[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

[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.

[wewillwewill]

'Rivals' sounds far better in the dubious 'privacy' of ADI Headquarters than 'enemies in direct opposition to the ultimate fate of their mutual star's future'. ONE of those is going to be a bad first impression.

In the past they most assuredly might have been friends, at least of shared interests if not outright companionship. Elidibus seems to have no need to think about the option presented. He agrees readily in a manner that suggests he might have been willing to suggest it as the meeting place if Urianger hadn't.

Whom the Scion tells only matters in the sense of whether or not more familiar faces appear at the library meeting. And that seems unlikely (this time). The day indeed passes and Urianger is given a glimpse of how frighteningly easily an Ascian fits into the flow of mortal life. But then, when Lahabrea possessed Thancred, it was something like that too wasn't it? Here, Elidibus spends the day pleasantly greeting Sophie and others in the department who stop by to introduce themselves in the lull, asking pertinent questions about the system that he still hasn't had the opportunity to learn.

Being so deadly realistic in his demeanor that even the slightest loss of focus might make one forget who he is.

In the grand scheme of things the public library isn't too far away, being relatively near the harbor as well. So at least there isn't a lot of time between work and meeting that could be used to worry about the impending discussion. If they end up going together, Elidibus will spend much of the trip watching people and places around himself, likely noting behaviors, manners and the general landmarks, patiently building his picture of this new world.

But once they are together again in the library itself, it's in a quiet place; either a corner unused or perhaps if there was a place, the loan of a study room. Somewhere a constant conversation will not trouble other patrons or draw undue attention. Elidibus had asked for a moment to fetch some books. These will be in hand- among which is notably a world atlas- although this is not where the conversation will begin.

"Though I have said it had been a while, in truth I do not know how long it has been. Would you be willing to enlighten me on what you recall of our last encounter?" Some of the more cordial side of his manner has faded. Though still polite and civil, you couldn't call it friendly.

That is not what they really are, after all. In the comfort of privacy, it was a courtesy all its own to be more honest about their relationship.

[archonloaf]

The reminder of Lahabrea-as-Thancred is not a helpful one right now - it only means that however careful he is, however many people he keeps informed, he could still Disappear and nobody would know, though if that were Elidibus' plan he doubts the Emissary would have come to them with his own name and... is that his own face? Regardless; a study room it is, picked for both the privacy and the less-than-subtle reminder that Urianger is already enmeshed her at least enough for the Librarians to offer that without much question (he's, unsurprisingly, been here a lot since arriving; it feels the most like home out of anywhere).

Elidibus' is not the only demeanour that shifts when they're in private. Not to something as gauche as hostility, but the sort of cordial adversarial stance once might take against a chess opponent, his retort to the Ascian's opening gambit a polite-enough sacrifical pawn of "What dost thou recall of the First?"

[wewillwewill]

Both Urianger's regular presence and that it's probably no surprise he might one day show up with a younger (looking) person of college age and settle in for what may as well be a tutoring session really help to secure the free room for a time slot. They'll be able to make good use of the time.

Sacrificial pawn or not, the faint smile that curves Elidibus's lips suggests he has achieved some gain from it as well. "Then you are aware of the First. And that I appeared there during your journey."

He had after all not said anything about it. However, his coyness was not entirely intended to pull ahead in the game of information. Not this time. Would they be able to return, he is well aware it is not a good idea to give too much of an unwritten future. And both of them may have different perceptions of where that future lies. An earlier encounter with another of the Fear-touched has let him know it is not impossible to have been pulled from differing points in time.

"That said, it is not my intention to waste time by keeping what relevant knowledge I have a mystery. With the possibility we have been summoned to this star at different points of time, I wish to be cautious, lest too much knowledge unravels our ability to return."

Here, Elidibus pauses in thought, clearly seeking to find a better way to approach this cat and mouse conversation.

