[ 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

[accordance]

[ For the most part, he remains still. Perhaps the man is just curious - Thunderland has not showed any malicious intent so far, so he is willing to allow this invasion of his personal space. ]

It is not a wig. [ Natural, he says, as he turns to face the other proper. ] Why 'a means'? If you wish so, you could simply ask.

[corpsedoctor]

Amazing. It's feeling is... wig came to mind because there is something not quite... but I that said. It's probably to do where it is that you come from. How is your body handling being in this world? Are you feeling any recent fatigue?

[ He lifts his head up, realization dawning. ] That is right! You could sing from your carrier. That would reach all of the Heroes. Would you be willing to do that, sir? [ A moment of silence. ] Before that I should say that my name is Doctor Thunderland Junior. I say before, but it actually came after... sorry.

[accordance]

[ Ah, he's a doctor. That makes a little more sense now. ]

I have adapted very well, thank you. [ He's leaving out the mental details, but that comes with being a suddenly depowered deity... ] I can consider the avenue. It merely settles to choosing an appropriate time and place to do so, I would not wish to interrupt or inconvenience anybody.

[ When Thunderland introduces himself, he gets a nod. ]

I am Lord Light. Are you a physician?

[corpsedoctor]

I'm relieved to hear that! [ Interesting first name. ] Yes, that is very considerate to you and I'm certain that the hearts of everyone will be grateful for what it is that you do for them.

[ He gives a quick nod. ] Physician. Scientist. Both at the same when it comes to bodies. [ His own brand of joking and he smiles his awkward smile. Really trying that casual conversation. ] So, I take it that you are a lordship where you come from, Light?

[accordance]

[ He'd beg to differ on that, but he's never one to push for details or ruin a joke. So Thunderland merely gets a nod of acknowledgement. ]

Perhaps when we find a festival, then I will do so. [ Then, the question now. ] No. I am Lord Light. My name is one part, not two.

[ The title joined to the supposed name. As a whole title in itself. ]

[corpsedoctor]

A festival. That might be good.

[ He holds his chin as he thinks more about it. Lifting his head up, he is a little surprised that is the whole name. ] Ah, my apologies. [ There may have been a moment in saying that it would feel odd to call him just 'lord,' but that is his name and the name that is normal in his world. He should not press what he considers normal onto another. ]

Then, Lord, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. And mind if I ask you, have you been capable of using any of the magic in this world?

[accordance]

[ That's still not correct, which gets a slight pause and an almost imperceptible frown. But it's over as quickly as it appeared. ]

I am Lord Light. You may nickname me, if you wish. Many do, they find my name unwieldy to use for various reasons.

[ There's been LL, Lord Light-san, and various variations of 'idiot'. Or would Thunderland use his name in full? ]

[corpsedoctor]

Ah. Is that how they say it where you come from?

[ Somehow. He shakes his head, again. ] I am Thunderland Junior. People can just call me without adding the "Junior," but I would not consider it a nickname. That your name and somehow, it seems unfortunate to me not to call you it.

So! Lord Light, it is.

[accordance]

It is. My name is of one single part. To take away either word would be to use this name to refer to someone else.

[ But they've sorted that out, so it's good. He's a little surprised that Thunderland doesn't nickname him, though. ]

I shall look forward to working with you in the future.

[ However, now that their formalities are out of the way, there isn't really anything immediate he considers worth talking about. Perhaps Thunderland had more questions...? ]

[corpsedoctor]

I see, Lord Light.

[ A few tentative nods. But that is right. Most of the matter is settled with figuring out when to sing for the people, and a proper introduction.

But... this is also a perfect opprotunity. His eye closes before he steps forward. Yes. There is one more question that he had. ] Lord Light, I understand that we have just met and this may be terribly sudden. However, would you do me the honor...

... of allowing me to dissect you should you die?

[accordance]

[ For a few seconds, there is silence. However, his expression does not change - continuing to watch Thunderland with his lucid grey gaze, expression calm and unreadable in its neutrality.

It's something he can understand. Curiosity for someone so very inhuman, for one - and Thunderland did say he was a physician. However, understanding doesn't default to agreement.

So he returns it with a question of his own. ]

For what purpose, may I ask?

[ It's not a refusal, the question posed with conversational neutrality. It's a time for Thunderland to air his reasons. ]

[corpsedoctor]

[ He clears his throat, happy to have the chance to make his case. Standing a little taller, ah, he supposes that comes off more intimidating than what he means. ]

I had the right back where I came from to perform dissections on what I deemed would help better the lives of the people. I believe that with our bodies having been. Changed due to our arrivals that there is most likely something physiologically different as well!

To help the lives of the people here! Also to be able to understand our bodies and what has happened to them. Perhaps with the technology available even to the microscopic level! [ He may be walking around and making wide gestures with his hands. ]

With dissection, I shall do what I can to better our lives here!

