[ 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

[troyhard]

[ What a great guy. He's definitely the type of person Slaine wants to surround himself with right now. Those who were (fortunately) blissfully unaware of the post, or those who just willing choose to not acknowledge or judge him for it.

He nods his head as he slowly takes the bag from Lord Light's hand. As soon as he takes some of the the bread crumbs and gently tosses it towards the birds' direction, they immediately flock over to the free meal. Within seconds, every little bit has been pecked clean. Then they eye both Heroes, expecting and squawking for more. ]

W-wow, they're really eager. Do you come to feed them often?

[accordance]

[ Everything happens for a reason. It's difficult for mortals to cast aside their preconceptions, but he has no issue with it. He understands, and that is enough. ]

Not here. I came to Capablanca only a few days prior, but I feed the birds in Caissa as well. [ If it hasn't been noticed right now, he's given his status away as a hero. ] I quite enjoy their company.

[ He'll watch Slaine feed them now, keeping himself perfectly still. ]

[troyhard]

Ah, you're a Hero, too! [ Urk! Then that means.... Slaine immediately stops feeding the birds at the realization. If this person is a Hero, they definitely had access to that video. ]

Ah... [ He grows quiet for a moment before he goes back to the task of tossing breadcrumbs at the the birds. Then after an awkward silence: ] You must have seen that video then... I didn't want to bring it up, but you're speaking with me normally, so I thought you were just a civilian or perhaps unaware. E-either way...! [ He felt like he must quickly add: ] I'm really grateful that you're willing to speak with me regardless of that.

[accordance]

[ Lord Light merely tilts his head. ]

It is no matter. I do not blame you, it was an accidental mistake. You have little fault in this, your intentions were good.

[ He's not human, that's why he's able to take it so calmly. ]

I saw little reason to reply to it, so I did not respond.

[troyhard]

O-oh...! [ This is actually the first time he's heard somebody say that. In fact, he's rendered speechless and completely forgot what he was doing. The seagulls became impatient with him and begin to peck at him. ]

O-ow! Hey!!

[ This manages to awkwardly break the silence. Slaine desperately starts tossing more breadcrumbs at them, hoping that this would be enough satisfy their needs. They finally leave him alone once the bag has been completely emptied. The feeding is over; the birds will go back to minding their own business now. Meanwhile, Slaine can properly gather his thoughts. ]

Thank you for those words, they honestly mean a lot to me.

[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. ]

[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. ]

[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. ]

[troyhard]

[ Lord Light-speak is cryptic and rather hard to decipher. But Slaine tries his best to understand, and for the most part, he thinks he has the gist of it. At least the last bit of advice is clear. The calm tone definitely helps a lot.

He has to think over his actions carefully next time. Another blunder like that and everyone is in their right to shame him. ]

Yes, thank you. I will definitely keep that in mind for the future.

[ You won't be seeing anymore suspicious things from him! ]

[accordance]

[ To that, he just inclines his head. ]

That is good.

[ Slaine seems reasonable, from his attitude and what Lord Light has seen from him, so he has full confidence that his advice will be heeded. There's no further need to pursue this topic. ]

... do you like birds?

[troyhard]

[ Ah, this question seems to make his face turn a little red, but Slaine answers without much hesitation. ]

... Y-yes, a person who's really important to me adores them! They're also important to me because of that. [ He turns back towards the seagulls and his gaze softens. ] She's never seen them before so I promised to show them to her.

[accordance]

[ Well, well. A youth pining for his love? ]

You could make a sketch. I could make a sketch for you, so you can bring it back to her.

[ Probably. Unless his friend isn't here, given that he's a Hero and thus from another world? ]

[troyhard]

[ A sketch would be amazing, especially if there are birds that are only native to this world. However... ]

Would it even be possible to bring the things we've collected here to our own world?

[ Well, that answers the unasked question, right? ]

[accordance]

[ It does, but it's a very valid question in itself. ]

I am not sure. It would require more research to ascertain, given that the barriers between wolds have not yet been proven to have a method that breaches them in the opposite direction.

[ But there's a pause here, because he doesn't want to ruin Slaine's day with brooding thoughts: ]

There will be a way, merely that it has not been discovered yet.

[troyhard]

Yes, that's true... There's still a lot we really don't know about this place.

[ But it seems like the more they continue to help here, the more they manage to discover and learn. Aside from getting home, this is definitely worth striving hard to find out. ]

Just in case this turns out to be possible, I'll take you up on your offer. It would be nice to bring sketches of birds back home with me. She'll be very happy with them, I'm sure of it.

[accordance]

[ They're around the same words that he's said to Maki before. As long as they persevere, there will be a way to return. ]

Let me know if you have a specific bird that you wish me to draw. I can start on it today, if you prefer.

[ It's not that difficult for him, anyway. If it helps someone, he'll do it. ]

[troyhard]

Thank you, I truly appreciate it. For now, I think starting with a bird that's familiar in my world will be best.

[ He gestures towards the seagulls. ]

They're perfect.

[accordance]

[ He tilts his head slightly, regarding the birds with an observant eye. ]

These are easy to find. [ He'll commit their appearance to memory soon enough. ] Could I know your carrier handle? I can send it over once I am done.

[troyhard]

It's Slaine, the same as my name.

[ So creative, but at least it helps get his name out easier. (Though that did kind of backfire during the whole network mishap.) ]

[accordance]

[ Well, he can't comment. His is his own as well. ]

I will send it to you once I have finished. In the meantime, please allow me a few days.