"Though you are a man of discretion, are you not?" He looks over the table to Urianger. He had sat with his back to the door of the room so that he could remove the sunglasses that served to hide the luminance of his eyes in public. They are now focused and knowing upon the elezen. "Were I to reveal aught of a future you had no knowledge of, would you stay the course of events that may bring great despair to the star? Knowing that only through such fate it may forge a path to salvation and to change it in any way could shatter all hope?"

And knowing the Scions and a certain Warrior, they might well try to alter it anyway. Thus what Elidibus may as well be truly asking; would Urianger not reveal any dangerous knowledge about the future?

It may well be a moot point if Urianger comes from a point beyond the moment the Warrior of Light slipped back through time to the Unsundered past. But then, would the Ascian have any way of knowing that?

[archonloaf]

"Thou, of all-" - he so nearly says of all people, but that's a loaded term, isn't it? He remembers well enough Emet-Selch's stance on relative personhood, and if he is going to insult Elidibus he would have it be certain and intended, not incidental - "souls shouldst know full well onto what darken'd paths I willingly embark, that dawn may at last return."

That's answer enough, right? It's possible the Ascian is going to tell him something he already knows, but if not, then it behoves him to discover all he can so when (and he has to believe it's when, not if, even if logically he knows he'll likely be back to the aetherial sea and not Etheirys itself, given how he left) he returns the Scions stand a chance against it.

[wewillwewill]

Of course Elidibus does. And he also knows Urianger has embarked on those paths for the sake of mortalkind and in seemingly direct opposition to his allies and friends. Such burdens are hard to bear. Harder still with memories intact.

Elidibus has no fault to find with Urianger, lest he find fault in his own actions and the very definition of his duty. In fact there is a certain amount of respect for the elezen, for all they are on opposing sides.

Or once were.

And there is naught of the future which must come to pass that Elidibus can tell that such a man as Urianger Augurelt and not expect him to stay the course. And so he chooses to speak.

"Then I will speak on what I know," he begins with the air of one who has made his judgement and now speaks on it. "Your ally, the Warrior of Darkness and the Crystal Exarch saw to my defeat on the First. Thus drawn into the Crystal Tower, I slept, dreaming of my brethren while waiting for my essence to return to the star."

Dreams of the partial memories returned. Ones that had seemed so real. But nothing more than then past he had lost in the end.

"Yet I found myself brought back to the waking world." No need to say by whom. Only two would have likely been capable of the feat somehow. And Elidibus seems to be dwelling on the memory of that encounter with mixed emotions. That... would narrow it down to one. "And told the Final Days were once more upon us."

Here is where Elidibus stops his tale. It's more than ample information and he has been watching for Urianger's reaction to his words. It is the finale of Elidibus's role in the tale of their star and if his companion knows of it, then he likely knows its ending, and of Lord Zodiark's fate.

If he does not yet know, then there is little more to tell.

[archonloaf]

His lack of surprise, and the way it's a conscious effort not to look away for longer than a scant few heartbeats in something like pity (because for all they are - or were, they were strange times he came from even without time being, well, strange - enemies, he has some inkling from the First of what it's like to intend nothing but the best for a world and instead bring it ruination, and can perhaps then at least begin - as much as any mortal can, at least - to imagine the burden of being Zodiark's heart?), no doubt speak volumes, though should further confirmation be necessary then the slight nod that follows underlines it. Yes, he knows of Zodiark's fall.

(And thinking about this logically, later, he'll note that Elidbus' form is exceptionally well-chosen to engender sympathy, and wonder if his being their Emissary was design or happy accident, but right now that is neither here nor there).

" 'tis of Elpis, then, that thou wouldst speak?" he offers, and it has more of olive branch than chess move about it.

[wewillwewill]

Which Emissary would that be? Well it doesn't matter; coincidence is the better choice, from a society which valued the equality of all over the individual. Elidibus's physical visage would have been cowled and masked more often than not. And his youthfulness was a concern for the role he had stepped into for some but only because he was so young. Certainly not because he wasn't qualified.

