"Rolanberry?" She tilts her head. "Ah! We call 'em strawberries. Don't rightly know why..." A small curiosity. "But it's the fountain, sure enough. Chocolate spilling all outta it. It's great! We don't got nothing like it where I'm from. And talking of, I'm Mercy. Mercy Graves, follower of Pelor."
She offers a polite curtsey. "Haven't seen your face around ADI very much, sir. You just dropped in?"
There are still a few things to learn. Fortunately it doesn't seem using the wrong local name for the berry has caused too much alarm.
"Forgive me, I misspoke. 'Strawberries', is it?" One might as well ask him why they were called rolanberries where he came from. There's always an origin. It's probably not too important. A second bite finishes the chocolate covered berry. "It has a pleasant taste."
"I am Themis Galvus." Though as had been mention earlier, she might know the name he tends to go by in the halls of the ADI. "You may call me Themis." Pelor means little to him, though he gives no indication of this indifference other than the fact he doesn't seem to recognize the name. But that shouldn't be any surprise; on this world alone there are so many religious figures and deities worshipped, let alone those from other worlds.
And Mercy certainly just indicated she is in the know due to her affiliation with the ADI. Elidibus nods his head.
"I have only just arrived in this city. Though I will be employed by the ADI. Both in research and counseling." The latter has taken him a bit more time to be approved and established but he's already begun work in the research department, much to the chagrin of his trainer and desk partner.
"With that in mind, I expect we will see more of one another in the future. What of yourself? May I ask how long you have been in Gloucester?"
"Right you are, Mr. Themis." He might have another name, but if that's the one he's giving her now, it's the one he'll keep until she's told otherwise. Given how ADI seems to assign people names if they're not 'normal,' after all, she can only guess at which is his 'real' one.
"I seen the seasons turn near on two full times since I been here. Been working in medical and dabbling into research when they need a ready pair of hands. It's my sweetheart you're like to run into more for that department, though. Aelwyn Abernant." Her gaze leaves him briefly to spot the other woman in the crowd, and her expression softens for just a moment.
"Counseling, though? That's a mighty hard job around here. Only known one other fellow who took up the mantle, but he's gone now. Ain't dead, near as I know, just disappeared. You do a lot of comforting folk back home?"
"You need not add any formality. 'Themis' will be enough." The response is polite and assuring. He truly doesn't appear to mind she address him informally. It's for many reasons though one may well be in keeping with his current appearance; he hardly looks, at least, much older than Mercy.
Seasons, rather than season. A term he's not unfamiliar with; Eorzeans often counted a year in a similar fashion. Still, it is best to be certain. "You refer to what is oft measured as a 'year'?" And if so it is interesting that she's seen nearly two of them. Few of the Fear-touched he's spoken to so far have admitted to being here for more than a month or two and so it would be worth noting for later.
Briefly Elidibus allows his attention to follow the direction of Mercy's gaze. Romantic feelings between two women doesn't appear to phase him in the least. There is a thoughtful expression that is probably more to muse whether he has seen Aelwyn in the Research department yet, and he returns his attention to Mercy.
"The ADI seems to take such matters seriously. At this time, I am undergoing their training program to prove I am fit for the task." There is a short pause followed by an ever so faint smile.
"One of my many duties was to bring about reconciliation and understanding. Many of my skills are not too dissimilar to what is being asked of the role of counsel here. I only hope to be of some use to those who seek guidance."
Admittedly Elidibus does have a calm and patient air about him. If nothing more, he might well be a good listener for those who need to get some troubles off their chest.
The people here who prefer no title are so very strange! Mercy smiles at him and his assurances. "Two years." She offers a smart nod. "Sorry. I know folks got a way of calling it here. Old habits." Especially when they're celebrating a season-turning here today.
The young woman offers a simple shrug to his explanation. "I don't doubt you got skills, it's getting people through your door that'll be the real trick, sir. There's... a lot that happens here to everyone... near on every month. But asking for the help you need's hard, ain't it? Especially when you'll like as not be seeing as many terrible things as some of us.
Elidibus does have a title he prefers! But it's also his name and well, the ADI did say to refrain from using it in public. That probably includes explaining it and thus one of the reasons why he doesn't.
Two years then, and he offers a nod in thanks for the confirmation.
"There is no need to apologize. A similar measure of time was used where I am from." Along with several other differences in measurement. It should be especially expected from those who hail from another star entirely. It should be more surprising there's so many similarities between this Earth and some of the more 'alien' homes.
Tilting his head a moment, Elidibus gives Mercy's words some thought. But he has an answer that can be spoken with some assuring confidence and is done so along with a faint smile.
