Pulse 001

[ateratmods]

Speaking Crystal

[Mid-morning, a familiar voice rings out over the crystals.]

Good morning, everyone! We trust you've settled in well! We'd like to meet you all formally and invite you to join us in the fountain square this afternoon! We look forward to seeing you there!


Who; The Aspects (Halcyn & Athony) and YOU!
What; The Aspects welcome their new summons to Aterat
Where; The Fountain Square
When; Thursday; Mid-day
Warnings; None I can think of. Will update if necessary



The Fountain square remains unchanged from your arrival, the multiple tiers containing archways all dim save for the one from which Halcyn and her counterpart, Athony, step at the appointed time. Around the fountain, though, have gathered artisans, performers, and salesman as well as recruiters. People are looking for clerks, delivery persons, and people to run small tasks for them. There are leatherworkers interested in hiring intrepid individuals to acquire more exotic skins for their trade and various other ways to earn coin.

And then there is a larger stall built into the back of a large covered wagon pulled by two oxen. It's set off a little ways from the others, either to set itself apart from the vulgus or simply to afford it room. Two people dressed smartly stand a bit apart from it and will encourage any passersby to come speak with the clerk behind the desk. Emblazoned across the side in intricate gold leaf are the letters "MGB" and the callers will inform anyone inquiring they are representatives of the Merchant's Guild Bank, and that they are willing to negotiate investment in any business ventures newcomers may be interested in...for a modest cut, of course. They assure the contract is thoroughly negotiable and urge you to speak with the broker in the carriage.

All business dealings cease when the portal on the highest level of the fountain activates and Halcyn and Athony step through. She is tall, lithe, with flowing red hair and an aura of goodness and life that overrides any attempts to read her mind. He has a darker aura, clad in deep gray armor with a gem-encrusted sword at his hip and a formidable shield strapped to his back. The murk around his mind is just as difficult to pierce, and anyone sensative to the flow of time would sense these two seem to exist as though apart from it.

They descend the dias to stand at ground level, equal to the gathered crowd, but when Halcyn speaks, her soft melodious voice carries as though its amplified, though there seems to be no source of amplification save for a subtle vibration of magic those sensative to it may sense.

"I'm so glad you all came!" She claps her hands together, clasping them before her before spreading her arms wide. "We have so much work to do, as I've told you all already. We have been tasked with the reconstruction of this world, and we simply can't without all of you. The reason why is complicated, but I can assure you we require nothing of any of you that you are not capable of." She motions around at the square and all those gathered here.

"The people of Aterat are eager to welcome you as well, but Athony and myself will remain around should you wish to speak more privatly. Again, thank you all for coming!"

With that, the gathering dispurses into it's former form, though the Aspects remain should anyone wish to speak with them.

Feel free to post top levels to meet and greet your fellow arrivals and to explore the offerings of this strange new city.

Throughout the city, not only today, but at random times, a new rhyme seems to have been picked up by the children at play, skipping rope or playing hopscotch, or dancing in a strange circle. There's a haunting quality to it, but maybe that's only because no one's taken notice of its existence before:

Traveler, traveler, what do you seek?
Riches and fame make oaken souls weap.

Traveler, traveler, watch where you're led.
One turn left, three turns right will take you to bed.

Traveler, traveler, try not to get lost.
The dwellers in the mirk may well be the cost.

Comments

Halcyn

[ateratmods]

Throughout the gathering, Halcyn moves through the crowd with practiced ease, stopping to hold light conversation with locals and smiling warmly in welcome to any newcomers who approach her, turning to give them her full attention.

(OOC: If you would like an interaction with Halcyn, please respond to this thread as it's being tracked and I'll be more likely to see the notification here.)

[tapestryoftime]

Syeira listens and waits. It's difficult because she cannot really see Halcyn like she did others. The woman affected the cloth but she wasn't a part of it... a seamstress? Was that even possible? She wished that Mami was here to tell her if such beings existed but the proof was standing in front of her.

Two who stood outside the flow of time.

She approached carefully, the layers of her skirt swirling around her ankles. Syeira was a little embarrassed. When she'd first arrived she had gotten sick after being separated from time and introduced into a new flow. It looked as if they had gotten that cleaned up...

"Excuse me. What-" There were many answers that she could find out herself but some that she could not. "What are you?"