"Elpis..." The place he had remembered enough of to not just provide a clue to the Warrior of Light. The remainder of the encounter had come to him as the Aetherial Sea welcomed him into its depths, before he'd been so cruelly pulled away. It seems Urianger has an inkling of what happened... and that means the Warrior of Light returned from the past.

But he shakes his head. "No. I simply wonder, how fares the fate of the star, if you have much knowledge of such matters. Has Hydaelyn's plan for Her champion been seen to its fruition? Or did the threat of the Final Days yet linger when you were summoned to this star?"

At the end of the day, Elidibus does not seem to need, nor want, much in the way of details. He simply wants to know whether their star might hope to finally be free of the forestalled fate of the past.

[archonloaf]

Would that Urianger had some better news to give him, then, but his last memories are of the Ea (and there's a certain grim irony, isn't there, that for all he and the other Scions have railed against the Ancients' plan, in the end all they could do was sacrifice themselves and trust their Champion to safeguard the Star?). So it's with something almost apologetic, something only faintly removed from guilt, that he replies.

"I have no doubt that they will stay the course; all our strength, and that of Hydaelyn herself, goes with them."

If anyone is capable of seeing Meteion fall, it is the Warrior of Light.

[wewillwewill]

It may be disappointing that there is nothing much to learn of the fate of their star against the threat of what caused the Final Days. The pause following Urianger's answer is a heavy one. Though Elidibus's expression remains calm and speculative, there is a great deal of emotion underneath it. He was no longer bereft of memories. The obsession that had driven him had meaning.

Hydaelyn and the current Warrior of Light may forever be counted as enemies because they stood in direct opposition to the Unsundered's goal. But Elidibus had never once sought their star's destruction. Never had his love wavered. Thus he can answer without malice or doubt.

"Then hope yet remains."

Do not expect him to lack grief though. Elidibus lets out a soft sigh, opening his eyes again and looking at Urianger.

"Regardless, there are matters here which take more priority than further speculation on what is to come. I would see myself freed from these Entities and returned to the journey to rejoin my brethren."

There seems little reason to hide that he had met his true end, if Urianger speaks of Elpis.

"Is there aught of these beings and their impending apocalypse you have discovered which seems noteworthy, beyond the scope of what we are told upon arrival?"

[archonloaf]

It's quite the cognitive shift, going from seeing the Paragons as seeking Hydaelyn's destruction to understanding that they, in their own way, worked towards Etheirys' salvation; Urianger might not be entirely there yet but he's far enough along to not be entirely surprised at that grief, and so he concedes "In that, at least, are our goals aligned."

He considers the question. "My tenure here, such as it is, hath been marred by circumstances many think designed to frustrate such discovery, whether by removing resources or thwarting timely communication."

Canting his head slightly, he regards Elidibus, a curiosity niggling like an unscratched itch. "Wherefore 'Galvus', might I ask?"

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus could hardly judge Urianger for being unable to adjust nor would he. In fact he had outright said the elezen and the others could not have really comprehended what had been lost and what they were striving to reclaim. While this may came from a place of denial that was fueled at the time by outrage at the death of Emet-Selch as well as Lahabrea, there was a part of him that believed that there is nothing they could have experienced in their short, mortal memories that would come close to knowing the depths.

But he would not deny the claim that here their goals aligned.

The Ancient turns thoughtful as the Elezen tells him about the experiences since arriving. "It is as likely as any machination. Do you know if those summoned always appear in this one place? Or is the ADI simply one faction?"

He was curious about that. There seemed to be little definitive information.... but he has also had quite a bit to catch up on as well; no longer could a gesture summon visions of the past and present events. Nor could he trace aether to unravel complex spells that might linger.

It will take much more directed efforts down darker paths to claim more than a most murky and distant form of his gifts and shed this horrid feeling of being wrapped in cotton.

...Galvus, hmm? Well Elidibus had not thought Urianger would have missed that. And it is an easier question to answer than 'Wherefore Themis'. He lets a faint smile touch his lips, his eyes focus on Urianger.

