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[ the feed turns on and for a few moments, there’s nothing. Haytham’s giving it a critical eye, a few turns this way and that, before settling it down. The technology is fascinating, and comparable to stuffs made by the First Civilization, at least in the eyes of someone unfamiliar with it all. Haytham clears his throat, purses his lips, and turns the device around to face him finally. ]

I won’t mince words and lie to say this small excursion was anything short of highly disruptive, but what’s past is past, and dwelling on it does none of us any service. I've spoken with the native population, and am quite aware of our— unique circumstances.

[ there’s an almost imperceptible raise of an eyebrow; he has no reason to doubt the locals, but taking their words on blind faith would be completely irrational ]

My name is Haytham Kenway, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, even if indirectly. I normally prefer to converse in a far more direct manner, but we must make do with what we are given to work with.

I seek a guide to Keeliai— if you are intimately familiar with the city and it’s politics, I wish speak with you. Sooner, rather than later.

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I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's being reasonable about all of this.

[She offers a bit of a smile.]

I'm Bryn Zethir, It's nice to meet you.

In the face of the unknown, composure is all that one can truly hope for.

[ Haytham gives a vague smile back, happy he's run into someone reasonable, but still distracted by the fact he's no longer near New York or Valley Forge ]

It is a pleasure, Miss Zethir. I'd judge by your statement that you are as far from home as I am; tell me, are you familiar with a city called New York?

[Bryn decides in that moment that she rather likes this man, for he seems to have composure in spades.]

I'm afraid not, no more than I expect you're familiar with Askoupur. Is that the name of your country?

[ THE CLASSIEST JERK ON THE BACK OF THIS TURTLE, AW YEAH ]

Not my country, no. Merely the name of a city I had unfinished business to attend to.

[ Askoupur, Askoupur, he's never heard the name, but it isn't something he'll admit, at least not directly ]

That's quite an exotic name, Askoupur.

Oh, I see. Too bad things were interrupted...

[She smiles, shrugs. Whatever business he had to attend to, it wasn't her business.]

Askoupur may sound exotic to someone who's never heard it before but to me it's just home. No one else has heard of it here, apparently.

[WHICH IS KINDA WEIRD but w/e that's what happens when you're in a place with people from lots of different worlds, apparently.]

There's no need to be. If what we're told is true, then I have been given all the time in the world. If not, there are others I trust enough to take my place.

[ he's imaging a place as exotic as the west indies, or even something as far removed as India. ]

You are alone, then? My condolences.

It's good that you have people to pick up the slack in your absence, if necessary.

[Another shrug from her, however, as he mentions her being alone. She didn't really feel alone until it kept coming up in conversation.]

I appreciate the condolences but hopefully I won't be here long enough to notice I'm alone all that often.

[Or she'll make friends enough there to fill the void somewhat.]

[ he raises an eyebrow, quietly taking note that mentions of isolation are on the list of 'probably should not mention' ]

Do you have a way home then? Or is it wishful thinking?

Oh, no, just wishful thinking.

[She pauses a beat.]

I mean don't get me wrong, I admit I'm excited to explore the city and there's a lot to see...but the circumstances and lack of way home sort of makes it hard to enjoy it fully. It would be better if I could leave when I was ready.

You refer to the caveat where we're in between life and death? It is a bit of a stretch, and I remain doubtful to it all until I receive first hand proof.

[ what sort of proof? who knows, he'll know when he sees it ]

My thoughts exactly. I was napping safe at home before I arrived here, in perfect health. Of course something could have happened unexpectedly...but it seems more likely that there is some magic responsible, or perhaps we are dreaming as they also claim.

[She's suspecting magic. Jhirem would be able to come to her in dreams even, if she called for him as hard as she did that six hour trip to the city.]

Magic seems to be a fanciful explanation, but when faced with the inexplicable—

[ he pauses slightly, at a loss to find anything that would make a better explainable. ]

I'm sure whatever method it was will soon come to light. One way or another.

Perhaps where you're from, but it's very much a part of everyday life where I'm from.

[She pauses.]

Do you think people will fight if there's no means of getting back yet? If we don't know how?

I believe so; one should always have a goal— a purpose. Idleness is as good as death, in any case.

But to fight without any idea of what can be done should they win, or what the potential consequences may be...

[It just seems like something that may be taken up too hastily. Hff. She's still trying to get her footing, however, so that could be part of it.]

It just seems there is a great deal more to learn first before making drastic choices.

I agree entirely, but there's little that can be done to dissuade the general public.

[ for all his talk of having a purpose, he sure doesn't believe the people can be trusted to come up with their own ]

People are easily persuaded by strong words and a charismatic leader; all they need is a slight nudge— [ he demonstrates with a slight wave of his hand ] and off they go, blindly charging into a fruitless fight, causing more harm than good.

For a moment I thought perhaps you might be in favor of a fight, but now that you've called it fruitless, people easily persuaded...

Where exactly do you stand on the matter?

My stance on the subject is simply enough; I strive for order, and through order, peace.