[arroganceandangst]

Aragibal had listened to her closely as she addressed them all. He may not admit it aloud, but he was interested in seeing what they wished for them to do and he was looking forward to helping the people here. He had heard that there was a guild here to help start businesses and he thought he might open a restaurant - his sister and friends always said he had the skill, but it was hard to do with two kids and being on call for the saviors of worlds.

"Excuse me, Halcyn?" He hoped he pronounced her name correctly. He'd had issues with names in the past. "I'm glad I have a chance to speak with you. I wanted to thank you and Athony for going out of your way to giving us all such lovely accommodations and for doing your best to make us feel welcome. I have no doubt that you both have thought quite long about how to make our stay most comfortable." This likely would have come off as rather fake if it were anyone else, but Aragibal was being absolutely genuine.

"I do not mean to sound ungrateful, and I genuinely do want to help you and Athony rebuild Aterat and I look forward to doing so, but I must ask: will I eventually be able to return home again?" It's clear that he left something important back at home and he needs a little reassurance before he can be at peace with being here.

Re: Halcyn

[provokedultimatum]

Atha is unmoved, her scowl might as well have been carved from granite with how permanent the expression on her fade appeared to be.

"Right. Lovely." Her tone just as unimpressed as her expression, "Why should we bother helpin' you?"

[stickyflippers]

Caelan had decided, if he were going to approach either of the aspects, it would by Halcyn. She seemed a little more sociable, and Caelan wasn’t sure that Athony would appreciate his usual approach to conversations. So as Halcyn gave people a chance to speak to her, he found a moment to approach.

He smiled one of his more charming smiles, and offered a polite, sweeping bow in greeting. “Pardon? If I might have a moment of your time, Lady Halcyn?” His tone was gentle, addressing her formally to sound respectful. Generally, those in charge liked that in his experience.

[soulsword]

Illyana had spent the vast majority of her time on the edges listening to what each 'Aspect' had to say about the situation. For the most part it seemed as though they had nothing of interest to say. Or at the very least nothing of interest that they wished to say. Eventually, she approached the one that seemed to be more agreeable than the other.

"Who tasked you with the reconstruction of the world?" Illyana was nothing if not direct and to the point.

[against_descent]

Cassandra's lips edged up in something that was almost a smile. It wasn't the strangest thing that the Euthanatos had seen, someone being entirely out of time. She was fairly sure that she could be perceived that way herself, back on her adopted world. She was out of time--her own time. Likely it was more that Halcyn was something like a god, so time didn't touch her, either.

But that bore thinking about later. She tilted her head up at the Aspect. "You said the reason why we're here, rebuilding this world, is complicated. You could try me."

Not that she's being flippant in the least, but there are more things here now than were in Cass' original philosophy, and that was broad to begin with...

Athony

[ateratmods]

Once given leave from standing guard at Halcyn's side, Athony moves to a strategic position near the entrance to the Square. He has a looming and intimidating presence, but he does turn to anyone who approaches him, giving them his attention, even if he does keep part of it on his warm counterpart.

(OOC: If you would like an interaction with Athony, please respond to this thread as it's being tracked and I'll be more likely to see the notification here.)

[tapestryoftime]

After speaking to Halcyn, Syeira walked over to Athony. She was a little more nervous about talking to the strange dark man but perhaps he could tell her more, either in his answers or in the way he refuses to answer. So far, she has yet to hear him speak.

"Excuse me? Excuse me?" She said it a few times as if the first one hadn't happened or maybe she'd forgotten that she'd already said that.

Syeira's gaze was more unfocused than before, as if she was searching for something that she was blind too. "Are you death?" Wouldn't he be? Death affects the weave of time, is a part of it, but can strike at any moment it wishes. It was a part of time but separate as well. Life and death.

[forsakenprince]

Uldren wasn't one to give thanks even though the Aspects saved him of certain death - to expect him to be in a good mood would be a mistake. He was surly, crossing his arms across his chest as he stood before Athony. There was a lack of reverence that likely should have existed, and perhaps a foolish lack of even a little bit of healthy fear.

"There is a lot of 'we' being thrown around, but it comes down to you both need us and not the other way around. So what is it that I and the others get from all of this?"

[against_descent]

This one...

Cassandra lifted her chin silently as she approached the dour man. More as if she's acknowledging a colleague--one who's superior to her, certainly, but someone vaguely familiar all the same. But it would not be proper to be too familiar. Especially when they're barely acquainted--she is certain that he is quite aware, precisely, who has come here. Been brought here.

