ignis doesn't suspect for a moment that he isn't the kind of person to want to rely on things like this. Ignis himself often doesn't, though that's more out of necessity than any real dislike. Carrying around maps and paper isn't really all that easy when you're running through the countryside on foot.

He shifts in his seat and leans forwards, his light meal all but forgotten as the map is laid out in front of him. Ignis examines the detail with a keen eye, pushing his glasses up with the tip of his middle finger.

"Yes, perfect." Give him a moment. It does occur to him as he looks that if the man is so recent an arrival as he claims to be, he couldn't have possibly...

"Where did you get these?"

[notbert]

It's just annoying because Elidibus generally has access to the ability to simply create such trifles with naught but a thought. Pity the poor ancient being.

This much preparation would be difficult to carry into the wilderness indeed. Even patrolling on the streets, Elidibus wouldn't necessarily trust this precious map in his possession. Memory and a smaller copy would be enough.

'Ardbert' tilts his head to the side with a faint half-smile. "I had the outline commissioned from a professional cartographer recommended to me. He reaches out a finger and taps the edge of the bottom layer of the unrolled map. The thinner vellum with the details of streets, alleys, and relevant notations is briefly pinched. "This is the progress I have made in filling it over the last moon." He affects an expression of chagrin as he glances down. "It may be of little use outside the Western Residential district for the time being. But in time, I will come to know this city well."

It could be construed as the work of someone dedicated (though not necessarily obsessed) to a goal. But it really is that of someone who does not see the passage of time in quite the same way as mortals. And to be truthful, a good deal of the impressive gain on the map occurred before Elidibus was forced to concede he would have to follow a better routine of mortal rest, nutrition intake, and care.

Another inconvenience he could no longer magic away.

The man gives a chuckle. "What? You don't believe I stole it, do you?" he seems to jest.

[claritatis]

Ignis is clearly quite taken with the map, shifting in his seat and sitting on the very edge of it to get a better look at the map from a different angle. He's spent a good deal of time walking the streets and has them committed to memory fairly well, but he can see many things he's missed on these detailed overlays.

Finally, he resumes his seat in a more socially acceptable way (that is, not looking like he might fall off it at any moment) and lifts one eyebrow towards the other man at the question.

"Not at all, though it wouldn't be my business if you had." Not that he'd approve, but... at the moment, needs must, and they certainly needed something like this. No matter how Ardbert had come by it, it would be useful. "How complete would you say it is?"

[notbert]

Elidibus has no reason to block Ignis from moving forward and taking a more detailed look. If he had been concerned he would not have pulled out the map in the first place and stuck only with the more conventional street maps.

There is a brief chuckle offered. "I suppose it wouldn't," 'Ardbert' replies. For a brief moment, there might even be a faint hint of approval there. Elidibus can appreciate a pragmatic mortal. His gaze drops to the map, scanning over it. "For the city, it will be some time. Though now I have obtained proper tack for Filia, I may be capable of filling in a less detailed rendition by flying over the city."

He reaches out and taps the edge of the Western Residential District with a still-gloved hand. Yup, he'd been eating with gloves on. At this point in his efforts to mimic habits, he still has a few forgetful moments about such niceties.

"Here is the focus of my efforts. Since I reside in this area I felt it was best to concentrate upon it. I've covered the bulk of general concerns and about forty percent of actual details. If we were to consolidate our own contribution when certain factions amongst the district's populace, there should be adequate support."

A faint, wry smile is given as he looks up again. "As you are likely aware when it comes to such places, there are certain locales where outsiders will rarely be welcome no matter how well-meaning. But I am certain I can reach out to them and make sure any support we provide in other areas is seen as the aid it is truly meant to be."

[claritatis]

Ignis is an honest sort, but if one has to blur those lines in order to get something done... who is he to say anything about it? If he did, it would certainly not be the first time he'd lied.

His gaze flicks up to the other man for a moment and he lets out a thoughtful hum, soft and barely audible.

"I haven't been here as long as some, but long enough to see where I'm carefully observed as I pass and where I'm not." Especially since his changes began to show. Those of a Naga are less subtle than some, and his status is written all over his face... so to speak. He rubs the scales scattered over his cheekbone and jaw line as the thought occurs to him subconsciously.

"What makes you think they'll listen to you?"

[notbert]

To his credit, Elidibus hadn't flinched or even stared much when it came to the signs of Monster transformation. Though it's fair to say there are precious few people here that he would look at oddly when it came to their unique features. It is difficult for a person from his perspective to tell whether it's an actual transition to some Aefenglom representative or a racial trait of the Mirrorbound in question. Sentient mortal life is varied in its physical appearance.

