[LOG] February Arrivals

[wewillwewill]

Who: Elidibus and OTA
When: Early February
Where: ADI Offices (Canteen), Gloucester
Summary: Elidibus arrives in the breakroom, later shops for clothing and anything else a newcomer can hope to experience.
Warnings: None expected.

A. Now Arriving - Canteen

A figure in a plain white robe appears suddenly in the canteen.

Hooded and masked, most of his features are unclear. But like all the sudden arrivals from unknown worlds, Elidibus shows some signs of disorientation. A gloved hand rises near his face as if to steady uncertain vision. Though he keeps a solid stance, it takes him a moment to realize there is more to his surroundings than what he should have expected.

A gentle, flowing descent has been arrested, wrenching him unceremoniously back into reality. And one that is entirely new, not that he is entirely aware of that.

The sudden, absolute lack of senses which came as naturally to him as breathing itself is another layer of shock to his predicament. Indeed it's almost as if he had been robbed of breath for a moment; not even the weakest mortal host he'd ever claimed had caused this. Awareness of his surroundings is now coming into focus. There are people here. Most seem to be collected as though his sudden appearance in their midst is a common occurence. Their words... It isn't quite modern Eorzean, but it's close enough to have a limited understanding.

"Arrival... new... call for..."

That too, the innate gift of understanding spoken word regardless of language, is gone. And so too is all magic, for even an attempt of something as simple as teleportation to find a quieter location amounts to nothing. Not even a trace.

Elidibus collects himself. If he cannot escape, he should not cause further alarm. Not until he understands what's happening.

"What is this place?" It shouldn't be difficult to understand him; at least those who can speak English.



B. Shopping - Town, Clothing Store

It was important to fit in. And to do that, without any ability to call on so much as a whisper of aether, Elidibus was all too willing to be submitted to the agency's ushering around to various shops for the purpose of clothing, toiletries and an initial round of food staples. Of these three, the clothing was more urgent and critical; a tour of the agency was enough to tell that robes and masks were not even a trend, much less the norm. And that they requested he change into what amounts to loaner sweats (ADI logo and all) before going out into public simply cemented that he would have stood out in stark contrast.

So Elidibus had acceded their wishes and can be found currently sorting through options at a local clothing store, a basic pair of sunglasses used to cover the odd luminescence to his eyes from unsuspecting locals. He looks the part of a young adult with white (dyed?) hair who is probably being helped back on his feet after some sort of unfortunate incident. An agent or two are nearby, watchful but willing to let him go about the business of selecting his own pieces. Given his cooperation thus far and ease of grasping the basics, they're willing to give Elidibus that much room. One is even holding the backpack with his original clothes so he doesn't get suspected of shoplifting.

His choices thus far have all been neat business-casual. White or dark purple button-down shirts and black or khaki slacks. There are a couple of shoe boxes in the cart - one for simple black dress shoes and another for white sneakers - and the staples of undergarments and socks, but a dramatic lack of truly casual clothes. At the prompting of one of the agents earlier, he's looking for just that; jeans and t-shirts as well as cotton pants and will probably get it right after careful consideration of all the options, but maybe someone more fashionably minded can help narrow it down.

And help the ever-patient agents to save some time.


C. Wildcard

Elidibus will be unresisting and cooperative so probably someone that can be found anywhere fairly quickly. Feel free to PM or Discord for a wildcard request!

Comments

B. Shopping

[canofmanji]

Manji had been in the canteen when Elidibus showed up. He had ignored the man while he was dressed in his more comfortable black and white kimono. He's never been a good person for the whole: welcome to hell thing.

When he sees the man in the ADI branded clothes and out with agents Manji can't help but sigh. Remembering how he felt about wearing clothes that would "fit in" better. Out of work he's wearing a very large sweater, the left arm tied in a knot to show he's missing an arm, and a pair of dark blue slacks when he approaches the new comer. "My suggestion?" Manji's voice is gruff. The sound of a man who doesn't usually do much talking. Probably not surprising considering the scars across his face and his missing eye. "Don't bother with jeans. They're too stiff."

[wewillwewill]

In the canteen, Elidibus had shown himself to be very calm and polite despite the disorienting circumstances and his youthful appearance, willing to unmask himself before the officials had taken him away to get a proper exposure to the English language (via spooky paper). But it becomes clear he had plenty of time to take stock of his surroundings. Though Manji may be dressed differently, he is still recognized.

