[It's early in the 25th morning. Most people are still sleeping and the sun is only about to send its first rays to break the darkness of the night sky. But then there is a sudden knock on a door. Huh?! Who could it be! Whenever Zekarion gets to the door, be it immediately or hours late they will find a christmas wreath with white roses placed on their doorstep. There might even be snowy (or wet!) small hoof marks leading away from the present. Hm. I wonder, who indeed did deliver this?
On the wreath there is a letter that reads:]
Greetings my fellow Chosen.
Thank you for your support and interest in strengthening our community. I shall look forward to our collaboration in future in the form of the defense squad. In the meantime I wish you the most pleasant and peaceful Christmas. There will be a feast held at the Inn’s tavern for the next 12 days and I welcome you to enjoy it for free. There will be warm food, treats and homemade mead and wine at your disposal.
Merry Christmas.
Signed, Richard Plantagenet, The Duke of Gloucester
[ooc: There will be no ic mingle log for the feast. But feel free to either handwave or thread it out!]
[Another day, another series of requests--easy ones, thank goodness, at least on the surface. In reality, a whole lot of what's on offer looks... pretty bad. At least the discounted stuff.]
< Almost makes me afraid to hand in a picture to see what they want to give away for free... >
[They shake their head after muttering to themself, about ready to leave when they catch sight of Altius, perking up as they make their way over to him instead.]
< Altius! It's probably been awhile for you, hasn't it? Out on errands too? >
[Altius seems deep in thought as he observes the bargain vegetables on offer with a frown; somehow, though, he doesn't seem focused on what he's looking at, one arm folded over his chest and chin resting on his knuckles.
When Dante calls his name, he stiffens and turns an amber eye towards the other, apparently startled out of his trance.]
[But he regains his composure quickly enough, letting a breath out through his nose as his shoulders relax.]
... Dante. [Things come back to him, and his focus returns properly.] I was wondering where you might have gone off to these past weeks. I'm just trying to determine what's still edible, [he says a little wryly, though there's a lack of energy to it.]
[There's no real point in trying to deny it, though he momentarily debates it. The slight smile that comes to his face after a pause has no humor in it, eyes moving away from Dante over their shoulder.]
It seems this time of year has become difficult for me. [Speaking of "home."] This world claims it's January now. The fourth of the month was the last day I was in my own.
[Right... He'd appeared with blood on him, hadn't he?]
< I see... >
[Well, he helped them out. They might as well see what they can do to return the favor.]
< Hey, I've got a few other places I still need to go to. Want to come with? I could use some advice from someone who actually knows what he's doing business-wise--and I can help you carry anything you need me to for your own errands, if you want. >
[It's not much, but at least they can make sure he's not alone]
[The blood from the someone in his care who he immediately got abducted away from, even! It's fine, he's fine... It should be fine... Why he's even so bothered in the first place is something he's having trouble considering.
He takes a moment to consider the offer, a tired sense to him.]
That's kind of you, Dante. [But rather than force his acquaintance (colleague? ally?) to deal with any significant amount of sincerity immediately, he moves on, casting a glance at the wilted, discolored produce.] Certainly, I'll come along. Where are you headed?
< I'm looking for produce, so I've got two more grocers to try. The last one usually has the best prices for the quality on their normal stuff, but I'm seeing if I can't get better quality for either cheaper or the same amount with the deals going. That way I can save money on acquiring what the client needs without sacrificing quality. >
[It's something Altius probably knows more than his fair share about, but they spent long enough researching the different businesses and coming up with a system of getting through their deliveries efficiently that they can't help the note of pride that seeps into their "voice" as they explain themselves.
...Only to turn a bit sheepish as they realize that that's way too deep of an explanation for the question he asked.]
[Dante explains their process, and Altius listens; it's only when they have that reaction that he thinks anything's unusual about it, but he's always looking for problems to solve and asking for details. Having them freely offered only seemed natural.
He lets out a single hum that's halfway to a laugh to reassure them.]
There's nothing wrong with being dedicated.
[says man dedicated to very worrisome things,]
Perhaps along the way I can find some groceries for myself. We may have to dig a bit to find anything worthwhile, judging by this display.
[There's nothing wrong with being dedicated, but usually they try and keep their overthinking/planning on the inside rather than put it all out there like that. He's not bothered by it, though, so they'll try not to let it bother them too much either.]
< Through the groceries and the snow... >
[They'll add snowboots to the list when Altius isn't with them, they think as they start to make their way out the door and back into the cold.]
< I wonder if it's just groceries that are like this... I've been seeing advertisements everywhere since I got back. >
[Altius, meanwhile, very obviously turns up his coat's collar against the cold as he eyes the snow. Miserable weather, in his opinion.]
If I had to guess, I'd say it's all similar quality, [he says, somewhat resigned as he shoves his hands into his pockets.] The locals seem to be... very consistent, amongst themselves.
[Which is to say they're all following the same programming, or however else they'd like to think of it.]
I suppose it's an improvement from their behavior before. There might be a chance at something decent somewhere, even if just by accident.
