or as i like to call it . . . treesearch!

[rebells]

Who: Jay and Haru
Where: the library (probably), and perhaps other places
When: forward-dated to 8/3 | Day 27
Open/Closed: closedish (PM if you'd like to run into them)



[It's a slow day today; the Palai have lost some of their fervor when dealing with the coven, and perhaps for the coven, the novelty is wearing off as well. They still haven't gotten any information about what, if anything, they're meant to be doing in this place. There's not much to do except exploring and helping the Palai prepare for the raids they're sure are coming, but even then, there are moments of downtime.

Maybe that's why Haru gets a telepathic message one morning. The voice makes no attempt to introduce itself, but is recognizable as Jay, if she's the type to remember voices.]

I don't know that we'll find much of use here, but if you have some free time, we could see if the Palai have any resources we could use to deal with the tree issue.

Comments

[rebells]

[He hums.]

What do you think we should do?

[mapsio]

Do something to be prepared, of course.

[rebells]

That's a good answer.

It's difficult to plan when we've been given so little information, but there are a few things we can do. Things like this, for example, and . . . .

[mapsio]

And, what? Unless you want me to come up with the "and". Personally I would get together some people and explore. We need to find answers no matter what.

[rebells]

People have been--a few groups have gone up to the island above. [He motions towards the sky.] I know people who are planning on getting a larger group up there.

[mapsio]

That's good. I've been exploring here and helping out where I can. Though even speaking with the palai I can't seem to gain much more information.

[rebells]

There are things they don't know about either, after all.

[He sighs.]

Which is all the more reason we ought to take it upon ourselves to find out.

[mapsio]

Then tell me how I can help?

[She's serious.]

The trees are important, but, this right now is far more important.

[rebells]

[He looks out into the marketplace, choosing his words carefully.]

At the moment, there are two major unresolved issues, I think. One is the barrier that's surrounding the island above us, preventing anyone from exploring within. The other is the raid that the Palai believe a warring species will conduct on them in a few days.

There's also the matter of Qri's larger purpose in bringing us together like this.

[mapsio]

The barrier makes me curious. I've thought about trying to remove it with my own barrier magic. Though I don't know whether my magic is limited to just myself or if it can control things that aren't my creation.

[She sighs.]

The raid has me nervous. We seemed to have arrived at just the right time for that.

[rebells]

It seems worth a try, at least. Mikleo or someone could probably take you up there. As for the raids . . . we might be doing something about that tomorrow.

[mapsio]

I will give it a try when someone can take me up there. I haven't seen it up close quite yet.

[She sighs, feeling a bit of pressure from this entire situation.]

What is your plan for the raids?

[rebells]

We want to mount an organized defense. I assume some of us are going to be attempting to protect the Palai anyway, so-- [He shrugs.] We might as well do it as well as possible.

Dirk and I are calling a meeting tomorrow to discuss our ideas. You're welcome to come, of course.

[mapsio]

i will come to that, no doubt about that.

[Haru seems determined.]

I want nothing more than to protect the Palai. I would have liked if this wasn't happening at all, the raid that is...

[rebells]

. . . You're a good person.

[There's a strange expression on his face, almost wistful.]

[mapsio]

What makes you say that?

[It's not that she's disagreeing. It's just... she isn't sure what to think of the statement.]

[rebells]

[There's no answer to give but the honest answer, but somehow that seems a little too revealing.]

You're always thinking about other people. Here, and back on the island.

[mapsio]

[.....well then.]

I just wanted to make sure everyone was okay.

[rebells]

[He shrugs, a little uncomfortable with this topic.]

There's no 'just' about it. Isn't that what makes a good person? Caring about the welfare of others?

[mapsio]

[It's not like she really thinks of herself as "good" or "bad". She's a Lady Thief, so...wouldn't she be morally ambiguous?]

If.....if that's what you think.

[rebells]

It's just how things are.

[mapsio]

I don't disbelieve you.

[A pause.]

I am glad there are people like you thinking about what can be done here.

[rebells]

. . . you don't have to thank me for acting in my own interests.

[mapsio]

Then you don't have to thank me for being who I am.