tushanshu | (no subject)

[ 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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[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.]

(no subject)

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