spellbinders | [JANUARY INTRO LOG

[JANUARY INTRO LOG | WORLD TWO]

Who: All coven members, especially new folk!
Where: In and around the new world’s apartment building where the coven is staying, as well as the rest of Shehui
When: Day 160
Open/Closed: Open to All
IMPORTANT: While some prompts are newbie exclusive, all characters can tag this intro log!

How did you get into this building? This apartment room? What the fuck is going on? Let's refer back to this page for a semi in-depth, wow so detailed, explanation of your current situation. You'll also have a letter slipped under your door with some explanation about your whole coven situation, as well as info that explains you have magic now! And yet what kind of magic is conveniently left out.

Are you up to speed? Great.

Now, here's the question of the hour: what are you going to do about all this?

your flower will be decided

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ These words, much like their entire conversation, rings of something he had voiced before. Not just for the situation they've been placed in, but also on a deeper level of principle. It's enough to make him stop walking and turn around to face Jusis, giving him another look of appraisal from head to toe.

There really is too much similarity between them. It's a little unsettling, but it also leaves him with a clear direction of what to do. History, even if only obliquely similar, must not be allowed to repeat itself. ]

Don't worry about it. Let me help you. I was in your position, once.

[ He closes his eyes for a moment, and in that instant a brief memory slips through his guard - a field of lush green and white trees beneath a blue, untainted sky. ]

How old are you?

Edited (bwuh grammar) 2018-01-11 07:22 (UTC)

[ jusis has to stop himself from nearly bumping into julius—lost in thoughts, as they say. at first, he worries, realizing how far he's slipped out of his usual composure. he can't imagine he seems particularly capable in this state, and he would hate for it to be the first impression he makes—

but that's a much more pleasant response than he anticipated, all things considered. ]

I— [ jusis shuts his eyes, too, but it's because he's biting back his reflexive desire to say something about how he doesn't need the help. ] I'm eighteen. Why?

[ Eighteen.

Sure, Julius was not so confident in himself at that age, but there was the same pursuit of a best, correct plan present. He would have about the same response if placed into this situation. The events two years later would be what changed him, but that's hardly an experience to foist on someone else.

What should he do? ]

... you remind me of someone. [ Right, let this half-truth be a convenient vector for his concern. ] They worked alone to help others, and befell an uncertain fate. I would not let the same happen to you.

[ Uncertain is what he says, but the brief sadness in his eyes suggest otherwise. ]

Edited 2018-01-11 16:52 (UTC)

[ this ... is clearly a personal matter for julius. and, honestly, it feels like a statement that should be directed to rean more than it should be directed at him—jusis had a similar conversation in reverse one night in bareahard, as he recalls ...

it's ... complicated. it's not that he can't rely on others—he would be an awful classmate if he couldn't—but he's a man who loves his boundaries, if nothing else. ]

Like I said, I have no intention of dying here. [ no uncertain fates for him, thanks. ] I know rushing into things alone is a fool's errand. While it pains me to hear about your acquaintance, I assure you I'm more than aware of the merits of teamwork.

[ in the practical sense. ]

Your concern is appreciated but misplaced, Mr. Visconti.

[ jusis shines on the defensive. ]

[ He wants to believe this is true. Maybe the fact that they just met is instilling doubt in his mind, but it's a worry that he still can't shake. There would always be unforeseen dangers that cannot be rectified by one man alone, and Jusis is by himself here.

But it wouldn't help the young man if he voiced his own (now possibly irrelevant) concerns, so he'll compose himself instantly and give a nod. ]

I understand. [ Best carry his past alone than burden it on others. A fear of death not of himself, but of others. ] I just worry too much...

[ BUT ANYWAY!! ]

We should be almost there. [ Two guys walking down the street in complete silence. Good thing no one else is around to find it strange. ]

Edited 2018-01-12 03:21 (UTC)

[ what kind of run-down back alley did they end up in to have all this privacy ... jusis is grateful for it, anyway.

he's relieved that the issue isn't pressed further, but he feels like he should qualify his statements after being asked about his age. he offers a reassuring, confident smile. ]

I'm a military academy student. I've spent most of the past year dealing with strange and dangerous occurrences alongside my classmates, so I swear I was just caught off-guard.

