[ semi-open ] and sometimes we sing to the dawn

[accordance]

Who: Lord Light, a couple of people (closed threads in toplevels within), and you.
When: April 12-15, thereabouts
Where: Around Capablanca
What: A useless old man ponders the meaning of his existence. And also builds some things on the side.
Rating: PG+ for Adra's mouth

one;

[ Contrary to first impressions, there is indeed peace and quiet to be found in Capablanca. As one walks along the beaches further and away from the town center, the number of establishments dwindle one by one - until the last ice-cream parlour marks the end of built shoreline. The stretch of untouched sand may be quite small compared to the rest of the beach, but it's still sizeable. Sizeable enough to provide a place of relative silence for Heroes to meditate properly.

It is here, upon the sand, that he draws. Detailed, complex images are sketched into the beachside, a little away from the shoreline so that they would be untouched at low tide. It takes him hours to complete a single drawing, but he doesn't complain a single bit - merely one figure with white hair bent down close to the ground with a single branch in his hand.

At night, high tide washes them away, but he returns for at least an hour every day to add one or two. At other times he builds perfectly regular rings out of shells and other materials lying around, all without a single word. A few locals come to watch, but even then their curiosity wears out as he continues, focused on his task.

If anything, the art is pretty. But what could they mean? ]

two;

[ On an afternoon when the sun is not as harsh, he climbs Ventoso Hill alone. Once he's reached the top, he elects to stand and watch the scenery - he's so still that he might have been mistaken for a statue, if not for the fact that his hair moves and flutters in an opportune breeze.

After a while, he shifts his stance to one more regal, and he begins to sing with a voice much younger than his speaking intonation. When he finishes, there's the slightest hint of a smile on his expression - but it will fade away as soon as he is approached, returning to his normal calmness.

His voice resumes its usual pitch, too. ]

Can I help you with anything?

three;

[ In the mornings, he can be found near the piers - or more specifically, where the seabirds frequent. He might be seated on the jetty or walking along the beach with a small bag of breadcrumbs, and after a while seagulls will start to flock to his location. He feeds them with a rather distant expression (more distant than usual, that is), letting them land on his shoulders and arms.

However, if you express interest in what he's doing, he'll look up with a much more focused countenance. ]

Hello. Would you like to feed them as well?

wildcard;

[ hit me with anything and I'll roll with it! or if you'd like a specific starter, feel free to pm me or contact me at eonflamewing, we'll work something out! ]

Comments

[rememberher]

[ Smiles are good, she rather liked smiles. ]

Maybe not, but at least you don't need to worry about the tide washing your drawings away.

[tarotcards]

[ Sorry in advance when it does happen, Lord Light. ]

That's understandable. They wouldn't comprehend whatever we're saying, asides from our tones. [ He had to do his fair share of sweet talking cats and dogs back home. More Cats than anything else, though. ] Birds always seemed more skittish than cats, so I was surprised to see so many here.

[corpsedoctor]

Holding hands. [ Already his hands are up, but waving lightly to show that he isn't really agreeing to the idea of holding anyone's hand. ] Something like that is too personal for me. I'd be all right with hugging you, however. [ Lugging around corpses, that seems a lot less personal for him. ]

No, it is not an organ. It's more than that where I hail. To relate to how it is here, it is like mana. However, no spells can come from it... instead everything is related to it. Spirit, memories, stamina... all of that affect heart in some way. And heart can also be used to power machinery in the world I come from. [ Like that. ] The very well-being of a person is related to how their heart is. Both are connected to one another and that is why it should not be used recklessly.

[sunderings]

[ Taken, perhaps, with the sound of a language thoroughly foreign to him, Sion gives himself to repeating the words—what he manages is not perfection, certainly, but it is markedly close for a first attempt, and he'll not forget the other man's refined intonations, I am Lord Light resonant, yet, in his ears. ]

Krythe. I have heard of no such place, as I am by far certain that you boast no familiarity with my empire, but even so...

[ Could he be satisfied with this? The answer which he had received? He knows there is more to be said, that his senses are keen and his suspicions are true, and yet if he is proven to be correct, beyond a shadow of a doubt, then what will be left? He will be forced to walk but one path alone, and perhaps that is something best avoided in this realm, in this place.

For now, at least. ]

...I believe that we might find understanding, you and I, for both a king and guardian are meant to guide.