"To the natives of this star, Elidibus is a foreign name and would not work as one given or familial." And familial names were needed for identity in this country's registery. Yet why not 'Smith' or maybe something Grecian? "You would not doubt have learned soon enough. Emet-Selch arrived as I did. We agreed it would be best to share a familial connection to the public eye."

[archonloaf]

"If so, our hosts seem disinclined to state as much." is all he will, with a light shrug, concede, though it likely tells Elidibus far more than just the words anyway; there's a mistrust there (unsurprising), a sense that there's something bigger going on than just what they've been made privy to, and more than a little frustration at that ignorance. The Emissary is not the only one struggling with the adjustment; Amber's absence is like a phantom limb, the inability to ask the Deck for answers a vexing limitation.

The Emissary, however, apparently has something he doesn't; company. Because today wasn't going poorly enough already. One Paragon working in isolation they may have been able to outwit; two unified, and with only him here? It is not comforting. Nor is Elidibus' smile.

"A sound stratagem. Thy arrival was simultaneous?"

[wewillwewill]

"It would best to act as if it is a possibility, then." Elidibus murmers. Whatever their differences, he is not going to dismiss the validity of Urianger's observations. Asking was not just empty words to get a measure of the elezen's willingness to respond.

Outwit, aye. That would be a reasonable expectation to keep. Whether it is necessary here will probably be a question neither of them could truly answer with any honesty other than 'It will always be a possibility they will be at odds here as well.' Likely for far different reasons though.

"Hm. I would not say we arrived together. But we were summoned to this star on the same day. Of that there is no doubt."

The smile is gone. Elidibus is watching Urianger again but this time it is contemplative.

"I will not speak for Emet-Selch, for I know little of his mind on the matter of you and yours." Though Elidibus has his memories restored, it has only been a short time and there is so much of that to process. "But I hope you will consider me as a temporary ally against a common foe. If for no more reason than to deny a potential resource to these Entities."

One thing is very clear. Elidibus has no love lost for the Entities. And he is also aware that the history between himself and Urianger can easily fuel paranoia that would only strengthen the Fears.

He knows this because as they had continued talking, the layers of cotton that seemed wrapped around his senses had peeled away. It is nothing akin to the vibrant power which should be at his fingertips and Elidibus experiences it wax and wane like a dying battery. He does not push it, merely filing it away for future reference and discuss with his colleague at a later date.

[archonloaf]

If only Urianger knew quite how strongly that fear and paranoia was bleeding from him, he'd be horrified - his part has, after all, always been to remain the calm, rational homebase from which other let's-charitably-call-it-more-rambunctious members of the Scions strike out, and the horrors of the Last Days are still fresh enough for him to understand quite how terrible those emotions can be when unleashed. But as is, he thinks he's doing an admirable job not freaking out - look how cordial this conversation is! Never mind that his own smile is thin, and largely humourless.

"As we have hitherto surmised, for the moment our goals align. It would be foolish beyond belief to waste what time and resources we have on old rivalries when this Star remains imperilled. I trust that Emet-Selch will see the situation similarly."

... okay, that last part's a lie. He trusts Emet-Selch as far as he can throw him - which, given his pasty nerd status and current lack of magic, is not very far - and would not entirely blame the man for harbouring a grudge given how he died.

"Is there aught else you would wish to know?"

[wewillwewill]

Calm and rational need not always mean one is free of fear as this is sadly proving. Elidibus agrees they must not waste time on their usual status quo, for all he understands it must be spoken of and kept in mind. Thus he is confident the Scion will come around eventually, and that may act as a herald to any other that may be around or later arrive should it come to pass.

Of course he trusts more his own assessment that Emet-Selch would not waste his time and energy on revenge for the way things played out on their Star, save with barbed words. And if that was enough, matters between the Warrior of Darkness and Emet-Selch would have come to a head ere their first encounter on the First had concluded.