"So what I am given to understand--" She'd been listening as the others spoke, after all, concentrating on the conversations with the Aspects, and letting the hum of the tradesmen pass-- "is that your Wheel turned not of its own accord? It was pushed, so to speak?"

And that was so like what had happened to her own world, it left the taste of bitter ashes in her mouth, but Cassandra needed to know. She'd done her best to avert her world's fate when she'd been in it--it made her almost certain that this was why she was here.

Merchant's Guild Bank - Raimon

[ateratmods]

If one is curious enough to approach the Merchant's Guild Bank carriage stall, they will find their newest friend, the curious little gnome who gave them their satchels upon their arrival. He grins broadly, full of Customer Service charm.

"Welcome, welcome! What can the Merchant's Guild Bank do for you?"

(OOC: If you would like an interaction with Raimon, please respond to this thread as it's being tracked and I'll be more likely to see the notification here.)

[whereishe]

Yuna exhaled a huff. "I finally caught up to you." She'd been trying to meet with that curious little gnome man again but she had almost instantly lost sight of him. He moved very fast for someone with such short legs. He reminded Yuna a little bit of Tobli.

"I would like to make an organization called the Gullwings. Are you the person I speak to about that?" Her voice was light and musical but also a little uncertain. Yuna had never done anything like this before and she didn't have a firm business plan.

She also didn't know if she needed a store but she'd like to know how to set up a business. It'd be amazing if they had an airship... even one that didn't work and could just be parked in town.

[arroganceandangst]

Aragibal gave Raimon a bow just as he did Halcyn - customary for the Domans, then kneeled before Raimon so that they were on a more equal height. He had an apologetic smile.

"Forgive me, I know that many find it rude for me to kneel for a conversation like this, but I have found it helps save both of our necks the trouble." His smile grew more confident. "I have interest in starting a restaurant. Less of a tavern or cafe, more of a sit down kind of place. I was wondering what might be the best place for a restaurant, and what all I need to do in order to open one?"

In truth, the harbor district was a bit more rough than what he was hoping for his own place, but the noble district seemed a bit... Derelict. He was hoping to find out the best way to approach this, and if deals had to be made right now or if Raimon's offers were standing and could be negotiated at a later date.

[57times]

Esther has to admit, she was tempted to ignore this summoning. She didn't want to be around people - she just wanted to stay in 'her' room (God she hated calling it that - it wasn't hers, this wasn't her home, her space).

But...doing that and hiding away would only indulge her emotions. It wouldn't change anything, and she wouldn't learn anything new about the place or the other people in it. And that was what she needed right now; information, knowledge. Anything that might help her find a way back to London.

Was she really hoping to find that down in the square? No, she wasn't stupid. But going was the more rational choice.


While she arrived just as Halcyn had finished addressing the crowd, once there she still did what she could to stay out of the way - Matt probably would've have called it 'skulking', though she shook him from her trail of thought as quickly as he appeared there. He wasn't even here and he was trying to be funny.

Typical.

[skyward_eyes]

She is definitely skulking. Nida knows, he's a good judge of skulkers. Has done it himself. And it's an activity that makes her a touch more obvious to Nida. Obvious enough for him to watch the woman move around and smile.

"Having fun?" the man greets her.

[chaosvessel]

Esther wasn't the only one 'skulking' about without really wanting to be there. Vincent was aware attending this meeting was necessary, and it give him an unfettered view of their captors, but listening to her honied words did little to alleviate his paranoia. They wanted them for something, something they weren't stating. But what?

He was so focused on them and their interactions with the others, though, that he didn't actually notice Esther until he was shoulder to shoulder with her. Aside from the dramatic red opera cape that obscured his mouth, the leather armor beneath, and the metal clad boots, there was something off about the crimson-eyed man. He was cold, or at least cooler than a human should be standing that close.

Though he didn't stay there long. Looking over, he took a step away from her.

"Forgive me." His voice was harsh and deep, though the words he spoke were quiet.

Illyana Rasputina || OTA

[soulsword]

There was nothing about this that Illyana trusted. Perhaps it was just a reflection of her own personal experiences with other dimensional kidnapping. Being taken from your family to a hell dimension at the tender age of six would probably leave anyone less than trusting of a repeat situation. Still, she came to the fountain square to hear what would be said. All in all it was certainly a bit lackluster. A pointless speech that gave no information. How typical. She let out a heavy sigh and rolled her eyes at the closing comments.

