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[unresolving]

Considering much of the network's recent activity, I fear my inquiry is not particularly scandalous, nor is it especially thought-provoking, but please bear with me for just a moment.

I'm looking for someone skilled in enchantment, particularly in the field of weaponry. I may have some work for you, if you're willing to try something for me. A paying job, of course, should it happen to work out.

If that sounds like something that might interest you, then let me know and we can sort out the details.

—

[Whether he's able to find what he needs or not, the rest of his evening will be spent at a tavern—the one at The Hearth Fire, to be precise. While he does have certain expectations about who he might run into here, his main goal is simply conversation, so he'll turn to anyone that doesn't look to be busy and say:]

Excuse me. If you have a moment, would you mind humoring me with a story?

[If it's conversation he wants, then surely this, too, could've been solved over the network, but... Well, maybe he's old-fashioned, but these sorts of things are better done in person. Not plastering his face all over the network considering his general line of work, however, is also a plus. While occasionally necessary (like today), he'd like to keep it to a minimum.

Alternatively, feel free to wildcard and run into him anywhere. Although, wherever he is, you might be wondering why there's a chinchilla rolling around his feet. On second thought, haven't you seen it somewhere before...?]

Comments

[sassian]

Come now, is that any way to greet someone who has come back from beyond death's cold embrace?

[He stopped a respectful distance away from Thancred, his smirk wider than before their exchange of pleasantries.]

But to answer your question, no. Quitting is simply not in my nature. [He shrugs.] But let us not quarrel. I come in peace.

[unresolving]

A pity you hadn't thought to stay there.

["Let us not quarrel," he says, yet it's still Thancred's natural inclination to bite back. He shouldn't, but... Well, here they are.]

So, to what do I owe this distinct pleasure? Because surely you are not going to insist on helping me, all things considered.

[Sure, he'd done that before, much to the chagrin of the Scions, but things had been a bit different then.]

[sassian]

I did speak the truth before, as I usually do. I am both willing to aid you in preparing your weapon and interested in discerning what difference the use of Chroma will make in said preparation.

We have, of course had our differences in the past, but this is neither the Source nor one of the Shards. Thus, I see no reason why we should not co-exist in some semblance of harmony here.

[Emet-Selch offered Thancred his best impression of a sincere smile. He was not foolish enough to expect the Scion to take him at his word, of course, but he had at least made the offer.]

[unresolving]

[He hates this.

Honestly, it's not like he wanted to fight with him, either... He had no interest in recreating their previous conflict in any way. Yet, he was intimately familiar with the Ascians, a bit more so than most, so it was impossible to just take him at his word. It's true that Emet-Selch had usually been quite honest with them, but it just couldn't be that simple. It was never that simple.

Besides... if he were in his shoes—if he had another chance at life, even if it was in a place like this, a place even further from "home" than the last world, or worlds—could he really just be okay with this?

...maybe he shouldn't think of it that way. But there were things he wanted to know, too, and so after a moment of disapproving consideration, he flippantly shrugs.]

I don't like the idea of owing you another favor. In fact, I would say I very much loathe it. [But despite what he says, he's reaching into his coat anyway, soon revealing a spare cartridge that he tosses toward Emet-Selch.] But a deal is a deal, I suppose.

[sassian]

[Emet-Selch caught the cartridge and held it up to examine it a moment. He spared a look for Thancred.]

All I ask in return is common courtesy and the assurance that you will not send a pack of Warriors of Light snapping at my heels the moment my back is turned. I do hope that is not too much to ask.

[He lowered the cartridge and grasped it in both hands. A flash of darkness issued forth from between his fingers, and he held the cartridge up to examine it again. He gave a satisfied nod, then tossed it back to Thancred.]

Though it is imbued with Chroma rather than aether, I believe you will find the result much the same. I do hope you will inform me if you find otherwise.

[His smirk made a reappearance.] I hope you are not terribly bothered by it being dark-aspected. That is simply my nature. Had you found me during the Cordis moon's influence, it would have likely had a slight ice aspect to it, as well. Ah, but that is a matter for another time.

[offshoots]

[WHAT KIND OF SHITTY--]

The most hardcore bards can make an instrument out of anything.

[but if that was some kind of ploy to try and get a drink out of him, nice try.]

Heroism? Mine? No, I don't have any of those. Anyway, you need drinks to be able to sing? What, are you shy? I've never heard of a bashful bard before. I'm pretty sure they usually want anyone and everyone to hear their voices, whether or not they're proper drunk or not.