"It is their choice whether to come. Though I will make an effort to watch out for those who might be in need of guidance. Mayhap I will be able to persuade them to attend. For others, it will be enough that my door is open."
The last matter she speaks of though, that is given the somber expression it deserves. Elidibus does not intend to make light of the road before them all, nor forget that he too is a prisoner of these entities and their designs on this star.
"Knowing not what our enemy may conjure, it would be imprudent for me to say I am wholly ready. Yet the entities that bind us will find I am not one to bow easily."
The smile returns, though this time it is without the touch of gentleness he intentionally placed in it before.
"And I am no stranger to such battles as this." The words might have seemed arrogant spoken in any other manner. Here it is a simple statement of fact, spoken calmly by someone who has indeed seen what terrible things manifest Fears have wrought.
"I'm sorry and grateful you've seen trouble like this before." Mercy's own smile is tight. "If you wanted a little more help understanding what we're up against... well, I been here a stretch. Ain't the happiest talk, but there's some good that's come out of it, and we've overcome a lot. Wicked folks and the things they do to us, cursed things we had to find and get rid of.
"We got heroes, here. Expect you'll be one of 'em afore long if you got the experience and drive." There's a quiet earnestness in her tone at that, rather than something more sarcastic or cynical. They do have heroes. A great deal has been accomplished... even if it does feel like they swimming against an endless tide at times.
Elidibus understands Mercy's sentiment. It is no joy for many to hear someone has suffered but it is at the same time assuring to realize someone with experience in dealing with such issues is there.
"I would appreciate speaking with you at length on what you have experienced." But he knows there is also a time and place for such things. With a brief glance spared their surroundings Elidibus adds, "Though it may wait for another day." There is, after all, a purpose in taking time to enjoy festivities. Not everything need be business.
Ah yes. Words and earnest emotions. Ones Elidibus is so very familiar with. Though he closes his eyes for a moment, one would not get the sense that he is trying to deny Mercy's assessment of this star's potential. Nor is he looking for patience.
Memories. And how much more of this world will have its tiny pieces of almost familiarity without being an echo of the true Etheirys. Elidibus sighs softly, but his answer is gently given.
"Where hope remains, heroes will rise to the occasion. It seems one matter that would remain constant, regardless the distance one travels or the length of time one lives."
Turning his full attention to Mercy once more, Elidibus offers her a faint smile. "But as to the role of one, I have some familiarity with that as well."
"Oh? You much of a storyteller, then? Wouldn't mind hearing about a few heroic deeds from another world." Her smile is easier now. This is easier, perhaps, speaking of distant places with no bearing on this one. "Got a tale or two from Amia to share in return for the telling."
She gestures for him to gather what snacks he would like and join her at one of the seating areas. If they're going to regale each other with stories, it seems better to do it seated.
"Maybe even a little song one of the bards in the Abbey wrote a few years back. Mind, I'm no bard, but I got pipes and can hold a tune."
Isn't it always easier (perhaps not better but certainly easier) to speak of things less tragic? And there are many stories Elidibus can speak about. He allows a faint smile to touch his lips.
"You may judge my ability for yourself." He adds some other snacks to his plate and makes certain whatever beverage he grabbed will be adequate before following her suggestion to find a place to sit. Mercy has only to pick a spot and he will make himself comfortable at the same cluster.
"Amia. This is the place you once lived?" Though the flow of their conversation has let him deduce she's as much an alien to this world as he is, he has yet to drop the formalities of speaking 'in public' as it were. It seems as though it comes second nature for him to do so.
She collects her own things and finds a comfortable spot at one of the little tables they've set up. There are more than a few chocolate things on her plate. Why forego when it's right there? It's still astounding to see the breadth and volume of foods available in Gloucester. The grocery store is more a land of plenty than many people know, she thinks.
"Yeah. Well, it's the... world. I lived in a village called Evergreen. That's in Leigland, which is... it's like America? It's bigger'n Massachusetts. States." Politically, anyway. She's not entirely sure how big geographically it is by comparison. "What's your hometown, then?"
He asked of her hometown and it is only to be expected that she would ask about his.
"Amaurot," comes the simple answer. Though his expression remains serene, it seems Elidibus cannot completely hide the attachment he has to his hometown. The emotion in his tone looks to betray a complexity of love and something else, which feels like a distance that simply can't be written off as a sudden (but recent) departure.
It's as if he hasn't seen his home for a long time even before he came to be on Earth. And while Elidibus may well be intentionally showing such emotion to better connect with Mercy, it is not faked.