"And I am certain they would tell us so much more in private," she muttered under her breath.

That wasn't to say she wasn't curious as to what they might say if someone actually were to interact with either of them. She was curious, but not quite enough to waste her own time on it. At least not yet. Instead she lingered around where Halcyn and Athony were located and waited to see if anyone else approached them first. If someone else did and she could overhear what was said then she could judge if she wanted to approach them herself. Something told her they would be vague, but one could hope for the chance at more answers.

Beyond lingering and trying to eavesdrop Illyana could be found standing in front of a group of children singing their strange rhyme as they played. She inclined her head as she watched them with her arms folded over her chest.

"I wonder, where did these children learn such an ominous rhyme?"

[whereishe]

"Do you think they're talking about us?" Yuna had been passing by both Illyana and the children when she'd heard the song. It was growing in popularity around the city and it was unnerving. Perhaps because it was children who were singing the song.

"It isn't very clear."

It also made it sound like there was something living outside of the city, something dangerous. It was curious and Yuna's curiosity had a way of getting her in trouble.

[asthecroweflies]

Jagger attended, who wouldn't when a couple of supposed gods invited you to hang out, but that didn't mean he was pleased. It seemed someone else had the same idea he had, too, as he made his way over to see what he could hear of other peoples' conversations while splitting his attention with the others gathered here and the natives.

He realized the question was directed at him specifically, but he responded all the same. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was contrived."

syeira harven || ota

[tapestryoftime]

The odd thing about Syeira was that she rarely looked directly at the world or people around her. Her eyes were unfocused but she never had trouble perceiving things around her. In fact, she seemed to have a sense of what was going to happen a few seconds before it happened.

Anyone watching her movements would notice that they were odd. Even if they couldn't pinpoint the brief pause or delay. There was just something strange about her, as if she was slightly out of place.

But that could be normal. Everyone was out of place here.

She was dressed in a collection of bright fabrics: red and orange drape elegantly around her waist with a slit for her leg to peek through with each step, her stomach and lower abdomen were exposed with a light tan top circling her chest, her hair was a bright sun wheat hue and wavy, hanging around her slender shoulders along with a thin dark brown vest that looked as if it was created for style over warmth.

Syeira was eager to learn but it was sometimes difficult for her to begin a conversation. There were times that it looked like she was even talking to herself. "What about dancing? Or performances of some kids. I was my brother's assistant for a long time. I can perform aerial acrobatics or fire dances." Others in the circus could perform Tarot readings but Syeira imagined that she might be able to do that as well. Her powers would certainly help.

[asthecroweflies]

Jagger was making it a point to move through the crowd, careful not to make any actual physical contact with any of them, but hoping to overhear something that could provide him some clue as to what might actually be going on around here. It couldn't possibly be what they were claiming, could it?

Her off-handed remarks caught the PI's attention, though, but only because she appeared to be looking at and speaking to no one. She was a striking young woman (as though he weren't a young man), but he was pretty good at putting business first.

"Uh...who are you talking to?"

[provokedultimatum]

Athala had barely arrived at her room when the crystal piped up, giving her just about enough time to chuck her bag in through the door before stomping back outside into the square.

Once outside Atha seems to be giving Athony a run for the title of "Least Approachable Person" as she glares at the others with open suspicion, arms folded across her chest. Combined with the full gunmetal-grey plate mail covering Atha from neck to toe and the wickedly sharp war axe strapped to her back that was almost as large as her, which considering that Athala was easily six foot six meant that the axe was probably larger than some of the people present.

Trying to approach the Highlander Hyur will earn that individual the full force of her glare but nothing more if they want to strike up conversation.

[arroganceandangst]

This get together that Halcyn and Athony had put together had turned out to be a bit more useful than even Aragibal had considered. He was just exiting the Guild Merchant's stall after a talk with Raimon about wanting to open up a restaurant. He was starting to feel good about things. Well, as much as one could feel about the current situation. He was starting to consider lunch when something caught his eye and he froze. He recognized that axe, that armor, and his heart leapt into his throat, causing him to hesitate before he called out to the form.

"A-Athala?" He approached slowly, giving her a chance to turn and see him so she wasn't surprised. He was wearing his monk gear rather than his armor. "Is that you?"