"Ah, you were in the canteen, were you not?" Yes, that almost-English he'd spoken before has now become fluent. And he's had ample experience speaking with silent protagonists men and women of few words.

He returns to the matter of jeans. It's true the denim fabric is stiff, though some are softer depending on brand and treatment. "They seem ill suited for comfort," he agrees. "Yet I've observed it to be a common fashion. It may be best to have at least one pair while I am taking advantage of the agency's generosity."

It's then he chooses something on the softer, better fit side. Three sizes are chosen to be tried on later; he's likely already encountered the disparity of measurements between brands and styles. Elidibus looks to Manji once more.

"If you would, pray inform me as to what you would recommend as 'casual' among the people of this city."

Elidibus has yet to drop the somewhat anachronistic way of speaking compared to these modern 'Americans'. Possibly on purpose.

[canofmanji]

"I was." Manji isn't surprised to be recognize. He does tend to have a very distinct face.

"Honestly, I don't get the fashion of this time and place. Half the time I personally prefer what they call a skirt. Easier to move around in." Then he smirks a little. "And easier to hide a blade under."

[wewillwewill]

"Ah yes, the laws and customs of his land prohibit many forms of weaponry from being carried openly." Certainly not swords, axes, or spears, and for the guns, special permits are required.

"A deceptively peaceful society." And perhaps somewhat odd in their customs of permissible weaponry. Elidibus takes a moment to look around himself; something he still needs to consciously remember with the lack of other senses. Best not to linger on that for the time being. Anyone not the agents still seem comfortably distant for the range of their voices.

"Then I will continue with what I've observed, though I thank you for the advice you've given. Still, you mention time and place? Would you be willing to elaborate on the matter?" Elidibus affects a tone of polite curiosity, something that might be expected and with a sense that the request can be easily turned down without giving offense.

[canofmanji]

"This place is anything but peaceful. Be on your guard as you never know what this strange city will throw at us next." He's learned that lesson very quickly in his time here.

"I'm from the year 1782." He begins. Having no problem telling people about himself. "And I'm from Japan. So, this far flung into the future and in a new country? Was a bit of an eye-opening experience." Is he trying to make a joke about how he only has one eye? Hard to say.

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus offers a nod as if grateful for the caution. "I will keep it in mind." But then he had said deceptively peaceful. So it is likely he had something like Manji's thoughts already in mind.

"And this is the year 2023 of the same Era." Elidibus has paused in the study of clothes, intrigued by this new knowledge yet not surprised at the thought of someone having been summoned through time. "Much must have changed for you in those 241 years." Notwithstanding an entirely new country.

He focuses on Manji. "Yet you have endured. And that should be commended." Many might have refused to adjust, regardless of how much time they've had to get used to it.

[canofmanji]

"Nah. I'm just a stubborn immortal bastard." Should he be telling everyone he meets that he's immortal? Probably not, but he also doesn't care. "Kind of have to endure if dying isn't an option."

[wewillwewill]

Probably not. Though it keeps Elidibus's attention, turning a courteous expression to one of intrigued interest; moreso than he was about the mention of a summoning through time.

Though he places some of his attention back to the selection of clothes- he moves to another rack to look at lounge wear such as cotton pants and sweats- he asks not as one who disbelieves Manji's words, but is searching for further context of the man's immortality.

"I've yet to speak to an immortal native to this star. If you are willing to say, how would it be defined?" There are many ways one can be immortal.

[canofmanji]

"Cut me, shoot me, beat me and I won't die." That's putting it pretty simply so he expands on it a little bit. "The injuries hurt and it's uncomfortable as the worms stitch me back together so don't be expecting any examples or a live demonstration."

Although he's a little surprise that he didn't get more of a reaction. "So, you an immortal as well?"

New Employee - Some Days After Arrival [Closed to Urianger]

[wewillwewill]

It might be possible to have heard the rumors of an individual appearing in the canteen some days ago. Maybe there was a description involved; Elidibus had appeared in white robes and the red mask of his office, though the former had been plain and free of Ascian embellishments.