"To my people, it was the center of our civilization. I would find it difficult to compare it to anything I have learned so far about this world." He could describe buildings that rivaled skyscrapers or the lack of want for anything, from food to clothes to shelter. But what mortal civilization had ever been as grand? His view is biased of course but also thrown in sharp and painful contrast by recently restored memories.
Yes, it would be best not to speak too much, if only to remain polite surely.
"So Leigland is the nation you lived in, Evergreen the village. And Amia the world as you knew it?" In comparison Elidibus has said very little about his place of origin. Yet it seems attentive and curious and content to question Mercy further about herself if she lets him get away with it.
"You seem to have adjusted well." He offers a faint smile. Granted it's been two years. And for mortals that is ample opportunity to settle in. "Do you live under the ADI's jurisdiction or with the landlady named Bonnie?"
Meanwhile he's not ignoring the food on his plate. Every so often he pauses to pick up a something and pop it into his mouth. Most of what he grabbed was bite sized and not at all intrusive to continuing a conversation.
II a, ze food!
He finds himself presented with a chocolate dipped strawberry on a stick.
"Do you refer to the rolanberry?" he questions as he takes it. "Or the fountain?"
That Rue bought. After a moment's consideration, Elidibus decides to eat the strawberry.
no subject
She offers a polite curtsey. "Haven't seen your face around ADI very much, sir. You just dropped in?"
no subject
"Forgive me, I misspoke. 'Strawberries', is it?" One might as well ask him why they were called rolanberries where he came from. There's always an origin. It's probably not too important. A second bite finishes the chocolate covered berry. "It has a pleasant taste."
"I am Themis Galvus." Though as had been mention earlier, she might know the name he tends to go by in the halls of the ADI. "You may call me Themis." Pelor means little to him, though he gives no indication of this indifference other than the fact he doesn't seem to recognize the name. But that shouldn't be any surprise; on this world alone there are so many religious figures and deities worshipped, let alone those from other worlds.
And Mercy certainly just indicated she is in the know due to her affiliation with the ADI. Elidibus nods his head.
"I have only just arrived in this city. Though I will be employed by the ADI. Both in research and counseling." The latter has taken him a bit more time to be approved and established but he's already begun work in the research department, much to the chagrin of his trainer and desk partner.
"With that in mind, I expect we will see more of one another in the future. What of yourself? May I ask how long you have been in Gloucester?"
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"I seen the seasons turn near on two full times since I been here. Been working in medical and dabbling into research when they need a ready pair of hands. It's my sweetheart you're like to run into more for that department, though. Aelwyn Abernant." Her gaze leaves him briefly to spot the other woman in the crowd, and her expression softens for just a moment.
"Counseling, though? That's a mighty hard job around here. Only known one other fellow who took up the mantle, but he's gone now. Ain't dead, near as I know, just disappeared. You do a lot of comforting folk back home?"
no subject
Seasons, rather than season. A term he's not unfamiliar with; Eorzeans often counted a year in a similar fashion. Still, it is best to be certain. "You refer to what is oft measured as a 'year'?" And if so it is interesting that she's seen nearly two of them. Few of the Fear-touched he's spoken to so far have admitted to being here for more than a month or two and so it would be worth noting for later.
Briefly Elidibus allows his attention to follow the direction of Mercy's gaze. Romantic feelings between two women doesn't appear to phase him in the least. There is a thoughtful expression that is probably more to muse whether he has seen Aelwyn in the Research department yet, and he returns his attention to Mercy.
"The ADI seems to take such matters seriously. At this time, I am undergoing their training program to prove I am fit for the task." There is a short pause followed by an ever so faint smile.
"One of my many duties was to bring about reconciliation and understanding. Many of my skills are not too dissimilar to what is being asked of the role of counsel here. I only hope to be of some use to those who seek guidance."
Admittedly Elidibus does have a calm and patient air about him. If nothing more, he might well be a good listener for those who need to get some troubles off their chest.
no subject
The young woman offers a simple shrug to his explanation. "I don't doubt you got skills, it's getting people through your door that'll be the real trick, sir. There's... a lot that happens here to everyone... near on every month. But asking for the help you need's hard, ain't it? Especially when you'll like as not be seeing as many terrible things as some of us.
"You ready for that, you think?"
no subject
Two years then, and he offers a nod in thanks for the confirmation.
"There is no need to apologize. A similar measure of time was used where I am from." Along with several other differences in measurement. It should be especially expected from those who hail from another star entirely. It should be more surprising there's so many similarities between this Earth and some of the more 'alien' homes.