It is, in its way, helpful in treating with the natives as equally as he would any mortal.

"I am an emissary," the man sitting across from Ignis answers readily and without a trace of irony. "And while this... star is not encompassed by my responsibilities, it has at least not seen fit to completely rob me of the expertise with which I have discharged my duties."

The quiet confidence with which 'Ardbert' speaks of his skill is the type that implies humility would have been improper. But perhaps as an advisor to a future king, Ignis would understand there are certain roles in which too much modesty would have suggested incompetency.

"In addition, I live in the District and have for several weeks of my short time here. Before then I had visited regularly. While I may still be an outsider in many respects and likely always will be," a matter which is clearly not bothering him in the slightest, "I have earned enough regard to present my case and what mutual benefit may be had between the parties involved."

Ardbert takes a moment to the last drink of tea as there had been little remaining of the slowly cooling beverage. When the mug is lowered, a dry smile might briefly be seen. "Though I will admit the state of affairs in this matter may have been sped in some small part by the nature of my contemporary and Bond partner."

People tend to be a lot more open to being civilly receptive to the new guy in town when there's a dragon involved.

[claritatis]

He takes the word as literally as it seems to be intended, with the amount of importance weighted to it. An emissary, indeed? He studies the man for a moment and makes no secret of doing so (difficult anyway, given their proximity), but he isn't at all surprised to hear that he comes from that line of work given how resourceful he has shown himself to be so far.

Ignis does indeed understand that there are some circumstances in which modesty is not the proper path to take.

"I see." His eyebrows lift slightly, but he doesn't press further on just how well Ardbert has managed to integrate himself into the community. "And might I ask who your partner is?"

[notbert]

In light of Ignis's regard, the corners of Ardbert's mouth lift slightly.

"I understand my appearance belies my claim. There are times when I have found it necessary to set aside my robes of office and don something more appropriate in the performance of my duties. The powers that summoned me to this world happened to draw me away during one of my more active roles."

Absolutely straight-faced. No need to suggest how skin-deep his phrase goes.

The man's expression takes on a thoughtful look at the other's next request. Elidibus isn't actively against divulging the name of his Bond partner but he does weigh the merits of giving so many details right now. A faint smile touches Ardbert's expression. It is apologetic and indicative of the answer even before he focuses on Ignis and speaks.

"Perhaps it is wise not to give too many details about our personal connections during this first meeting." Fully reasonable given the circumstances they're meeting under. Setting aside how much trust they should give to each other, should they become compromised, the less they know about personal details, the better. "Mayhap as the current crisis comes to an end we could sit down again for a more relaxed conversation about our lives, allies, and habits." Tea. Brunch. Cooking lessons. "Though I promise should there be an immediate need for such information, I will be forthright."

Reaching for his sandwich, Ardbert concludes before taking another bite, "I am not against listening to opposing views in reasoned debate however, should you feel there is a currently a need for such knowledge?"

Reasoned, agreeable debate was ever the way of the ancient society Elidibus is part of. While he may have only a precious few fragments of memory from that time, there are some standards which were ingrained.

[claritatis]

"I hadn't given any thought of that kind to your appearance." Ignis replies quiet honestly. His own appearance would very much belie any claim that he was as competent in battle as he was with a pen and with his words, and he knows very well what it's like to present oneself a certain way in order to throw off your opponent - be that in debate or in a fight.

And he doesn't look offended at all at the refusal to answer the question. In fact, he smiles (almost wryly) and shakes his head a little. It makes it seem so very clandestine, but he supposes that Ardbert has his reasons for not wanting to divulge that piece of information.

"No more than a simple curiosity," he says. "I'm sure you won't hesitate to tell me should I need to know."

As for the rest...

"But I wouldn't object to a more relaxed conversation, when this is put to rest."

[notbert]

Relaxed, yes. A nod indicates that Elidibus would be open to speaking under less dire circumstances. Or in acceptance of Ignis's interest in speaking in more casual conversation at a later date while not committing himself.

It is very diplomatic.

"With that matter settled, I would suggest we conclude our meal and turn our attention to settling the matter of how best to recruit more interest from our ranks." The Mirrorbound that is. "With firm numbers, I would be better equipped to present our interests to the factions within the District."

Well, even if it turns out to be just himself and Ignis he can probably work something to their benefit. But that's neither here nor there. And there would probably be a few more people willing to take some time to patrol the Western Residential area.

In the future there will be more interactions and conversation beyond what is needed for a strictly professional relationship. But those are tales for another time.

For now there are food and plans.