[ he says reasonably enough, in a tone that makes it sound as if it's the most natural thing in the world ]

If such a goal requires a call to arms, then I will take up my sword to meet it.

[It does sound reasonable, natural, and....even the last part as well. But he doesn't mention who would have to do the calling, and under what circumstances.

So Bryn simply nods, not wanting to engage further on that subject at least, not when she's still too new to the situation to speak on it in an informed manner.]

A respectable position. Could never quite master a sword as well as I would have liked, however.

[Deflecting onto another subject? You bet.]

[This one probably had better be watched.]

I am familiar with the city. And what politics can be said to be had. On the correct side of the law.

Oh, good. I do prefer to tread on the proper side of the law.

[ sarcasm? truth? or perhaps a mix of the two? it's hard to tell, before he abruptly changes tack ]

Are you currently free?

[Damian's nostrils flare for a moment, but he nods. He did offer.]

Yes. Which sector of the city should I pick you up from?

[This is interesting. There haven't been many cases of people leaving, returning and not having any memory of having been here, but this is definitely one of those times. Last time it was an offer to be a courier. This time it's an expectation of information.]

Hi, Mr. Kenway. I'm Doctor Reid. I can probably help.

[ the perfect explanation is that he hasn't had his daily cup of ovaltine yet ]

As a guide, I assume? Or do you mean to simply provide information?

The latter would be a more efficient use of both our times than the former. I'm not unfamiliar with the city, but I've been here for approximately 159 hours, and it has roughly the same area as Vancouver, British Columbia.

[He's studied urban maps, of course, but how often are those 100 percent accurate?]

Perhaps, but I find there's much you can learn only on foot— by immersing completely in the city, and by meeting it's inhabitants in person.

[ and the only way to achieve synchronization ]

159 hours: that's quite exact.

Mm. I don't disagree.

[He's not really a 'walk around the city and learn it' sort of guy when he can memorize a map in one blink, but knowing things on the ground floor level is invaluable at times.]

I could be more precise if necessary, but I find most people don't require specificities.

[ Curious, that he seemed to be entirely unmindful of the fact that he was here before. Albel only hopes that the introduction was this coot's idea of a good joke. ]

You don't appear to be that much of an old bastard, to lose your memory in nothing flat.

The only thing sharper than my memory is the point of my sword. If there's something I've overlooked, you're most welcome to direct me towards it.

[ SO UNAMUSED AT BEING CALLED AN OLD COOT. ]

[ You're talking to a man who has used the phrase, "The only point is at the end of my sword, fool." Probably on more than once occasion.]

O, but that depends. Would you accept the word of one who told you that another was masquerading as yourself, in your likeness, with your name?

[ Worse than 'you're adopted?' You decide. ]

[ okay that got his attention, damnit. but he's not one to ask, so he comments as cooly as you please... ]

I fail to see why anyone here [ 'here', with added emphasis ] would want to masquerade as someone as new as myself.

No enemies or conspirators to speak of, eh?

[ Hard to believe. ]

Hn. It's none of my concern. Though this can't help but call attention to the natives. No use to crack down on the few lousy merchants, I've found. Their maggot lips are sealed.

[ Albel Nox: Nominee for Most Helpful and Intuitive. Now, he'd be lying to say he didn't had a few questions of his own. Strange and near-impossible phenomena have grown to ferocious proportions as of late... Replicas very well could be the icing on the cake. ]

And how reliable do you find this native population?

I have very little reason to doubt them.

That being said, I would rather form my own opinions about this place, rather than believing the welcome committee entirely.

An intelligent approach. Things are not quite what they seem here, and not nearly so simple.

Most of the time when things appear simple, something has been overlooked. I dare say the overlooked is quite obvious in this case.

Spoken from experience, undoubtedly!

I would be most interested in your continued perceptions of this place, if you would be so kind to indulge.

[Eaux, you again.]

I fail to see how this relates to being a courier.

[She sounds. Mildly amused, so to speak.]

Ah, but one must be highly familiar with his surroundings to be an efficient courier.

[ he still has no idea why people continually mention this courier business, however. ]

I did not say you were a successful courier.

[She snorts.]

You are new. I am Aisha. I would say 'welcome' but I would not mean it, not to this place.

Aisha. Arabic in origin, I believe?

[ when you have a weird name like Haytham instead of something quintessentially British, you tend to notice these sort of things ]

And if I've lost a package in transit, I do apologize. Incompetence is unforgivable, but there seems to be a slight disconnect between my memory and that of everyone else.

Yes, 'Haytham'.

[Arabic name bros or something idek.]

A version of you was here before. Briefly. That is all. It is not your memory at fault.

I am not yet intimately familiar with the politics of Tu Vishan, monsieur Kenway, but I am making it my goal to be. Perhaps we might share our knowledge?

[Hello there, well-spoken English gentleman of an earlier era.]

Good afternoon, Mr Kenway. I am afraid my familiarity with the city and its politics cannot be described as anything but "passing" thus far, but greetings all the same. Lord Henry Wotton, at your service.

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Uh... I'll try to not be this slow... switch to action or handwave?

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