Well, people did appear regularly. Maybe the details were lost. Other than his outfit, he'd not caused too much of a fuss and had been escorted away fairly quickly. There was orientation to do, spooky pages to magically bestow the English language with (though he might well have gotten away with adapting modern Eorzean to become fluent, frankly) and given an apartment assignment, an ID, clothing and housing.

But he had expressed interest in getting to work and what better place to start than the research department? Despite having little knowledge of this particular star, he'd proven himself quite capable in collating data and understanding the basics of computer use. Having him shadow (a figurative term! honest!) his new desk partner to learn the ropes of the department and go through the same workload for a few days before giving Elidibus his own. That'll be simple enough, right?

He was told to wait in the library, as it might be a more comfortable place to meet his co-worker than the line of office desks filled with people. Elidibus had no problem with this. Now that he had login access, he could make use of the databases or browse through the limited collection of physical books. He'll have one of these open in his hands while reading the pages when the person he's waiting for arrives.

The same someone that told Elidibus to wait goes to let Urianger know. Well, the memo about the new member of the research team had come at least twenty-four hours in advance. But anyway! Right now, the employee is all too willing to walk and talk a little about the person who will be partnering with the next few days.

"I wouldn't worry too much. Even though he's young, he seems to be able to pick things up quickly. I'm sure you won't have any trouble teaching him the ropes." She takes the initiative to open the door to the library and gesture the elezen through to get a first look at the new employee.

He's fairly short for a male hyur. Or human as they call them here isn't it? He wears a white, button-down shirt tucked into belted black dress slacks and simple dark dress shoes. The professional appearance might, by some standards, be ruined a bit by the silver-white hair that's long enough to reach his shoulders. It's currently tied back but Elidibus has no intention of cutting it or dying it a 'normal' color. And in the ADI he doesn't have to hide the way the blue irises of his eyes seem to glow. He might not be immediately recognizable. But... perhaps Urianger did witness the final moments before Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus returned to the star. Here there are some similarities.

"Urianger, this is Themis Galvus. Or 'Elidibus', as he would prefer to be called."

[archonloaf]

It's not yet an entirely comfortable routine - Urianger would like to think it never will be, not while the fate of Etheirys remains unknown to him - but there is a comfort to the predictable ebb and flow in the midst of, well, literally everything else about this. So he gets up (he dresses for comfort, more than style, the combination of long black skirt and black hoodie somewhere between his awkward scholar and fae glow-up, quirky perhaps but not outlandish enough to merit censure), goes to work, he does his tasks. It's... again, nice might be a step too far, but there's something good about being useful, isn't there?

So the fact he's being trusted to oversee a new arrival at first feels like a good thing. He does so like to Help. Of course he'll get them settled. It would be a pleasure to encourage a young scholar. Perhaps in his head right now he has pleasant thoughts of tutoring the twins, of Ryne, of his own childhood.

Those don't last. He might not recognise the Face (Ascians and their masks, right?) and the body he remembers working with was definitely taller, but the name he definitely knows, and he glances back to the lady who, bless her heart, thinks it's nerves rather than abject panic, and offers the sort of gently benevolent smile you might give a small child considering whether to share a toy or not.

Urianger swallows. Steels himself. Offers a tight-lipped smile of his own to the 'young' 'man' (though inside the hoodie pocket his nails dig into the palm of his hand). He's not sure which possibility is worse - that this truly is some scheme of the Paragons, or that they're as helpless as everyone else.

"... Fate's humour remaineth wicked, does it not?"

[wewillwewill]

It's very possible that Elidibus is winning merit points for wanting to come to work and otherwise go about dressed normally by the ideals of society. At least for the workforce part, fashion is another matter entirely. Then again, that's also probably the Emissary's intention.

Small requests, here and there; the adoption of a familial name that matches the request of another new arrival for example. Come to think of it, Galvus should certainly be another familiar name to Urianger.

But there are priorities to handle first. The employee who brought the two together blinks a couple time in confusion. She's beginning to notice nervousness may not just be 'first time trainer jitters' and words seem to imply Urianger knows the newcomer. This isn't wholly outside the realm of possibility.

Elidibus doesn't answer the elezen immediately. In a hauntingly familiar voice, he addresses the woman, neatly cutting in to distract her from the rising suspicions.