[ there are plenty of people with less training and experience who would need julius' concern more. ]

If you must worry, I'm sure there are others who are in a worse position than I am.

[ It's snowing and no one wants to leave the comfort of their home!! Maybe... ]

Yes, of course.

[ In a way, Jusis is more confident than him. Perhaps more capable, if he wasn't so weighed down by his past. ]

From what I've heard, you may be expected to share a sleeping room with other people. However, most of those here are generally respectful of privacy. If it's an issue, you could only return here to rest and be out for the rest of the time.

[ That's what he's planning on doing, especially since extended sleep inadvertently comes with nightmares and it's not something he'll subject others to via telepathy. ]

[ if jusis didn't appear confident, the other erebonian nobility would eat him alive. probably not necessary for everyday interactions, but better than seeming like an easy target. ]

I wouldn't call either option appealing. [ this city is too advanced for erebonia; the culture shock is less, but still there. ] Judging from where I met you, I take it you're not a fan of our living quarters, either.

[ there's not anything ... technically wrong with them, but he would classify the apartment as shelter at best. nothing comforting or homely about it. ]

[ Therein lies the difference between them. Julius' confidence is quiet, and if anything his mother would have eaten those who tried to hurt him.

Look where that got him, though. ]

If I may be frank, it feels more as a prison than anything else. [ Especially with how the coven is now being hunted. ] It might be better for us if we spend less time there, to draw less suspicion to ourselves.

[ jusis' mother would have done the (metaphorical) same based on what he remembers of her, but they probably shouldn't talk about mothers. ]

My thoughts exactly. [ a pause. ] I admit I don't know much about the circumstances, but I find it disconcerting the coven drew such a large target on its back. I can't imagine our work here will get any easier in this state.

[ subterfuge is not their strong point, huh. that probably comes out with some condescension. ]

[ Julius has his own workaround, but that's hardly something that benefits the rest of them. ]

This is the hand dealt to us. We must persevere regardless.

[ He's careful to keep his own disappointment from their link, however. ]

[ jusis stalls on the response for a couple of moments. for what must be the third or fourth time now, he gets another look at julius. still nothing quite out of the ordinary about him, but he gets the impression this is someone who goes beyond levelheaded. still softer than most of his experiences with military, so maybe closer to a bracer.

definitely someone jusis wants to keep his eye on.

his response is ... quieter, without an edge. ]

Of course. If I may, how old are you, sir?

[ age isn't quite experience, and he would know that, but he's curious. ]

Edited (html) 2018-01-14 18:04 (UTC)

[ How old is he? It's a good question, actually. There's a part of him that wants to not answer the question, a reminder of his past and how useless he has been, twenty years wasted... but that would be running away from things, and he has resolved to end this habit.

Look where it got him. ]

... Twenty, the last I checked. [ Time passes weirdly in the Tree, and here as well. ] 'tis a sign of lacking wisdom, I'm sure.

[ - self-deprecation, not anything leveled at Jusis specifically. ]

[ only two years his senior. he can't help but pick at the potential reasons julius might come off the way he does, but he ultimately feels it's not his place to ask, especially after rejecting his kindness earlier.

instead: ]

You would be surprised. I've seen men far beyond your years act with less grace in better situations.

[ is he thinking of his father? who can say. this time, he, too, keeps his tone carefully even. ]

[ The first thing that crosses his mind is: is it ever enough?

- But enough of these thoughts. He'll only nod his agreement. ]

There is still much I can learn from those here, and from you. [ So he wouldn't sound arrogant after all the help he had offered.

Two can play at this 'everything is totally fine' game. ]

[ julius sounding arrogant hadn't even crossed his mind; he offered help to someone who was clearly, if shamefully, in distress, which is noble.

on the other hand, jusis can't help but feel a little guilty in retrospect. he didn't mean to come off as arrogant, either, though that tends to be what he ends up sounding like anyway. what might bother him more is how utterly modest julius is. he almost, almost wants to call him on it—but he did mention a friend with an uncertain fate, so he thinks that might be too callous. ]

Good. Awareness of your limits is a boon. So is awareness of your accomplishments.

