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aterat2020-08-09 12:29 pm
ateratmods) wrote in aterat2020-08-09 12:29 pm
(no subject)
Who; Everyone!
What; Pulse log; REMEMBRANCE
Where; Throughout the City
When; August 8th - 15th
Warnings; Will update when and as necessary
In the days leading up to August 8th, the city is abuzz with activity. Businesses in the Merchant district have posted notices they will be closed the following week in observance of something called “Remembrance”. The Aspects are absent this week, though that doesn’t seem particularly out of the ordinary, and it’s easy to get caught up in what is quite a celebratory time in the city. Harvests and meats are being brought in from the outlying farms, the main square is being cordoned into stalls for food, drink, and performances. The guard is more present this week, keeping a close eye on the organization and watching for any miscreants.
As the time of the festival approaches, a quiet excitement seems to thrum through the others here, young and old alike, and on the evening of the 8th, a commencement parade makes its way through the market district.
The procession, filled with musicians, dancers, jugglers, and the like, make their way from the fountain square to the center of the market district, where a crude stage has been erected in the square at the center of the market district, in front of the guard headquarters. It’s nothing fancy, but it does serve the purpose of bringing to the attention of those gathered those who stand atop it.
A tall man in a Guardsman’s blue uniform climbs the stairs, steel plates glittering in the midday sun. He has a stern countenance, and there’s a stiffness through his shoulders that suggests he isn’t overly fond of public speeches. He takes a steadying breath before clearing his throat.
“People of Aterat, those of us who were risen from its ashes and those of us who have been gathered to kindle its flame,” he pauses here for a moment, giving his address an air of gravitas. “Welcome. I am Captain Orson Khannar, of the Aterat City Guard. I was a guardsman before the Fall and I can tell you we stand as a shadow of our former selves, but we do stand. Two years ago, today, the Aspects descended from the Fountain, all that remained of our once proud land, they saw the ruin wrought upon it, and they began to weave. There was little of us left, but what stands was reassembled because we Remembered.” A cheer rises from the collected locals, along with a few scattered cries of ‘bless the Aspects’ and ‘long may Halcyn reign’. Captain Khannar raises a hand to still the crowd and after a moment, their cheers and raised prayers quiet.
“But we did not remember enough. This year, the Creator has provided, and we welcome among us memories from other worlds. This Remembrance, do not forget their sacrifice.” His tone changes then, and his piercing gaze moves across all those who have come here from elsewhere. “Outlanders, I expect nothing of you, but I offer you a warning: we are not your captors but we are your neighbors. As such, we will hold you to the same standards to which we hold ourselves. I am the Captain of your guard, and it is my sworn oath to keep this city safe from miscreants. That said, those of you who are willing and able, I would welcome your aid. Surely by now you have seen our fair city has its share of problems. My office is just there across the square.”
And with that bit of business handled, he directs his attention back to the crowd. “A Happy Remembrance to us all!” The crowd cheers again, though less enthusiastically, as a few look around at those gathered from other worlds, uncertain if they share the Captain’s willingness to welcome the aid of ‘Outlanders’.
The rest of the week is a city-wide party. The taverns are overflowing with merrymakers, there is wine and food for all, music at all hours of the day and night. Performers come out in droves, there are artists, artisans, and the like. If you can think of a festival occurrence, it happens at some point, though all the shops are closed for normal hours. It seems it’s quite the holiday, and you are welcome to invent whatever you'd like for a scene.
The Captain remains true to his word, and the Guard HQ in the Market Square seems to be the only place operating normally. There are regular patrols throughout the events, but Captain Khannar can be found most days in his office, upstairs in the HeadQuarters, should anyone like to question him.
What; Pulse log; REMEMBRANCE
Where; Throughout the City
When; August 8th - 15th
Warnings; Will update when and as necessary
In the days leading up to August 8th, the city is abuzz with activity. Businesses in the Merchant district have posted notices they will be closed the following week in observance of something called “Remembrance”. The Aspects are absent this week, though that doesn’t seem particularly out of the ordinary, and it’s easy to get caught up in what is quite a celebratory time in the city. Harvests and meats are being brought in from the outlying farms, the main square is being cordoned into stalls for food, drink, and performances. The guard is more present this week, keeping a close eye on the organization and watching for any miscreants.