[ And he has a beautiful illustration of his own to actualize. ]

[accordance]

[ He moves a little when the seagulls start assaulting Slaine, but the other seems to have it mostly under control. So, he resumes his previous position on the bench, body not moving an inch. When the gulls leave, his gaze turns to watch them fly off before back to Slaine. ]

It is lamentable that many individuals lack the capability to fully understand. They still hold on to their previous perceptions, suspicions. This is a facet of humanity that cannot easily be changed. Circumstances have forced your hand into experiencing that darker side.

[ It's not an exact respond to Slaine's statement, but it's what he feels. ]

[accordance]

Yes. I draw. I draw things from memory, so I can see them in physical form again.

[ It is a form of study, especially since he has advanced to the Bishop rank. ]

They move us where we are needed. Blanc is quite a large country, and they need to shift gears in quite a short time. I would envision that they require our assistance direly, to do such a thing. This is a form of purpose that we have been offered.

[ As with before, he's not quite responding entirely to her question - but it means he's comfortable enough to talk more. ]

[accordance]

[ He rarely smiles, though. Most of the time, his expression is so neutral as to be almost unreadable. ]

I will use it for less transient things, yes. [ But more on that later. ] What is your name, young lady?

[accordance]

[ He notes Souji's perceptiveness with approval - this youth is quick on the uptake, from what he's seen. ]

It took time for them to be accustomed to my presence. I am more patient than most, thus I was able to accomplish it.

[ A pause now, as he considers what best to say next. ]

Do you like birds?

[accordance]

[ Thunderland gets a tilt of his head.]

Holding hands is the most acceptable way amongst Heroes, I have observed. Of course, others prefer different ways. It depends on the individual's preference.

[ But, onto the more interesting topic now: ]

I see. In my homeland, it would be a similar concept to soul. I understand. However, it is not identical a system as mana is here. As a doctor, you treat heart as well as physical health, yes?

[accordance]

[ Those were the first words he had spoken upon descending into a physical vessel, having physical form. It is the core truth of his being.

He expects Tieria to be confused by this, so the Innovade just gets a slight nod. It is a thing he has been actively avoiding revealing, both for ease of interaction and ease of doing things in general. He can no longer determine how much a deity he still is, so it is best to avoid answering that question until he had a full answer. ]

My sole duty is to protect the people. Here, I wish to embody that duty as well. However, whether I can still continue to fulfil it to exact is an uncertainty. I cannot die, but the efficiency to which I can utilise my physical existence has been truncated.

[ That's the reason why he willingly threw himself in harm's way. A gamble, yes, but he had executed it based on the fact that his life could not be extinguished so easily. Better to trade something that could be replenished in place of something that could not. A very logical reasoning. ]

[accordance]

[ Sion says 'my empire', while he says 'my people'. That, more than anything else, embodies the difference between them.

But he has no inkling of what runs through Sion's mind, only what he can observe from the outside. So he nods. ]

It is entirely possible. I have dedicated my existence to guiding my people. Even if I may be separated from them now, even if the people of Enprise are not my own - I will help them.

[ Is this a sentiment that Sion feels? A compulsion to assist? He, as the pinnacle of a nation founded on principle of industry, does so because it is aligned to his true nature. Krythe had no magic of its own, so its people turned to innovation and scientific advances to keep up with the other nations. They are a people most keenly aware of their shortfalls and work to overcome it. Above all, their church preaches betterment of society through industry. What excuse does their head deity have to not embody every single one of those traits?

There is none. The truth is that he must be a role model, and that he will. Even if Krythe is gone. ]

[tarotcards]

[ Souji takes a tiny handful of bread crumbs into his hand before he slowly holds the bag back towards Lord Light. He shouldn't use too much someone else's belongings. ]

To be honest, I never paid too much attention to them, but I never minded them. [ This is something that he could get used to, though. It's very... peaceful. ] I'm more of a cat person and they never got along with birds too well.

[accordance]

[ The bag is accepted, but he does not use it just yet - it is Souji's turn, and he is content to wait. ]

I see. Cats are amongst the more perceptive of animals. They have a more wilful individuality, they do not conform very much to the world around them.

[ Maybe this says something about Souji himself. ]

What is your name?

[tarotcards]

[ He nods in agreement. ]

My Carrier is a cat so I'm seeing that up close now. [ Being around strays is a lot different than actually owning one. It's a different experience. ] My name's Souji Seta. May I ask for yours?

[sunderings]

Who could ignore this world's wish to be saved?