Hermione Granger

[queenofbooks]

Hermione was silently cursing the "do good-ness" aspect of her personality and yes she was fully aware that wasn't proper English, but she wasn't exactly feeling proper. Yet, here she was following directions.

Hermione couldn't help but glance around, wondering what was so special about the group of people gathered here. Her eyes fell back on Halcyn and Atony wondering if their benevolent hosts were really benevolent.

[asthecroweflies]

Jagger was hanging back as well, listening to others' conversations when he could grab them. He wasn't sure he bought what they were selling, but no other explanations were coming forward, either. He stood out strangely amid all this medieval decor, in his dark jeans and black leisure blazer with think black leather gloves. He seemed to have a habit of running his fingers back through his hair thoughtfully.

Only this is someone he's not met. When he speaks, his accent is vaguely English, though it sounds almost watered down. "You're not buying this either, are you?"

Caelan | OTA

[stickyflippers]

Caelan made sure to attend the event, looking forward to hearing what their hosts the ‘Aspects’ had to say beyond their initial arrivals. Which, unsurprisingly, was of very little use to anyone other than those looking for an opportunity to begin building or pursuing a business endeavour.

He stood within the crowd, arms folded and foot tapping lightly as he listened. The bit about ‘requiring nothing that any of them were not capable’ of gives him pause for a variety of reasons. Not to be overly difficult or suspicious, but they hadn’t addressed that it didn’t mean that everyone would be willing, and that didn’t explain what some of the arrivals were expected to do. He, for instance, stole things that had already been stolen or helped fae out of bad spots. How was that going to help rebuild anything?

He eyed their hosts curiously, Halcyn had a very open and welcoming aura. The energy she generated was pleasant despite the vagueness of her words. Made him wonder if there were anything hiding behind the smile, things she thought better than to say to everyone about all of this. Athony... Had an altogether different energy. He was serious, intimidating, and definitely protective. His chosen position suggested an intent to guard, perhaps a safety precaution for the odd chance that an unhappy arrival tried something.

Eventually, the selkie moved on. To admire (envy) the entertainers with their instruments again, to browse the wares being sold in hopes that he’d happen upon something useful, or to listen to the rather curious rhyme that the children had taken to singing. “How delightful... I know a person who would love this sort of thing, a cryptic little puzzle to mull over.” He listened to it a few times, committing the words to memory to consider properly later.

“Now what was that?” He murmured, head raising and tilting in the direction of a curious sound. The sound of someone else dragging his attention away from the festivities with some curiosity. “Good afternoon?”

[chaosvessel]

Vincent was very good at being quiet. If he hadn't intended to make it obvious that he'd attended this event, he would have stuck to the shadows or the rooftops, just another shadow cast by the moving sun in the sky. He was here, though, on the ground, hanging back from the crowd, watching their hosts with suspicion, and watching the crowd just as cautiously.

It was the scrape of a metal-clad boot against cobblestones that had caught Caelan's attention, and the thin man with too-pale skin and flowing crimson opera cape matching his eyes flexed his jaw in annoyance before looking over at the uncertain greeting.

"Is it?"

[mobprincess]

Holly had already been out and about when the funny little crystal bracelet she'd been given started talking to her. And to everyone else, it seemed like. So cool - she had her phone on her, but right now all that was good for was listening to music; no calling home, no texting, nada.

That'd kinda freaked her out for a while when she first got there - how would Leo and Tony know where she was? How could she tell them she was okay? - but any tears she might have had were banished by her determination to nut up and deal with it. Crying and panicking wouldn't do shit, so all she had to do now was figure out how to make the best of things until she could go home again.

Something made easier by the presence of street performers, a market-type situation, and plenty of people to watch.

Zipping and gliding between and around people on her roller blades, she rolled up to listen to the fancy weird lady talk, eyes casually moving from Halcyn to Anthony as she addressed them all. Course, nothing Halcyn said really answered much, but Holly still stuck round until the end, skating off again soon after to see what else she could find, or who else she could find to talk to.

Eventually she did find a pile of crates and boxes outside an abandoned store front, nestled in the shade to plonk herself down on, her duffle bag soon hefted onto her lap as her feet absently knocking against her makeshift chair. She considered taking out one of her blood bags to get something to eat, but thought better of it. Who knows what kinda place this was, she didn't wanna single herself out just yet.

So, instead, the bag hit the floor, and she settled into people watching, skinny bruised legs kicking in and out of the sun.