tushanshu | [CONSOLE] video;

[The man in this video is recognisably Heojin to those who have seen him before, but to those who have been looking closely there are some slight differences. Less grey in his hair, slightly more tapered around the waist—a little younger, in general. There’s something about his demeanour which has changed, as well; while formerly Heojin had seemed solid and serene, there is something sharper about his gaze now.

[For all that, when he speaks his voice is the same: low and soft-spoken, with every word considered and even.]

Hello, Keeliai City.

Some of you may not know me. Some of you … only think you do. My name is Heojin, whom the Woodsmen call their head. The man who has thus far made himself known to you is a body-double.

I regret that any subterfuge was deemed necessary. Rest assured that I lied or hid nothing of vital importance save the exact nature of my presence. The man who stood in for me is a trusted friend; all that he heard came to my ears, and all that he said may as well have come from me.

I stand before you now because I want to believe such a deception is no longer necessary. I have spoken to Yunxu, my brother of the city, and he has granted that threats outside Keeliai must take precedence to any tensions which lie between us. Whatever happens in the future, I believe that we all of us can stand together—Foreigner or kedan; Metalworker, Snake, Woodsman, Merchant.

This city is our home. She deserves our united esteem. I would like to make this happen. Will you join me?

[ooc: Heojin will respond to anything directed at him, but feel free to also use this post to talk amongst yourselves.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Then it would be my responsibility. As the health and safety of all my family is my responsibility.

[He smiles then, and it's a soft smile, a fond smile.]

I did not force him to do so, if that is your fear. I could not talk him out of it, in fact. I have known him all my life, and there is a point when to deny such loyalty ... it is an insult. How can I reject his wish to protect me, just as I wished to protect him?

[It could have been a lie, or an exaggeration of the truth meant to make him seem completely innocent of any wrongdoings at all.]

[But Aya didn't think like that. She rarely did, unless presented with irrefutable evidence either prior to or even after a statement was presented to her. Partially because of her youth and lack of experience in dealing with professional liars. Partially because, logically speaking, she did not see a reason to lie about something like this. It would not change events as they were, and would serve little purpose besides gaining a slightly more favorable perspective in certain eyes.]

[So she accepted the statement after a moment's thought. Nodding in response.]

Very well.

Now that you have presented yourself as you truly are, may I ask what precisely it is you require of us?

[Stand together was a vague statement and could have meant anything from verbal support to offering necessary supplies to aiding in fierce combat. Both offensive and defensive.]

I confess, I am waiting to see how my presentation as such will change my influence. Otherwise, the willingness to open communications. The Foreigners have in the past been among the most powerful groups in the city, and driven, but disorganised. Have you, individually or collectively, developed any plans to address what threats may face us?

[Aya was always for the willingness of open communications. Almost. Depending upon the other party, but that did not seem to be a concern here.]

Though I cannot speak for the majority, it is currently my understanding that we are merely prepared to do whatever is necessary. Whether that involves tactical diplomacy or defensive fighting, I cannot currently predict.

Would that we were able to predict the details.

To your knowledge, are there any communications between yourselves and the families? It is also difficult to predict the need for either diplomacy or defence if one is unsure what any allies might be doing.

Minimal, if any.

I was, at one time, an employee of Zanru, though I do not know if she is still considered a member of these Families given...recent events.

[It was also not an amicable relationship by any definition.]

My understanding is that those current residing in Keelai are leaning heavily towards the probability of defensive measures, given that an ultimatum was issued with little chance for negotiations prior to arrival.

She is in my eyes.

[It's a simple declaration, but perhaps a telling one.]

That is true. They took us by surprise, last time. I would prefer to negotiate, but the ultimatum given does not leave much room for diplomacy.

What sort of defences are you accustomed to?

[Hmm. Interesting.]

I am well-versed in several tactical strategies, with more than a year's experience out in the field, not including time spent familiarizing myself with local landscapes and population.

Where I come from, I am a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Fighting to protect those who can not adequately defend themselves is what we do.

Are you familiar with siege, street or guerrilla warfare?

Yes.

[With all three.]

I have been on both the offensive and defensive end on multiple occasions.

Then your experience will undoubtedly be invaluable, should that moment arrive.

[She smiled at the compliment. Warmly.]

[Though this was their first meeting, and Heojin could not possibly know all that much about her as an individual, the fact that he was more prepared to judge her trustingly based on her claims of knowledge and experience rather than...certain other factors...well, perhaps it was still a touch innocently naive of Aya, but it made her want to be able to trust him. Even fight alongside him as equals.]

I will do my best to aid those most in need, and defend our current place of residence.

[The emphasis on defense was not consciously intended. However, it did indicate her preference for peace, rather than any indication she desire retaliation, revenge, or unjustly overpowering the enemy when the time came to fight back.]

[The wording does not go unnoticed. Heojin smiles back.]

Thank you. I should hope it will not be necessary, but I am reassured to know at least some such powerful people such as yourselves will stand with us.