For the moment. Yes, that emphasis can be expected. Elidibus does not, objectively, find it unreasonable and thus might have left it at that; saved this bonus of gathered Fear and used it to attain other, useful knowledge. It would be... advantageous too, to have quickly found a resource to harness.

But this is not what he wishes. Having Urianger aware of the risk and thus showing sincerity in the Ancient's claim that he wishes to be candid can earn far more for them in the long run. Not least which lies in not having the elezen see the two Ancients as a threat the ADI must be made aware of, particularly while they are still weakened.

"I do not request this lightly, given our history. Yet it has become clear that it may be imperative you come to terms with our arrival quickly."

Every onze and scrap of power granted to him by Urianger's fears is carefully collected. He will be diminished again when this is finished but nothing will be wasted. With effortless ease, born of age and familiarity, he constructs a careful illusion. One which will be seen by none beyond the room, but is all the more efficient with the limited resources and thus potent.

A flick of his hand causes the scene to unfold. For a moment the two are seated at the same plain public library table, but the shelves and towering ceilings of the Great Gubal Library surround them. The muted sounds of library patrons or cars on the street are replaced by the noises of wandering constructs and mammets set to secure and maintain the collection of knowledge. It is quite a harmless illusion and such an obvious expenditure of power that has such a high cost that it should be obvious Elidibus has purposefully drained his reserves rather than hold on to it.

What else does he need to know?

"There is aught Emet-Selch and I may do regarding our presence, other than to remain in Gloucester. Whether you choose to act as a herald to warn this star of us or stand with us to minimize the threat you see in our presence, you must first master your own fears. Can you do so, Scion?"

The silhouette of a real person strolls through a towering bookshelf. Great Gubal's visage fades, leaving the ordinary sounds of everyday Gloucester to return and the 'ghost' to resolve itself into one of the patrons walking by room's glass window without a clue as to what had transpired. Elidibus did not purposefully end the illusion. The 'aether' sustaining it ran out and with it, the spell unraveled.

[archonloaf]

At first he's confused - why this? Surely Elidibus would know that such a reminder of where he comes from, what he's fighting for (because this is where The Book - the one that started his obsession with apocalyptic prophecy - lives. Where he and Moen met. Where he first summoned Amber. A hundred other moments, each one a step towards the Circle) is only going to stoke his defiance. If he's trying to intimidate him then...

... but that's not the play here, is it? Focus. Discern the stratagem. What does Elidibus stand to gain from this? Can it really be as simple as denying the Fears their succour?

His second instinct, then, is to protest - who would fear a foe they've bested twice? - but... well, that display rather puts paid to the lie, doesn't it? Because either Elidibus has fed on fear or he's able to use his powers without doing so which is a different sort of terrifying. The choice of vision becomes a double-edged sword - this is, after all, also the place where they met, the beginning of his transformation into the wretched unworthy creature he is now (my path is unchanged, a small voice cries out, but the one saying he knows what you truly are is far louder).

(And doesn't that rather neatly sum up the hopelessness of this situation? That victory hinges on being unafraid of things that are well worth fearing?).

It's... an interesting tactic. Sincerity. Candour. He cannot in good conscience say he would do the same; were the tables turned, he knows he'd be tempted to hoard that power Just In Case citing the good it could be put to later. And the knowledge that right now a twelve-forsaken Paragon, of all people, is a better man than him is the final push he needs.

He crosses his arms, and regards Elidibus as levelly as he can. "If such is what the salvation of this Star demandeth of me, Emissary" - since apparently they're using titles now - "then I have borne heavier burdens."

[wewillwewill]

'To remain in Gloucester.' In other words, within range of observation. To leave and disappear into the woodwork of this star would be like to cause far more concern about their motives. This much Elidibus knows.

He would have wondered the same if their roles reversed.

Elidibus may well act on what seems to be the best, most sound path forward. If that means joining hands with an enemy from his home while in a new land which has nothing to do with that distant conflict, then it shall be done. Perhaps it makes him a better man in some ways to have displayed his conviction in such a profound manner.