[expression]

Aye. The night life has always been praised as a thrill.

[ V'seji takes a sip of his drink two, ears twitching to Thancred's interest in Moonblessed experiences. He merely smiles during the pause, then decides taking another sip... Because. Hm. Talking about Moonblessed experience. Recalling his own isn't too exciting of a tale, then others he feels he has no place to narrate.

At least the raunchy parts—that's the worry. ]

Moonblessed experience... Invasive disease, it feels like. [ His eyes sharpen into thinner needles, not at all enjoying the ride in Prismatica, but his smile stays. ] Your behavior changes or amplifies, then there can be physical changes. Anything from new limbs to hard scales.

[ Humming, he guesses he can talk about Iris? ]

We went to the Iris moon recently and clashed with Tempeste, the kraken queen. She and her army were resting inside the moon, brooding over revenge on the Prismals for several millennia. We came out victorious, but... She did break out of her prison, then some of us were cursed and sucked dry of our chroma. [ Tilting his head, he raises his glass. ] Still successful overall, aside from the handful that grew kraken tentacles.

[ Oh, oh. ]

The Glory, which are ruins on the moon, were quite a sight... Especially the Queen's room. Interesting and luxurious decorum and treasure only to bait thieves—I was apprehended by a large tentacle, you know.

[unresolving]

[So that was it, huh... It wasn't an unreasonable request to make. It was actually probably too reasonable, but it was easy for Thancred to feel that way when he was naturally suspicious of so many things. Especially him.]

Try not to give me any reason to, and perhaps that can be arranged. Perhaps.

[The idea of just coexisting didn't sit right with him, but... Well, you know, neither did attacking someone unprovoked. In the end, it was better to just... let him live a normal life, if that was even possible. Theoretically, he was right—there was no reason for them to fight here.]

As I'm sure you are aware, I am in no position to complain about your... strengths. [Darkness may not have been his current aesthetic choice, but this was about more than just aesthetics. Either way, Thancred can feel the difference between the cartridge as it is now and how it was just a moment ago, lacking any sort of aspect at all. Not only that, but in a way, it feels familiar, too.] I suppose this is the part where I say "thank you." I am in no hurry to squander your efforts nor your resources, so I will keep in touch. Unless, of course, you wish to see the results for yourself?

[sassian]

You are most welcome! I do hope it serves you well.

[He gave Thancred a bright smile, sure that it would rankle. He was entirely genuine in not wanting conflict between them here, of course, but that did not mean he had forgotten being pierced through-and-through with shards of white auracite.]

Yes, please do keep in touch. I would rather like to see an in-person demonstration, of course, but I fear I must decline, lest you be tempted to use my person as your target.

[ambitionburns]

Oh?

[He is curious about what an Ascian might 'really' look like, but given the rest of the conversation, not interested in chasing down that information too hard. He had been in the middle of lifting his drink back to his lips when Thancred implies the presence of not just one Warrior of Light but a surplus. He freezes, and his look turns incredulous.]

I beg your pardon? Are you saying that there are multiple Warriors of Light here?

[And here he is, not having even (knowingly) met one. He shifts and straightens in his seat, intent on not missing the answer.]

As for what he was like, he was a smug prick with a reckless disregard for the well-being of lesser beings.

[anti_altruisms]

That would be fine.

I'll see you there.

[healingraen]

[The quip earns an amused grin. She could roll with the playful teasing just as well as regular conversation. Years spent on the road, in and out of taverns amidst the company of other adventurers has honed the skill learned from a lifetime of being the middle child.

And so, indulging him, Toh'ni explains the lore as it's been passed down among the people of Doma. She herself has only but recently gained a deeper understanding after being asked to assist with quelling the three great beasts' rage, but she's happy to impart what she's learned.]

And so these four wise, noble beasts journeyed alongside master Tenzin, defeating foes and protecting the people, until they at last came upon a foe that they could not best. One whose might was greater than all five of them combined. Master Tenzin saw no choice but to sacrifice himself in order to see this evil sealed away. The seal held for centuries...

[That she trails off at the end is deliberate, both because in this time the barkeep has finally found the time to take their order (she asks for something of the non-alcoholic variety) and to give Thancred a moment, to be sure that she hasn't lost his interest, and to give him a chance to interrupt if he has questions, wishes to make any speculations, observations, or... well, anything else. She's wary of talking his ears off, despite his earlier flattery.]