"This is Mr. Augurelt, I take it?"

"Ah, yes. Sorry." The woman collects herself and gets back on track. "Urianger will be the one you're shadowing for the next few days. Though he is your trainer, you'll also be working as peers in the same department."

Peers. Wonderful. Elidibus greets this tidbit of fact with a faint smile and a polite nod while closing the book and returning it to its shelf. Enjoy the additional fact that an Ascian had known who was likely to appear because of an innocently given name.

There is only a slight pause. The employee rallies a bit. "I'll just leave you two to have a few minutes to get to know one another. And remember, my name is Sophie, so if there's anything you need, just come by my office in HR." This is directed to the both of them before she goes to slip out. Well she does have a lot on her plate in the day to day.

And there's a certain tension in the air she's quite thankful to escape from. Though it's very doubtful at all that the absence of a physical representative means they are not still being watched. The Ancient is no fool to believe he would be this readily trusted without some form of monitoring involved.

"Fate or Fear, perhaps," Elidibus remarks once the woman is out of range. "One seems to be more inclined to have arranged our reunion than the other given the circumstances." From a nearby chair, Elidibus picks up a nearby and very ordinary backpack, the type you might see any office worker using to carry essentials around.

"It has been a while since last we spoke, Scion. But for now, shall we set about our business?"

[archonloaf]

It should not come as a surprise that the Immortal Emmissary is better at seeming normal than the guy who's built a reputation on being 'the weird cryptic one', but still. Score one to Elidibus.

(And yes, he absolutely recognises the Galvus name; it's what's tipped this past the point it could conceivably be a funny coincidence like the kojin-but-not and fae-but-not. Likewise he's not told the ADI enough about his home for it to be a test - except in all the ways everything is a test).

So. Breathe. He can do this. He can. He's gone toe to toe with this particular Immortal before and come out on top, right? Even if that voice that's been lurking since he got here thinks it's a shame Fate-or-Fear didn't pull through someone Better Than Him.

Sophie gets a warmer smile, a slight inclination of the head, a genuine "My thanks" before she leaves that might just help sway things back towards 'he's just nervous' (though there's no taking back that obvious bristle of recognition, he can at least do damage control) and then she's gone, and he regards Elidibus once more.

"What hast thou discerned of 'our business' thus far?" is an innocent enough question in context - it only makes sense for him to know where to begin training from, right?

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus saw no reason to deny they had recognized each other, hence referring to Urianger as Scion. Perhaps every word of their brief exchange had been recorded to be analyzed by someone. He certainly would have. The Ascian shoulders the pack and steps toward Urianger, though a nod indicates they might walk out of the library again and travel together toward the research department.

He'll at least give some courtesy of space so they're not crowding one another.

But what to say? What to admit? How much would Urianger know, having an advantage of an earlier arrival.

"Little save what I have been told in the beginning," Elidibus finally answers. "The... people of this agency have fought against forces of an unfathomable existence. These beings, these... Fears exist beyond the scope of man. In some ways as the Void is considered by many upon our star."

How smoothly he can speak, as if 'our' and 'people' and 'man' come glibly to him.

"It is believed we have been brought here by the will of these powers, harbingers of a coming calamity of apocalyptic proportions. And for that and other reasons, they seek to offer us succor in exchange for aid in facing the impending doom and with hope to put an end to the threat."

Though Elidibus had seemed somber, here a faint smile appears.

"But for our... more mundane efforts today, we are to engage in research and the processing thereof to present a more... organized dissemination to those less scholarly inclined."

Look up the information. Organize information. Present information. Maybe sometimes data entry or endless rounds at the copy machine.

"I'm told we will be working together in the grander scheme of things, due to our locations in the offices of this department. I admit no small interest when I was told the name of the colleague I would meet today." For a moment, Elidibus can be caught looking sidelong and upward at the tall elezen.

"I trust it will not be too great a burden to bear on your part?"

[archonloaf]

A diplomat's answer, of course - Urianger wonders if Elidibus is capable of giving anything else - and not one that tells him anything much beyond that the Emissary has attended some of the same inductions he did. It is, at least, a more welcome tone than the sarcastic melodrama other Unsundered with whom he has had occasion to treat (if only Urianger knew).