But a man of his talents is surely aware that his actions will invoke feelings of guilt or shame in Urianger and could be used to give the impetus to push the scholar to a decision. From this perspective, one may wonder just how much better Elidibus really is, regardless of the benefits both will reap of this particular goal.

Ah, titles. Scion, Emissary. They certainly cannot escape all vestiges of their native world. But would either want to? Letting go of that place would be tantamount to giving up on ever seeing it again. And neither are known for that.

Elidibus favors Urianger with a nod. He rises, retrieving his sunglasses and backpack. He'll make no part of his stance on the fate of this Star clear other than what he might already have mentioned; that he has no interest in seeing their captors' agenda to its fruition. For now the conversation has reached as good a conclusion as anyone could hope to expect.

"I'm aware some time may be needed to adjust. Though you are welcome to contact me should any other questions arise or information come to light."

Then, as though it's the most common thing in the world to do so, Elidibus draws out his smartphone and brings up the screen that shows the device's phone number before displaying it to Urianger.

"I would prefer such missives not be made through our hosts' internal network." The phone might not be as private as its supposed to be either. But it is slightly better and it's probably not out of place for two of the same origins to exchange personal contact details. The important bits can be saved for face-to-face anyway.

"I will make myself available both as ally and intermediary."

Emet-Selch is here, but who would most people prefer to deal with? It's not unreasonable to think others might. And the same would surely be possible for Urianger friends.

[archonloaf]

So that's it, then. An uneasy truce. As far as potential outcomes from this situation go, he'll take it.

Urianger nods - "Likewise, shouldst thou discover aught of interest." - and retrieves his own device, noting Rue's latest text with a very slight smile before copying Eldibus' number into his contacts and firing off a swift text (" 'tis I") in exchange.

A moment's pause, and he cants his head slightly. "... 'tis likely wise we agree an answer, should any there ask how 'tis we know each other? Since given our deployment we needs must cross paths."

... gods, it really is too easy to fall back into old habits, isn't it?

[wewillwewill]

Did Elidibus notice that faint smile? Probably. But he turns to adding the new contact to his phone rather than remark on it. He's reasonably certain it had nothing at all to do with his presence, given how gentle it was. And if it did it was probably for the best; a soothing assurance that someone was there to support the elezen which would serve the purpose just as well in reducing the sense of fear.

"Rivals from opposing political factions may do," Elidibus offers after some brief thought on the matter. He'd already made a reference to 'rivalry' in their initial introductions at the ADI. "Even a glance at this singular country suggests it would be a sufficient reason for the tension in our first encounter. But it would also suggest the policy we are in conflict over does not apply to this star. Having had more time to study Earth, what is your opinion on the matter?"

It would even be the truth, for what was their conflict over but the opposing perspectives of ideaology about what saving Etheirys meant?

Besides, sometimes the simple explanations with a grain of truth are the best. And one can trust both Elidibus and Emet-Selch to do well in hiding the truth depth of that 'rivalry'.

[archonloaf]

... that's barely a lie at all, isn't it? Though he should not be surprised. Deft falsehoods veiled in Just Enough Truth have always been the Ascians' hallmark (that and the promise of eldritch power, at least). It's what makes them so insidious a threat.

"An elegant solution." He nods. "'twill serve well enough, I think."

[wewillwewill]

"Then it shall stand as such. I will inform Emet-Selch. I trust you will do the same on your part should others be drawn here."

It is made as a statement rather than query. After all this entire meeting was intended to be about establishing a truce and how to act going forward. Other than the chance earlier that he might have spoke about events not yet past for Urianger, Elidibus had fully expected... nay, counted on the elezen acting as intermediary for the Scions or the Warrior if they appear.

Or have appeared. It is not as though he expects Urianger to be that open. Though this meeting might have then been been quite crowded if the other Scions were already here.

Seeing no more reason to delay his departure, Elidibus nods before turning to leave the room.

"Good day."

Walking of course. Yet he manages to do so with nearly the same dignity as if he had simply whisked away into a shadowy rift as always.