[accordance]

[ While Thunderland paces, Lord Light turns to follow the other as he speaks. It's a very reasonable argument - most importantly, one of learning and dedication, which are very much in line with the order that he once watched over. ]

It is a noble, but difficult cause. I commend you for following it. [ There is a slight issue, though. ] However, I am afraid I may not be able to contribute directly. When I die, I do not leave behind a physical body.

[ He's probably outed himself as non-human, if he hasn't done so already. ]

[corpsedoctor]

[ His mania calms almost immediately at why Lord Light would be unable to contribute. ]

What do you mean when you die, you will not leave a physical body behind?

[ He holds his chin, confused. Is that something new that has happened with the Heroes? Thunderland finds that to be most troubling for how are they going to better understand themselves and the changes with their body without some medical procedure to do so? ]

[accordance]

[ Thunderland's abrupt change in countenance is noted, but not commented upon. They have more important things to discuss. ]

I am not human. I cannot die, this is but a physical vessel for my being. If I am injured to the point of irreparability, I will dissolve into golden dust and fade. [ He accentuates this with a slight, sweeping gesture. ] I do not believe it can be studied properly, given its transient nature.

[corpsedoctor]

[ Not human? Another non-human? ]

Wait... you've done that here? [ His fingers are flexing as he has found an amazing specimen. There has to be something to explain why he would do that! Transference of the physical body into heart? He's seen that! But the idea to be seeing someone capable of it in front of him.

He reaches out to put his hands on the man's shoulders. ] Lord Light, please, allow me to dissect you.

[accordance]

I have.

[ When Thunderland grabs a hold of him, he doesn't react. ]

I can agree to this, but not right now. I have found that my previous resurrection abilities are not as strong. If we do it now, it will hamper my Hero duties. I can consider it proper after a solution to that can be found.

[ He spent almost two weeks in stasis just after that dungeon. Also, no sense of self-preservation. This is why he's agreeing in the first place. ]

I doubt you will find things of much use, however. It tends to be incomprehensible to mortals.

[corpsedoctor]

[ How. How can he -- ]

It is of use. It's the very idea that your body may now be held together by this world's mana. The idea that your physical form and everything is actually mana. Mana reforming to be like how you are in your own world, Lord Light!

[ Thunderland feels like going back to pacing. His arms are out and making wild gestures but he is not actually saying anything. How is it that he could possibly -- ] If it turns out that you are actually mana, that would mean to halt your death would require mana exchange, right? That's the theory that I am having.

That'd have nothing to do with medicine, but the usual transference of mana from one to another in order to heal your wounds. Not through magic of healing, but through just energy. [ He runs his hands through his hair, messing it up more. Walking in half circles, he wonders about it but if he's wrong, he's risking someone's life. ]

The idea of it is that can be transferred to others that are like you. Beings that are non-human that respond the same way to you.

[accordance]

[ It's all very good exposition and theorizing - something that he can join in on, but unfortunately he only has contrary evidence to provide at this point. For the most part, he turns to follow Thunderland as he walks, as to be polite. ]

There is no one else like me in this world, this universe. I am one and unique. Thus, I am afraid your studies on me may not be useful for others. [ He's trying to not say that he's a god, but he supposes it has to come out immediately. ] If you have studies you intend to conduct on me, you could inform me of what you wish to elucidate and I do the procedure myself.

[ That is to say, he knows himself best. He knows every minute working of his vessel, at least in the configuration it was when he was in his homeworld. ]

[corpsedoctor]

Then, at the very least, it will be useful to you.

[ He points as dramatically as he can to the man's face. ] If one person benefits from what is learned, what has been learned is not a waste! [ Such is his motto. ] The study would be if exchanging mana could heal wounds. I suppose the idea would be to start with something small and see at what point that medicine would be required.

[ A wave of his hand. ] As I told you, I am a doctor. I would never let a magnificent creature like yourself die. [ Especially since the body would not be of use to him anymore. ]

[accordance]

[ The main reason why Lord Light takes Thunderland's gestures and expressiveness in stride is because he follows one of the principles that the former deity used to embody. Hard work, the pursuit of knowledge and betterment of the world with it - it's rare to find someone so devoted to the same cause.

So he nods. ]

I see. We could test this at the next battle, if it is amenable to you. Do you have any concrete ideas as of yet?

[corpsedoctor]

That would be fine.

[ How to transfer mana. Hm. ] The means of transferring mana is the same as transferring heart in my mind. But I have no means to make a bullet. [ He cups his chin. ]

How do you usually restore your mana with someone else's assistance?

[accordance]

[ A mana bullet, then - but what Thunderland just said spawns not one but two resulting questions. ]

Heroes here restore mana by physical contact. Usually, for formality, it involves holding hands. But hugs may be custom for those who are much closer.

[ Now, for what he's just picked up. ]

What is this 'heart' you speak of? It is not the organ, yes?

[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.

[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?