[His eyes flick to the flames on Dante's head as he walks alongside them. If only they gave off more heat... What's the point of having such an effect if you can't even get the benefits...?]
[You wake up in a courtroom. You’re not really sure how you got here, just that you’re here. There’s Jerry, sitting at the judges box. For some he might be new, and others he might be familiar or semi-familiar. He scrutinizes you, and then motions to the jury box. There’s a plaque that’s sitting on the outside that says “Council”, but there’s no one sitting there. Everything looks clean and maintained, but there’s no one in the courtroom but you and Jerry.
Weird.]
You are charged with destruction of Aldrip and harm to fellow Chosen. In order to repent and further your rehabilitation, you have been tasked to show remorse for your crime by confronting those who have been harmed both directly and indirectly by your actions. Hiding behind good deeds on their own will not save you. If there is no action taken, there will be consequences.
[Jerry blinks down at you, fingers threading together as he looks down from the judges’ box.]
How do you plead?
[ooc: you have until May 9th to submit your Sentencing HERE Even if your character doesn’t proceed with the Sentencing, you must comment on the NPC inbox for your penalty.
Also, there are effects for ignoring this Sentencing. The longer that Altius takes to complete his Sentencing, the more he'll feel the weight of the destruction that he caused. He may become extremely guilty and withdrawn, almost as if he starts to become afraid of those he may have hurt. If you have any questions about Sentencing, please let us know!
Jerry is interactive at this point, but we wanted to make sure you got your information in hand if you'd like to start plotting for your Sentencing!]
[Zekarion tries to mask the dread that arises as soon as he realizes he doesn't know how he's gotten here—and that he appears to be in a courtroom. He's stiff as he watches and listens, right up until the mention of consequences, at which point the furrow in his brow deepens and his posture loosens.
... that's it? Should he look this gift horse in the mouth? He answers plainly, lifting his chin proudly:]
No contest.
[Nolo contendere. He admits to no guilt, but accepts the punishment.]
I won't waste my time trying to argue a temporary insanity defense. You don't care if I wasn't in my right mind, do you?
[He lets out a scoff and doesn't disguise his bitterness or his sneer, insulted by the idea that what he did as the shade was somehow under his control. He's not a man who's inclined to refuse responsibility for his own actions, his own choices. That was something else entirely: desires torn out of him without the restraint he's always utilized.]
Only the messenger. Then why bother with the question?
[He doesn't wait for an answer.]
Fine, then. Are you aware your system is still falling apart?
No? They haven't noticed the wireframes left behind where buildings once were? Or the cracks months ago where we could see past your facade into what all this really looks like?
[He still wonders if his crystal creation is out there somewhere.]
Or perhaps it's all by design, and you'd be so generous as to give me a further look behind the curtain, hm?
"Fixed." Until it's no longer fixable and there are no Chosen left, like all the other cycles. Failing fifteen times wasn't enough for you to decide this project is pointless? What makes you think this time will be any different when all you've gotten is this endless spiral of destruction?
[Sometime at noon, he arrives at the garden. Overcoat and all. He begins to stroll around, taking mental notes of the layout, and the vegetation growing each lot. What was this guy’s name again?]
Sir Altius.
[His memory recalled as he finally found the man.]
[The garden has certainly grown faster than it would have naturally, thanks to both the magical help of those he recruited and a bit of supernatural urging granted by the simulation for good deeds in Rumpitur. It's very green, that's for sure.
He'll find Altius kneeling near a raised plot, checking on the progress of a few vegetables with gloved hands. He's dressed well enough for the task, rather than in his typical suit, and turns his upper half towards the approaching young man to look up at him with the faintest of smiles.]
[He raises his eyebrows and rises to his feet to take a look over the gardens. Altius hasn't exactly done a lot of tending to plants, not enough to really see the whole process through, but even he can tell it's... unusual.]
It seems we're being given extra help, but by whom I have no idea. I'm not going to complain about it, though.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
IC delivery
On the wreath there is a letter that reads:]
Greetings my fellow Chosen.
Thank you for your support and interest in strengthening our community. I shall look forward to our collaboration in future in the form of the defense squad. In the meantime I wish you the most pleasant and peaceful Christmas. There will be a feast held at the Inn’s tavern for the next 12 days and I welcome you to enjoy it for free. There will be warm food, treats and homemade mead and wine at your disposal.
Merry Christmas.
Signed,
Richard Plantagenet, The Duke of Gloucester
[ooc: There will be no ic mingle log for the feast. But feel free to either handwave or thread it out!]
Early in Janunary
< Almost makes me afraid to hand in a picture to see what they want to give away for free... >
[They shake their head after muttering to themself, about ready to leave when they catch sight of Altius, perking up as they make their way over to him instead.]
< Altius! It's probably been awhile for you, hasn't it? Out on errands too? >
1/2
When Dante calls his name, he stiffens and turns an amber eye towards the other, apparently startled out of his trance.]
2/2
... Dante. [Things come back to him, and his focus returns properly.] I was wondering where you might have gone off to these past weeks. I'm just trying to determine what's still edible, [he says a little wryly, though there's a lack of energy to it.]