[ A compulsion it could be called, his will to assist the people of Enprise. Sion Astal is a King comprised of his people's wishes—since boyhood, they had fallen upon his ears, pleas for peace, for a kingdom where all those within its borders could simply laugh and live, and by the revolution he had orchestrated (and by taking his Lord father's head), he had opened the doorway to such a place, and even now, realms away from his own world which needs to be saved, he finds himself unable to tolerate the war which stands to ravage Sansvoir: he cannot abide by the tragedy which looms now over two nations and over all those innocents who might be drawn into the conflict. If by his hand he is able to help even one person, by virtue and by nature, he will lend his aid. ]

The people here want only for peace, and in them I see my own countrymen and all living things. I have long since made the decision to protect them and to discern the truth of this war, and so...

[ His eyes flick up, meaning to catch Lord Light's, gold boring into grey for just a moment before a gentle smile crosses his face. ]

...perhaps we are comrades, united by this will.

[ And that is marginal relief. ]

To everyone that I can— [ He raises his arm in an elegant gesture, offering his hand to Lord Light. Whether or not it will be taken, though.... Who can say, aside from Lord Light himself? ] —I intend to reach out with compassion.

That is how I will guide.

[meanballerina]

[Natasha studies the drawings again with renewed interest. Memory? Interesting.]

Were you an engineer?

[buildyourworld]

[ When Lord Light speaks of his duty, Tieria understands and it shows in his demeanor as confidence replaces confusion. Protecting people. They're being who despite their differences shares a similar duty. That is comforting. ]

Then there's all the more reason for you to cease your reckless pursuit. You can protect no one if you don't take care of yourself.

[ He takes a step forward, and look the deity straight in the eyes. ]

Whatever abilities you have lost, there are other heroes here who would make up for it. There's always advantage in numbers. Rather than wasting effort on lamenting what you lost, set your sight further and figure out what you can contribute instead.

[corpsedoctor]

Well, you seem to be all right with whatever... but it would be better to hear what it is that you'd like to do, too.

[ Such things should be decided -- especially since they are going to be conducting research with one another. A level of trust is needed. ]

Yes, I do, Lord Light. Yet as something that you've noticed, I'm sure, it does not seem to me that enough emphasis has been put on the "heart" or "soul" here. More our aptitude as soldiers than what battles do to people. A festival is nice, but that does not always mean that the heart is comforted, right? [ For someone that is completely made out of mana, as he suspects, he wonders. ]

You said physically that you are doing all right, but are you really doing all right emotionally?

[troyhard]

[ Slaine nods his head at those words. Lord Light's manner of speech really stands out to him. ]

It sounds like you've experienced or seen these types of situations a lot.

[ It also explains how this man can be so calm and collected. If Slaine had to be honest about it, he would think it's pretty admirable. Speaking with him has also helped clear his mind up a little. Despite being attacked by a flock of birds moments ago, he realized he's already felt at ease compared to how tense he was before. ]

[rememberher]

[ ...You're an interesting one. ]

Lux Crownguard, and yours?

[accordance]

[ Interesting is one way to put it. ]

I am Lord Light. [ But he follows it up quickly with another sentence: ] Many have given me nicknames here. If you wish to, I do not mind.

[accordance]

Of sorts, yes.

[ He's not merely an engineer - he is an orchestrator, an organizer, a leader. ]

Perhaps I will one day be able to make these things into reality.

[accordance]

[ It's probably a good thing that Leliel isn't around and Cream-san isn't either. The dove might have fled out of sheer fright. ]

I am Lord Light.

[ There is a pause, before he adds: ]

If you wish to nickname me, you may.

[accordance]

[ Sion says 'this world's wish to be saved'. He doesn't believe that a world is capable of wanting to be saved. Only its people can wish for those things, and even so they are not the ones who can deliver it in its entirety. No way around but hard work and dedication.

But he isn't here to argue, so he says nothing of it and keeps silent. ]

So it is.

[ The hand is not taken, however it is out of a gesture of politeness. It does not feel appropriate to him. ]

I am observing. I wish to learn of the history of this world, and how it came to be. To learn of its full story, to see all cause and events play out - it is only then that we can understand this world, and what it truly needs. I have always been a watcher of fate, and here it will not change.

[ The two of them take different paths, but borne from the same desire. It shows how different their origins are. ]

[accordance]

[ Lord Light's presence has always been calming. As an individual incapable of many emotions, he finds it natural to analyze things with a logical eye. Those who can understand his words tend to find them soothing - something that lets them break from their emotional hold. ]

I have seen much, yes. I observe, I learn, I conclude.

[ That probably outs him as much older than he looks. ]

One must learn to maneuver these habits of collective humanity. Tread carefully next time, the tides may not be in your favour once more.

[ But he doesn't sound like he's chiding Slaine, though. His words are delivered calmly, as if offering advice. ]