[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]

He has the air of a cautious sort. And it's probably reasonable for someone pulled from an entirely alien world to be wary of someone who approaches in such a friendly manner so soon after arrival.

Not that Elidibus would be so quick to judge that Manji's objective is to gather information for the ADI.

But with the immortal man willing to give some context for his circumstances, Elidibus doesn't mind speculating a bit. Which he does after a small amount of consideration.

"It is of course possible. And despite their desire to have us not benefit from causing fear, there might be some leniency for the bare minimum, depending on one's circumstance."

But it's also possible they would rather explore other solutions than let Manji feed these entities. Even if that means a less favorable outcome for the immortal. For a moment, the luminance of Elidibus's eyes is visible from an angle under the sunglasses as he tilts his head and studies Manji again.

"Or the entity that brought you here offers some support. Though that would not give the impetus to do its bidding, I suspect. My condolences for your unenviable circumstances."

It may well be inferred by his tone and phrasing that Elidibus suspects Manji is not (willingly) inducing fear- or at least may not be- and realizes that such restraint means he's running out of time. But it seems he doesn't intend to pry further down that particular rabbit hole.

He switches to another.

"I am a little curious about these worms which grant your immortality. Given what I have thus far learned of your star and how you speak of them, I would hazard to guess you were not born immortal. Nor would you have expected to be so long-lived."

[canofmanji]

"Or maybe I just like scaring people. I'm an awful man." Or at least he likes people to think he's an awful.

He doesn't seem to mind the change in topic. Still just as nonchalant about the answers that he's giving as he was before. "I was not. I was suppose to die. Happily bleeding out after a massive battle and some old hag comes around and saves my life. I never asked her to do that and now I have to kill a thousand really bad man to make up for the hundred good ones I killed before she cursed me or I won't be allowed to finally die."

[wewillwewill]

"Hmm." It seems to be a response to Manji being an awful man. Though the noise isn't a doubtful one; Elidibus seems to be weighing the possibility just like everything else he's been told.

"I have no intention to judge your morals," he finally tells the immortal after the remaining statements reach their conclusion. If Manji does like scaring people, if he's an awful man? Well Elidibus is not one to judge. From the view of countless mortal lives, so is he.

"Yet I wonder. Whether you are awful or not, would you risk adding to the crimes you have to atone for?"

Manji has said it himself. It's a curse, it was not asked for. And... he won't be allowed to 'finally die' until he completes his duty. If the atonement is to kill a thousand bad men, would Manji really risk the terrible Fears being inflicted on innocent lives?

What might seem unusual is Elidibus's demeanor through all of this. He isn't mocking and by all accounts, there seems to be no judgement, despite the questions posed. Though he is most assuredly making note of the information he gleans from Manji, his manner suggests little more than an almost academic curiosity. Of the possibility that Manji is this or that, or has certain potential outcomes or choices.

Other than a polite word earlier about his condolences for the immortal's circumstances, anyway.

"I would think your current situation may offer respite from immortality, though I doubt whatever entity sustains you will be so kind."

It seems Elidibus is aware of the possibility that an unpleasant fate awaits Manji if he isn't causing fear in others.

[canofmanji]

To the question if he would increase his curse Elidibus gets another lazy shrug. "And how many truly evil people do you know?" Not that he really thought about it when he made that vow to the woman who cursed him. She gave him the option of putting down his sword, but he refused it. Coming up with the idea to kill a thousand evil men instead and she probably only agreed as she knew it was going to be impossible. "Scaring the piss out of people probably isn't any worse than actually gutting people. And I doubt my patron or ADI gives two shits what happens to me or anyone here."

[wewillwewill]

This earns another moment of serious thought. How many?

"Past or present, few I have met would be likely considered truly evil." Few is a relative term to one who has met countless.

"Good or evil. Right or wrong. They are oft a matter of one's perspective." It's a simple summary of something he once said at another time and upon another star to someone he saw as an enemy. Here, it does not hold the malice it did; because while words may have been used as daggers then, it is still a fundamental he holds true to.

"Though I do not mean to justify nor condemn an action. Nor sway you from what you believe to be either."