As the time of the festival approaches, a quiet excitement seems to thrum through the others here, young and old alike, and on the evening of the 8th, a commencement parade makes its way through the market district.
The procession, filled with musicians, dancers, jugglers, and the like, make their way from the fountain square to the center of the market district, where a crude stage has been erected in the square at the center of the market district, in front of the guard headquarters. It’s nothing fancy, but it does serve the purpose of bringing to the attention of those gathered those who stand atop it.
A tall man in a Guardsman’s blue uniform climbs the stairs, steel plates glittering in the midday sun. He has a stern countenance, and there’s a stiffness through his shoulders that suggests he isn’t overly fond of public speeches. He takes a steadying breath before clearing his throat.
“People of Aterat, those of us who were risen from its ashes and those of us who have been gathered to kindle its flame,” he pauses here for a moment, giving his address an air of gravitas. “Welcome. I am Captain Orson Khannar, of the Aterat City Guard. I was a guardsman before the Fall and I can tell you we stand as a shadow of our former selves, but we do stand. Two years ago, today, the Aspects descended from the Fountain, all that remained of our once proud land, they saw the ruin wrought upon it, and they began to weave. There was little of us left, but what stands was reassembled because we Remembered.” A cheer rises from the collected locals, along with a few scattered cries of ‘bless the Aspects’ and ‘long may Halcyn reign’. Captain Khannar raises a hand to still the crowd and after a moment, their cheers and raised prayers quiet.
“But we did not remember enough. This year, the Creator has provided, and we welcome among us memories from other worlds. This Remembrance, do not forget their sacrifice.” His tone changes then, and his piercing gaze moves across all those who have come here from elsewhere. “Outlanders, I expect nothing of you, but I offer you a warning: we are not your captors but we are your neighbors. As such, we will hold you to the same standards to which we hold ourselves. I am the Captain of your guard, and it is my sworn oath to keep this city safe from miscreants. That said, those of you who are willing and able, I would welcome your aid. Surely by now you have seen our fair city has its share of problems. My office is just there across the square.”
And with that bit of business handled, he directs his attention back to the crowd. “A Happy Remembrance to us all!” The crowd cheers again, though less enthusiastically, as a few look around at those gathered from other worlds, uncertain if they share the Captain’s willingness to welcome the aid of ‘Outlanders’.
The rest of the week is a city-wide party. The taverns are overflowing with merrymakers, there is wine and food for all, music at all hours of the day and night. Performers come out in droves, there are artists, artisans, and the like. If you can think of a festival occurrence, it happens at some point, though all the shops are closed for normal hours. It seems it’s quite the holiday, and you are welcome to invent whatever you'd like for a scene.
The Captain remains true to his word, and the Guard HQ in the Market Square seems to be the only place operating normally. There are regular patrols throughout the events, but Captain Khannar can be found most days in his office, upstairs in the HeadQuarters, should anyone like to question him.
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"I mean, I take care of myself." Sometimes. "But I don't need a lot. I don't mind giving whatever I have to others. It's probably why I liked fixing things for a living. It's just nice to do something." He knew that it was naive but he didn't care. There wasn't any more of his soul for the world to take and shred apart. He'd already experienced enough pain to encompass several lifetimes.
He felt numb.
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"What sort of things do you fix?"
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There were a lot of people who could beat the crap out of him.
"Car's. Though I also fix air conditioning units for my landlord and really anything that breaks. He gives me a discount on my rent when I do." Which he can't really do here. "But I went to a trade school and I learned carpentry as well. So I'll probably fall back on that."
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"Ah, I know who to call on if something breaks now," she said. It occurred to her how strange it was that this place had communication devices but no vehicles at all. How exactly were these aspects deciding on what to bring in? "A carpenter should be useful for the rebuilding."
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Except for him.