Okay. This is very far from ideal... but so's a lot of what he's had to do. And if anyone stands a chance of figuring out how to bridge the gap between this reality and home, it's probably - as distasteful as the notion seems - one of the bastards who've been doing exactly that in the service of their Rejoining. Old habits are far too easy to slip back into.

So the mention of burdens gets a slight smile in return, and something that's more than a nod but less than a bow - "No greater than any other the Paragons hath yet inflicted; I shall endure it." - before he gestures to their surroundings. "Of the library, such as it is, hast thou hitherto availed thyself?"

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus would certainly not be anything less in their current environment, on an alien star. As for other Unsundered.... well, it's unlikely one particular one will often grace the research department unless they're in search of Elidibus. So there's probably not much to worry about.

Probably.

The problem about old habits though, is that they're far easier to slip into when one has the sheer power that was their birthright at one's disposal. And that is not going to be regained easily, even just a fraction.

"I've no cause to believe we would be rivals on this star if nothing more." Though he would be first to admit it is early still and there's much to learn before he makes a decision on the matter. But for now? It's an offered truce.

"The library in this building leaves one feeling it is naught but for show. That greater texts may be hidden." Elidibus seems lost in thought momentarily before adding, "Though I'll admit their databases accessed through the computer are promising."

The advantage to having been nigh immortal is seeing so many types of technology. Adapting is not too difficult despite all that's been stripped from him.

"I have also taken a moment to visit the public library." The system of which Elidibus seems to have a note of respect for. Knowledge available for all to access freely. And then there is this 'Internet' which facilitates global communication not just for the nation's government, but the common people as well.

But he has something else on his mind. "After our tasks are finished for this day, I would speak with you. Should you not have other business to attend."

Well it's an out but granted, it's also short notice. However, Elidibus probably has no intention of being more open about his information until they can secure some measure of privacy.

[archonloaf]

'Rivals' is far too simple a term. In some ways he supposes he should be almost grateful - working with the Warriors of Darkness (or, well, against them, it's complicated) had given him purpose when all he'd had was grief, and an opponent of Elidibus' caliber had sharpened his skills, there's no denying that. Plus, it's not like the Scions haven't been forced into alliances of convenience over shared interests before.

Gods help him if the comment about public libraries doesn't get a genuine smile, because there's no way the free availability of Knowledge isn't going to delight him. In another life, maybe, they might have been friends. Maybe it's that, and not the intrigue (but it's definitely the intrigue) that has him suggest that he has no particularly pressing business after work tonight and mayhaps visiting said library together would be of benefit to them both?

(Urianger is not foolish enough to meet an old enemy, however cordial, without letting Someone know, and virtue of random housing assignment, Tim and Rue get to be said someones. A quick text, then - Chance hath delivered an old acquaintance unto ADI; fret not, therefore, if I am late returning. Mr Galvus and I have much to discuss. Regards, Urianger)

The day passes amicably enough, nothing to raise Sophie's concerns further when she checks in later. It is not a complicated role for scholars of their calibre to acclimate to, and Urianger is of course delighted to be of assistance. No, really. It's no trouble. He's looking forward to working with Master Galvus. And so the day passes.

A. Canteen

[worthallthis]

Winter knows a whole lot of languages. He's also dealt with a whole lot of new arrivals. Some of them stuck around, some didn't. He puts his book aside as people around him start chattering and darting off to alert headquarters, and pushes up to his feet in a more measured manner.

"It's called ADI," he answers the accented question, ready to try swapping languages based on whatever response he gets. "Apocalypse Disruption Initiative. Not your world."

[wewillwewill]

It seems the hooded figure understands enough, with patient hesitation to be certain of the flow of words.

"No, it seems not." The near-English response is said with a thoughtful tone. Again the hand rises, though this time it is to his chin and with a reflective manner. Elidibus turns to face the man who answered him directly.

"This does not seem surprising." To have someone from another world appear so suddenly in what is obvious a place of relaxation of this... society? Though many people seem to be keeping a cautious distance.

"Though your... language. It is like enough to Eorzean." Though also different enough that he himself is careful to keep to basic words so he might be better understood in kind. To be truthful, having to do so at all is troubling for other reasons. "Curious." He shakes his head. "I am Elidibus." His hand lowers as he introduces himself. "To whom do I speak?"