Elidibus thinks another moment before choosing not to respond with his opinions about the patrons or the ADI. Manji may be right and Elidibus is new. He should investigate more before saying something.

"If you finish your sentence, will the curse be lifted? Or do you need to return to the woman to have these creatures removed?"

[canofmanji]

That gives Manji a bit of pause. Tilting his head in consideration as he thinks that over. "You know? I'm not sure. I think it would just lift and be gone, but maybe I will need to track the old hag down. Shit. It better just go away or that old crone better still be alive and hanging out somewhere in this time."

[wewillwewill]

"It may be worth attempting to find out her fate," Elidibus answers. "It is fortunate the ADI provides some access to research on unusual beings. Perhaps there is a clue there and... you will be able to find answers."

At the very least if she's still alive. Another expression of thought descends; it's clear Elidibus is a thinking man.

"Concerning the curse, the influence of the entity you are bound to may have caused some changes to it. That is another matter I would advise you to study. It is best to be prepared, as it might not be as simple as your original penance while you are here in this time."

[canofmanji]

"I've tried to search out the fate of others I left behind back home." He frowns thinking about it. He knew they'd all be dead, but he was hoping to hear about how they died. Was Rin saved? Or did she end up murdered by a madman? "I couldn't find any information about them. Not that strange I suppose. There's no way there can be records on every single person in the world. I doubt I could find her. That hag was good at staying hidden. Only being found when she wanted to be found."

[wewillwewill]

"Hm. I suppose it is unlikely the technological advances in record keeping of this day existed two centuries ago."

At least in his experience; mortals and their civilizations were often fleeting. Rising quickly and falling just as swift. While it is fair to say Elidibus and his kind often had a hand in why on his world, the short lives mortals lived played their own part.

"And the woman would be wise to stay hidden on such a star. A search for her whereabouts may far exceed what time you have left, depending on your choices." Elidibus seems to have finished his selections. And it's likely that the agents will start moving closer if he delays much longer with conversation.

"I would advise instead you find someone to into the very nature of your curse. This world may have its own laws, some which aren't govern by the Fears. And perhaps through them or others you may find a solution. Or at the very least come to understand it better."

[canofmanji]

"I'm not worried about the curse. It will either stick with me or it will eventually fade. If I'm stuck with it? Then I know what I need to do to eventually get rid of it. If it fades? Perfect. I'll finally be able to die. Bastards like me shouldn't live forever."

His one remaining eye glances towards the agents. "Look, these guys aren't all bad." He says quickly before they get too close. "I just wouldn't fully trust them if I was you."

[wewillwewill]

"Very well." Elidibus offers a nod and doesn't seem at all offended that his advice isn't taken readily. It is after all Manji's decision as to what path he chooses to walk.

He too glances at the agents who are approaching. Given one is looking at their watch it's probably more about the schedule than suspicion on what the two are talking about. Well, mostly more about the time. Elidibus offers a faint smile to Manji.

"Thank you for the advice. I intend to remain cautious. It is not as if their own stance on matters is unwarranted, for the sake of their world's safety." He raises a hand, attracting the agents attention with the garments he's yet to try on and pointing toward the changing room. They pause and nod in response. But since they're close enough to overhear, Elidibus keeps his words to Manji brief and neutral.

"I am Elidibus. Though I will assume the identity of Themis Galvus to those outside of the ADI. I have enjoyed speaking with you. As I intend to find employment at the ADI, perhaps we may meet again."

[canofmanji]

"I'm Manji. I go by that regardless who I'm talking to." He hardly tries to hide much of who and what he is. Mostly he hides the weapons because the local law enforcement kept trying to take it from him. "I think I'm going to look forward to seeing how you do in this place and getting to know you more."

[wewillwewill]

"An enviable position." Elidibus answers, not without a brief smile. He would prefer to be called Elidibus. But as he had been informed, it would stand out too much and he would need a surname besides.

But it's not as if he hasn't had to blend in with mortals before. So his disappointments were mild at best.

"I look forward to our next meeting as well. If you'll excuse me..." After the words of parting, Elidibus takes the shopping cart and his picks, heading for the changing area. After a glance at Manji, the two escorts follow the not really young man.

[canofmanji]

Manji gives the man a casual wave and will show himself out.