[ moderation is key, as they say. ]

You seem capable enough without downplaying your experience.

[ he did say he could learn from jusis, right? the boy is prone to speaking his mind as long as it concerns anyone but himself. ]

[ With each step, a man may slowly begin to undo the disaster he has left in his wake. He doubts anyone else will ever understand this, so it's something that he keeps to himself. A boy who was convinced that his trained preparation would be perfect, a man who wanted to save those doomed to certain death... only to fell them by his own hands.

With each step, he may slowly atone. Even if it takes a thousand years, he will not leave anyone in need. His curse would not let him die. ]

You would think so?

[ Still, it feels undeserving. ]

Thank you.

Edited 2018-01-15 16:15 (UTC)

[ okay, maybe that's genuine self-deprecation. that, or julius learned false humility with the best of them. he does what he can not to groan in julius' general direction. ]

Your self-restraint would put most people I know to shame. Your overview of the situation was clear and concise, and your approach going forward is sound. You offered your assistance to a stranger without being prompted, and then again. I know nothing of your prior circumstances and can hardly offer a moral judgment, but you do seem, at the very least, capable.

[ it's not praise; he's just stating his observations. ]

In that respect, I would consider myself fortunate to have run into you, and I would like to rely upon you in the future.

[ this probably isn't even the most roundabout way he could have established that he finds him respectable. ]

[ Hearing all of it so plainly feels a little like he's being reprimanded, though all of Jusis' words are true and thus he's deserving of the scolding. There isn't much to reply with, except a nod. ]

Thank you. [ A pause. ] I apologize. I am not used to such things.

[ Working alone, and now in a different world - it's become difficult to judge himself. ]

[ jusis is too familiar with the value of pride and self-confidence not to comment on it. the fact it turned into something closer to a lecture is entirely unintentional, but he's glad it ... worked? ]

Many people aren't. [ he takes a moment to consider if he really wants to say this. ] Others will doubtlessly try to discredit you, Mr. Visconti. You hardly need to do their job for them.

[ ... he doesn't usually shy away from voicing his opinions, but they only just met and he really doesn't know anything about julius, so, immediately after, a tad sheepish: ]

Forgive me if I've spoken out of turn. I think I recognize this street ... The apartment's down the block, isn't it?

[ Jusis is sharp, it reminds him of how Gilbert used to try and discourage him from taking up more work. In this way, it brings a slight smile to his half-tiredness. ]

You have not. I have merely been without another to tell me what I could not see.

[ But enough of that - he switches to voice now, his tone quiet. ]

We're almost there. Did you perchance receive a room assignment?

[ he's kind of relieved to be free of telepathy, but he's going to have to get used to it sooner or later if he's going to stay here. ]

I—[ a second to switch gears, shutting his eyes in frustration. ] I did. The rate at which they file paperwork here must be incredible.

[ probably helps they're not using real papers, but damn. ]

[ Makes it all the more suspicious that they claim to use no magic, really... ]

I assumed it was digital.

[ They've already migrated to tablets in where he's from. ]

I'm sure it is, but they'd still need to approach a new residency through proper channels. I suppose the process would be expedited significantly by merit of instant communication.

[ truly, the future where he gets to digitally process his paperwork is a future he dreams of.

just a little grouchy: ]

It certainly helps they didn't have to ask for my input on where to place me. I'm sure our shared housing is coincidental.

[ more like a prison indeed. ]

I'm of the impression that they care more about the whole than any individual.

[ If order is too perfect, then there must be a price. ]

If anything, I'll be within reach in case anything happens.

[ This is said calmly - it's a fact, and instead of becoming anxious he could instead start making preparations. ]

Did you bring any personal effects with you here?

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i like how done he is in that icon

i feel like half of his expressions are just a sliding scale of done ... child

3done5life this man needs a break

i honestly can't tell if we're talking about julius or jusis anymore

both. how about both

It is both. someone teach them how to chill

they need intervention... from someone like okuni, maybe??!

as long as she takes it easy on jusis ... he's so easy to goad

UNFORTUNATELY SHE'S GOOD AT GOADING........