[worthallthis]

At least Winter speaks clearly, and deliberately, not rushing. It might make him easier to understand. "It's called English. And I'm Winter. I work here." He's not wary, like some of the others, in part because he does still have his gun holstered at his side, and in part because he knows newcomers' magic won't work if they have any. Not unless they've actively scared someone since arriving. "You should talk to the people in orientation. They can help you understand us better."

[wewillwewill]

The care Winter takes is appreciated. Elidibus doesn't appear to be a man who acts rashly by any means. And... he's already determined there's something gravely amiss. Magic attempts aside, his very nature feels barren. No, not that. Like wrapped in layers upon layers of cotton and wool, isolated from what makes up the core of his being.

"English." The term isn't familiar to him. But he nods with acknowledgement. A thin smile appears under the mask.

"Yes, it would be best to speak with the people you speak of. I suspect I will not have to wait long." Elidibus hasn't missed that a call was put in by some of the others in the canteen. And he isn't unaware of the quick approach of several sets of feet.

But there is something he wishes to do before they arrive. Having noticed a reflective surface- whether panes of glass or an actual mirror meant to make the space seem more spacious- Elidibus reaches up without any undue movements to grasp the edges of the cowl and draw it back. He has noticed the robes, while white, have changed to something he remembers from long, long ago. Then he removes the red mask and regards the visage revealed.

Despite the light baritone of his voice, his appearance is that of a young human male; in his early twenties if based on sight alone. His eyes are blue but seem brighter than they should be and his hair is a silvery white.

Of all things, Elidibus seems a little surprised by his appearance. At best, he had expected one of many faces he's worn in his long life. But not this one. Not... his own.

As a few members of security and some of the orientation team enter the canteen, Elidibus returns his attention to the person who spoke to him. What surprise he had shown- along with a brief flicker of emotion- has disappeared under a courteous mask that matches his demeanor.

"Thank you for your explanation, Winter. Perhaps we will meet again in the near future." How much gets through in the rough match of languages is mostly irrelevant. The tone and context is probably enough. "It seems my escorts have arrived."

[worthallthis]

"You'll learn our language all the way once you're in there," Winter promises. "There's a spell thing for it."

He eyes the ADI security team, nodding at a couple he works with a lot, and adds for Elidibus's sake, "I can walk with you, too, if you want. I was going to anyway." He's walked a lot of people to the ADI newcomer offices in the past.

[wewillwewill]

Now that the face is laid bare, it's easy to see Elidibus look intrigued and perhaps a little cautiously at that. The idea of 'magic' doesn't seem to invoke doubt or disbelief however.

"Is that so. I'm sure it will make communication far easier." A pleasant enough smile is offered and it seems in the realm of warm but polite courtesy. Given Elidibus makes no drastic moves to escape now that it's obvious a proper team of guards are here to escort him, the team takes stock of the rest of the room. Those that know Winter nod in response, along with a silently questing expression as though to check on whether things seem 'safe enough' with this new individual.

Well, within reason.

The young-looking man considers Winter's offer with a brief tilt of his head. A gesture of acceptance is added. "So long as it does not trouble my escorts, I see no reason to deny your offer."

There shouldn't be any reason it would cause problems, right?

[worthallthis]

Winter gives them a little nod. Sending more security is, frankly, overkill. Very, very few newcomers have been violent or caused any kind of stir. And even if he did, Winter's pretty sure he could handle it himself.

"Shouldn't. I work with them," Winter answers, and pushes his tray aside to come join the pair of co-workers. "You're from somewhere with magic?" he guesses, given that lack of surprise, that interest even, at the mention of the spell.

[wewillwewill]

It's probably a good idea to keep working in pairs. With Winter having opened a dialogue with the newcomer, it seems logical to let him replace one of the security that's there to keep a general eye on things.

"I'll go back," says one, nodding to Winter before peeling off and exiting the canteen.

Meanwhile the newcomer tilts his head with acknowledgement while the group starts off. There seems to be no reason to hide it.

"Magic is commonplace on my star. I have some skill in it. However..." Elidibus frowns slightly. "I seem to not have access to even the most common spell."

There is more. Much more, though he's wary of saying just how much he's crippled. Admitting to the lack of magic was a safe enough test.