[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]

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.