"I'm used to getting my ass kicked." It's also why he quantified being able to protect himself from a normal human. He had been 'trained' by those who were naturally faster and stronger than a human and while he always lost, it gave him an edge.
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"It does not seem like a good thing to get used to," she tilted her head curiously. "Unless you enjoy it."
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"You can call me Jake. My name is Jacob." He shrugged. "That's the only name I got." He didn't seem bothered by her collection of names. "I like Illyana. It's a pretty name."
Jacob shrugged again. He didn't have an answer for her. "I think people gain resilience. Eventually."
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For just a moment she looked slightly confused by his compliment. "I suppose it is better than the Darkchylde." It was an attempt at a joke and yet at the same time there was some truth to it. "Most call me Magik." Though, perhaps it would be nice to just be Illyana.
"Is resilience what you call it?"
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He paused for a moment, as if remembering something that he had been happy to forget. "Well, maybe not entirely ordinary.... I sometimes go by Jim or James but I honestly hate that name." It was complicated but it was technically an alas. Not because he had to hide who he was but because James Stevenson had a social security number and Jacob Miller did not.
He looked over at her, his brow furrowed. "What is Darkchylde? Like, what's it mean. It doesn't sound like a good thing."
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For just a second a look that reassembled discomfort crossed her expression. Her shoulders tensed before she forced some semblance of relaxation. How was it that after all this time she still found discomfort in speaking of this? Why had she brought it up in the first place?
"It is a name," she said with a forced smile. "It was a name I was given in Limbo."
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"Limbo?" He saw the change and frowned. "That doesn't sound good."
There was a brief awkward pause before Jacob reached out and placed a hand on her leg with an awkward pat before pulling away again. "Look, I get that things suck. You don't have to tell me. I have a lot of shit I don't talk about too but I'm always here to listen, if you just want someone to listen and confirm that it sucks."
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"Limbo is a pocket hell dimension. A nexus between all," she said with a slightly forced calm to her voice. She paused for a second before continuing. It was strange of him to offer that and she found herself oddly confused. What precisely did he want from her? "I was taken there when I was a child and kept as a prisoner." She attempted to give a nonchalant shrug, as if these facts no longer bothered her. It was far from the truth but she felt she had to put on a show. "Now the realm is mine."
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"That sucks." He said, his expression open and sympathetic. "I know of the Limbo described in the bible. It says its a place of transition. Not saying that it doesn't suck but maybe you can make it suck less."
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"Transition...." she shook her head. It certainly had caused a transition inside of herself. "It is more akin to the bible's description of Hell. A lawless place populated by numerous demons. It is worrisome that I cannot fully connect to it here. The longer a ruler is away from Limbo the more...unruly it's citizens become. Of course, that goes the opposite way as well." The longer a ruler, or anyone, stayed in Limbo, the more corrupted they became. So perhaps a full break from the realm that had tormented her for so long would not be so horrible.
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He thought about Hell and its implications daily. Jacob was fairly sure that he was going to go to Hell but as far as he was concerned, it was what he deserved. "Hell has rules. They're just different. But I think I get what you mean. I wonder why you can't reach it here... maybe it's something those Aspect people are doing or the Creator?"
A cold feel slid down Jacob's stomach, sending a chill up his spine. If something cut them off from their worlds then his sister wouldn't be able to come get him.
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"Have you been to Hell to know of it's rules?" There was a hint of curiosity in her tone and she turned to him with the question. "I would assume it is them. It would take considerable power to lock me away from it."
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"I haven't. Not technically." He awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "Sometimes it feels like I've been to hell and back but I'm sure I'll end up there at some point. I'll tell you about it after that."
He was half joking.
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He also wasn't sure that he could voice it out loud.
"It's hard to say. It's been harder here. Can't really make anything better when you're literally a world away."
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He looked over at his new semi-friend. "What about you? Does the water help?"
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"I thought the water might help me to think less. It has not. I am used to having a...focus...," some might . "I am not certain what to do without one."
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He scratched the back of his head. "But. I think we should head back. Wanna walk that way together?"
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end?