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[But what a while it was...]
< Everything all right? You seem a bit... out of it. >
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It seems this time of year has become difficult for me. [Speaking of "home."] This world claims it's January now. The fourth of the month was the last day I was in my own.
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< I see... >
[Well, he helped them out. They might as well see what they can do to return the favor.]
< Hey, I've got a few other places I still need to go to. Want to come with? I could use some advice from someone who actually knows what he's doing business-wise--and I can help you carry anything you need me to for your own errands, if you want. >
[It's not much, but at least they can make sure he's not alone]
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He takes a moment to consider the offer, a tired sense to him.]
That's kind of you, Dante. [But rather than force his acquaintance (colleague? ally?) to deal with any significant amount of sincerity immediately, he moves on, casting a glance at the wilted, discolored produce.] Certainly, I'll come along. Where are you headed?
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[It's something Altius probably knows more than his fair share about, but they spent long enough researching the different businesses and coming up with a system of getting through their deliveries efficiently that they can't help the note of pride that seeps into their "voice" as they explain themselves.
...Only to turn a bit sheepish as they realize that that's way too deep of an explanation for the question he asked.]
< Oh, uh. Don't mind me. >
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He lets out a single hum that's halfway to a laugh to reassure them.]
There's nothing wrong with being dedicated.
[says man dedicated to very worrisome things,]
Perhaps along the way I can find some groceries for myself. We may have to dig a bit to find anything worthwhile, judging by this display.
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< Through the groceries and the snow... >
[They'll add snowboots to the list when Altius isn't with them, they think as they start to make their way out the door and back into the cold.]
< I wonder if it's just groceries that are like this... I've been seeing advertisements everywhere since I got back. >
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If I had to guess, I'd say it's all similar quality, [he says, somewhat resigned as he shoves his hands into his pockets.] The locals seem to be... very consistent, amongst themselves.
[Which is to say they're all following the same programming, or however else they'd like to think of it.]
I suppose it's an improvement from their behavior before. There might be a chance at something decent somewhere, even if just by accident.
[His eyes flick to the flames on Dante's head as he walks alongside them. If only they gave off more heat... What's the point of having such an effect if you can't even get the benefits...?]
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SENTENCING
Weird.]
You are charged with destruction of Aldrip and harm to fellow Chosen. In order to repent and further your rehabilitation, you have been tasked to show remorse for your crime by confronting those who have been harmed both directly and indirectly by your actions. Hiding behind good deeds on their own will not save you. If there is no action taken, there will be consequences.
[Jerry blinks down at you, fingers threading together as he looks down from the judges’ box.]
How do you plead?
[ooc: you have until May 9th to submit your Sentencing HERE Even if your character doesn’t proceed with the Sentencing, you must comment on the NPC inbox for your penalty.
Also, there are effects for ignoring this Sentencing. The longer that Altius takes to complete his Sentencing, the more he'll feel the weight of the destruction that he caused. He may become extremely guilty and withdrawn, almost as if he starts to become afraid of those he may have hurt. If you have any questions about Sentencing, please let us know!
Jerry is interactive at this point, but we wanted to make sure you got your information in hand if you'd like to start plotting for your Sentencing!]
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... that's it? Should he look this gift horse in the mouth? He answers plainly, lifting his chin proudly:]
No contest.
[Nolo contendere. He admits to no guilt, but accepts the punishment.]
I won't waste my time trying to argue a temporary insanity defense. You don't care if I wasn't in my right mind, do you?
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Very rarely does this place take all free will from you. It's also not my place to judge, just to pass down judgment.
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Only the messenger. Then why bother with the question?
[He doesn't wait for an answer.]
Fine, then. Are you aware your system is still falling apart?
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Falling apart? My superior is unaware of such change.
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[He still wonders if his crystal creation is out there somewhere.]
Or perhaps it's all by design, and you'd be so generous as to give me a further look behind the curtain, hm?
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[there's a moment as he looks like he's considering what to say next.]
Unfortunately damage is still damage, even in Expiation. Those incidents will be fixed soon enough.
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"Fixed." Until it's no longer fixable and there are no Chosen left, like all the other cycles. Failing fifteen times wasn't enough for you to decide this project is pointless? What makes you think this time will be any different when all you've gotten is this endless spiral of destruction?
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[maybe his superior is just hopeful!!]
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Action >>>
Sir Altius.
[His memory recalled as he finally found the man.]
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He'll find Altius kneeling near a raised plot, checking on the progress of a few vegetables with gloved hands. He's dressed well enough for the task, rather than in his typical suit, and turns his upper half towards the approaching young man to look up at him with the faintest of smiles.]
Mr. Akutagawa. Welcome.
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It’s… more colorful.
[The power of observation. The plots seems healthy, that’s for sure, almost… perfect?]
Thank you.
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[He raises his eyebrows and rises to his feet to take a look over the gardens. Altius hasn't exactly done a lot of tending to plants, not enough to really see the whole process through, but even he can tell it's... unusual.]
It seems we're being given extra help, but by whom I have no idea. I'm not going to complain about it, though.