aterat | (no subject)

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(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.

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"Do any want to be here?" She gave him a curt nod. "I will share what I learn." And she was certain there would be something she could learn of what brings people to this place.

"When I first arrived in America I lived in New York." When she was younger she had been taken by the city to some degree. It had been so different than anything else she had seen and she had been very young.

"Perhaps. Mostly those who have nowhere else to go. I've even seen some who arrive and know they are dead. So, you know, can't really go anywhere."

So that's a lot of weight on people here, on a need to survive. Or so Nida has found before. Still, that part of the discussion is lost when she knows New York. His head snaps right to her. Yep, she's full on center of attention now.

"You're an Earther, then? These places seem rather pleased with your world."

"Earth attracts much attention for some reason," she responded. It never really occurred to her how terribly strange it was that her planet attracted so much attention. If it wasn't alien races attempting to invade it was beings from alternate realities or timelines. No matter what it was always something and there was a certain strangeness in that. What made their planet so fascinating?

"It seems like every other month is an invasion of some sort," which honestly wasn't an over-exaggeration.

"Most of the people I met in the last two worlds were from Earth, or a variation of it."

And Really, he doesn't know that it's fair. People like him could use something nice, and to not be told about a world that sounds that good. IT had... potential. Like his stopped having for him a while ago.

"Wait, the twins never mentioned invasions."

HE didn't remember their names, but he remembered that there were twins.

"I am unsurprised." It was strange that Earth attracted so much attention. Yet she supposed there was a madness behind it. After all, many on her Earth sought power and that led them to other dimensions or times. Or planets all together.

"Twins?" There were a handful of twins that Illyana knew of her from her own Earth. None of them were people she was particularly fond of. "Perhaps they came from a more boring Earth then."

Twins indeed. And he hope their Earth was more boring. Except... he'd heard stories about it. Some he remembered in parts. That were weird. That said their lives were not peaceful.

"Twins," he confirms. "But they didn't fully look like, even though they were identical. Weirdest birth situation ever. Guess that's what happens when your mother is a witch."

He definitely remembers their mother was a witch. Even if he doesn't fully remember why their birth was messed up. Just that they had powers, and he'd loved one. His fingers come up to touch the rings on the chain at his neck.

"Of course I also met assassins from Earth, and a old man who was painter and inventor, and some guys that were clearly cowboys. Earth has a lot of weird stuff going on, in its different permutations."

"A witch?" Now that peaked her curiosity even more. Magic always managed to draw at least some interest from her. Especially the mention of witches. She had very few good experiences with other witches. "Do you recall much about her?"

She titled her head. "Assassin's? How exciting," she said with an even tone. "Earth has it's interesting things I suppose."

"Yes. She had... powers. I don't remember. She was there, though. And we were friends."

He misses her, as much as he misses anyone. Which is just silly.

"There is an assassin here. Or I think he is. Altair. If you see him, keep an eye out."

AS much as he knows it isn't fair, he doesn't fully trust the man. People who were like Nida could be... awkward to deal with. And Altair was like him in a real way.

"Unfortunate you do not remember," mostly because she was curious about someone with magical powers. It was difficult to not be.

"I have spoken to him once. He seemed confused about most things in this place," she said with a shrug. "Why are you concerned for him?" That was a real curiosity for her. Had something happened between the two?

Many things had happened between them. But Nida didn't remember any of it. His fondness for the man when he was older, the strength Altair had imparted to him, the hand of friendship. But this one was younger, probably not even the same guy.

"He's lost by the level of technology here. Which isn't very much at all."

"Ah. He must be from a place that has nothing if things as simple as this confuse him," she said with a shake of her head. "The technology here is...simple to say the least."

"I know. I tried to explain electricity. It was... an experience to be certain," Nida admits with a groan. Because that was something he knew, but he didn't know on a deep enough level to be someone suited to explaining such a thing. "It's like trying to explain colors to the blind. He can't fathom it."

"How unfortunate for him," she said with a slightly amused tone to her voice. "Generous of you to take on the role to explain the future to him."

“I think I need to pass on that at this point,” Nida groans, shaking his head. “I’m not meant to be that sort of an educator. Maybe once, but definitely not in this situation.”

Not that he’s going to suggest she is either.

“That said, there seems little point in explanation, all things considered. This place can’t serve us as well as We might be used to.”

Edited 2020-09-24 12:04 (UTC)

"It will not be to me. My teaching methods would be frowned upon," she said with a strange chuckle. She was much more the type to simply throw someone into a situation and see how they handled it. Which might not even be considered teaching to be honest.

"This place cannot seem to make up it's mind on when it wants to be." At least that was what it seemed like.

Her teaching methods would likely have been very welcome at the Gardens. They would be effective. Provided people survived. And what was a SeeD exam but getting thrown into a situation?

“I think it wants to be all things for all people, which isn’t really going to serve anyone. What I want is electricity.”

"I doubt it wishes to serve anyone but itself," she said with a shrug. It seemed more like this place wanted them to serve it. But to what ends? That was indeed the question.

"Most powers tend to be like that," Nida agrees with a sigh, before turning away from the speech. "I don't think I can take much more of the positivity and unity in this speech. People don't work that way."

"I do not disagree," she said with a lightly amused huff. The forced positivity and focus on working together definitely rubbed her the wrong way. "They have given us little incentive to actually work with them. It seems they are the only ones that will benefit from anything we do." And that was not very equal, now was it?

“Enjoy the speech,” Nida offers with a smile. Him? He was mostly done.

Not that he’ll complain if she follows. He just doubts it.

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