Tilting his head a moment, Elidibus gives Mercy's words some thought. But he has an answer that can be spoken with some assuring confidence and is done so along with a faint smile.
"It is their choice whether to come. Though I will make an effort to watch out for those who might be in need of guidance. Mayhap I will be able to persuade them to attend. For others, it will be enough that my door is open."
The last matter she speaks of though, that is given the somber expression it deserves. Elidibus does not intend to make light of the road before them all, nor forget that he too is a prisoner of these entities and their designs on this star.
"Knowing not what our enemy may conjure, it would be imprudent for me to say I am wholly ready. Yet the entities that bind us will find I am not one to bow easily."
The smile returns, though this time it is without the touch of gentleness he intentionally placed in it before.
"And I am no stranger to such battles as this." The words might have seemed arrogant spoken in any other manner. Here it is a simple statement of fact, spoken calmly by someone who has indeed seen what terrible things manifest Fears have wrought.
no subject
"We got heroes, here. Expect you'll be one of 'em afore long if you got the experience and drive." There's a quiet earnestness in her tone at that, rather than something more sarcastic or cynical. They do have heroes. A great deal has been accomplished... even if it does feel like they swimming against an endless tide at times.
no subject
"I would appreciate speaking with you at length on what you have experienced." But he knows there is also a time and place for such things. With a brief glance spared their surroundings Elidibus adds, "Though it may wait for another day." There is, after all, a purpose in taking time to enjoy festivities. Not everything need be business.
Ah yes. Words and earnest emotions. Ones Elidibus is so very familiar with. Though he closes his eyes for a moment, one would not get the sense that he is trying to deny Mercy's assessment of this star's potential. Nor is he looking for patience.
Memories. And how much more of this world will have its tiny pieces of almost familiarity without being an echo of the true Etheirys. Elidibus sighs softly, but his answer is gently given.
"Where hope remains, heroes will rise to the occasion. It seems one matter that would remain constant, regardless the distance one travels or the length of time one lives."
Turning his full attention to Mercy once more, Elidibus offers her a faint smile. "But as to the role of one, I have some familiarity with that as well."
no subject
She gestures for him to gather what snacks he would like and join her at one of the seating areas. If they're going to regale each other with stories, it seems better to do it seated.
"Maybe even a little song one of the bards in the Abbey wrote a few years back. Mind, I'm no bard, but I got pipes and can hold a tune."
no subject
"You may judge my ability for yourself." He adds some other snacks to his plate and makes certain whatever beverage he grabbed will be adequate before following her suggestion to find a place to sit. Mercy has only to pick a spot and he will make himself comfortable at the same cluster.
"Amia. This is the place you once lived?" Though the flow of their conversation has let him deduce she's as much an alien to this world as he is, he has yet to drop the formalities of speaking 'in public' as it were. It seems as though it comes second nature for him to do so.
no subject
"Yeah. Well, it's the... world. I lived in a village called Evergreen. That's in Leigland, which is... it's like America? It's bigger'n Massachusetts. States." Politically, anyway. She's not entirely sure how big geographically it is by comparison. "What's your hometown, then?"
no subject
"Amaurot," comes the simple answer. Though his expression remains serene, it seems Elidibus cannot completely hide the attachment he has to his hometown. The emotion in his tone looks to betray a complexity of love and something else, which feels like a distance that simply can't be written off as a sudden (but recent) departure.
It's as if he hasn't seen his home for a long time even before he came to be on Earth. And while Elidibus may well be intentionally showing such emotion to better connect with Mercy, it is not faked.
"To my people, it was the center of our civilization. I would find it difficult to compare it to anything I have learned so far about this world." He could describe buildings that rivaled skyscrapers or the lack of want for anything, from food to clothes to shelter. But what mortal civilization had ever been as grand? His view is biased of course but also thrown in sharp and painful contrast by recently restored memories.
Yes, it would be best not to speak too much, if only to remain polite surely.
"So Leigland is the nation you lived in, Evergreen the village. And Amia the world as you knew it?" In comparison Elidibus has said very little about his place of origin. Yet it seems attentive and curious and content to question Mercy further about herself if she lets him get away with it.
"You seem to have adjusted well." He offers a faint smile. Granted it's been two years. And for mortals that is ample opportunity to settle in. "Do you live under the ADI's jurisdiction or with the landlady named Bonnie?"
Meanwhile he's not ignoring the food on his plate. Every so often he pauses to pick up a something and pop it into his mouth. Most of what he grabbed was bite sized and not at all intrusive to continuing a conversation.