Charlie (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ophiuchusrising) wrote2024-10-15 04:07 pm
ophiuchusrising) wrote2024-10-15 04:07 pm
It's unclaimed as of now! If you want to work on it, that would be wonderful! Just please be sure to share your harvest amongst the people of Town and it's all yours!
Following a very illuminating Town Hall meeting, Gethen has elected to pay a visit to Charlie's office directly - after giving him some time to unwind, that is. He'd made sure to announce as much at the tail end of that gathering so that his arrival wouldn't be completely unanticipated, but he had neglected to offer a specific time. The Wayfinder doesn't exactly have the patience to make appointments.
He doesn't ring the bell right away; provided the front of the office is unmanned, he would take a moment to quietly poke around first, skim a book or two if there are any to be examined that he thinks may offer some historical insights, get a feel for the layout of the room. Gethen may not wholly distrust Charlie at the moment, but he is still a stranger in a strange land, at the mercy of someone he barely knows beyond a name. A bit of early recon is a force of habit in circumstances like these after so many ambushes and less savory encounters.
After a few short moments, though, he does indeed give the bell a single tap, perhaps a little harder than it's built for.
He doesn't ring the bell right away; provided the front of the office is unmanned, he would take a moment to quietly poke around first, skim a book or two if there are any to be examined that he thinks may offer some historical insights, get a feel for the layout of the room. Gethen may not wholly distrust Charlie at the moment, but he is still a stranger in a strange land, at the mercy of someone he barely knows beyond a name. A bit of early recon is a force of habit in circumstances like these after so many ambushes and less savory encounters.
After a few short moments, though, he does indeed give the bell a single tap, perhaps a little harder than it's built for.
The bell rings, and a loud thump can be heard followed by some soft and tame expletives before Charlie emerges with an armful of scrolls that he no doubt just haphazardly picked up from the floor.
"Oh! Gethen!" He smiles warmly, shuffling to set the scrolls aside and exit from behind the little desk area.
"Please, come in, take a seat and make yourself comfortable." He's already moving to put a kettle on the stove. It must be funny to see a being that claims to be a god do everything manually, but Charlie takes comfort in the familiar routine of doing things as he feels he was meant to lest he lose touch with the common man.
"Tell me- what kind of tea can I make for you? No doubt you have business, but business is best over tea."
"Oh! Gethen!" He smiles warmly, shuffling to set the scrolls aside and exit from behind the little desk area.
"Please, come in, take a seat and make yourself comfortable." He's already moving to put a kettle on the stove. It must be funny to see a being that claims to be a god do everything manually, but Charlie takes comfort in the familiar routine of doing things as he feels he was meant to lest he lose touch with the common man.
"Tell me- what kind of tea can I make for you? No doubt you have business, but business is best over tea."
That's...quite the entrance. It's enough for the Wayfinder to lift a hand half-heartedly, as if he might somehow help from several feet away with Charlie's unruly haul. Gethen is not, however, possessed of any telekinetic or otherwise far-reaching abilities that would be of any such use, so he lowers that hand soon enough and somewhat awkwardly clears his throat with a shallow bow.
He's not really sure why he went for a bow, a gesture commonly used in both the High Legions and Cantha, but there it is.
"Uh...green. Any green tea's fine, if you've got it, but you...thanks." Gethen does as he's told and eases into the nearest available seat, keeping his eyes fixed on his host in some baffled mix of wonder and concern. The remarkably mundane approach to this welcome isn't exactly surprising after the apprehensions he's observed during their few past encounters, but it's a bit more potent in this moment of relative privacy. A little nostalgic, even.
That wistful twinge delays the inevitable question just barely, but it comes all the same. Gethen expects deflection, but if his suspicions hold, he also knows the importance of the ritual. "Do you, uh...need any help with that? ...Those?"
He's not really sure why he went for a bow, a gesture commonly used in both the High Legions and Cantha, but there it is.
"Uh...green. Any green tea's fine, if you've got it, but you...thanks." Gethen does as he's told and eases into the nearest available seat, keeping his eyes fixed on his host in some baffled mix of wonder and concern. The remarkably mundane approach to this welcome isn't exactly surprising after the apprehensions he's observed during their few past encounters, but it's a bit more potent in this moment of relative privacy. A little nostalgic, even.
That wistful twinge delays the inevitable question just barely, but it comes all the same. Gethen expects deflection, but if his suspicions hold, he also knows the importance of the ritual. "Do you, uh...need any help with that? ...Those?"
Charlie's hands move delicately, fetching a small scuffed tin from the collection of many. The green tea leaves crisp between his fingers as he prepares a diffuser with a generous amount. A few slices of dried fruit are added to the pot to add a hint of their flavor as he pours the hot water into it, bringing it to the table. Once it's prepared, he pours a cup for each of them, setting a small pot of honey out in case it needs some sweetness. Half of that pot is poured into his own cup. A copious amount, but he seems intentional and satisfied with it.
"No, no. It's fine." Is the automatic response to the question. Something said without any real consideration if he does need help or not.
"Now, first and foremost, how do you fare? Are you comfortable here? If there is anything I can do, please let me know."
"No, no. It's fine." Is the automatic response to the question. Something said without any real consideration if he does need help or not.
"Now, first and foremost, how do you fare? Are you comfortable here? If there is anything I can do, please let me know."
The tea-making process is a comfort, one he hadn't quite realized he'd come to miss in the past year. He's content to quietly wait and watch, his own thoughts mirroring Charlie's steps as he recounts his own process out of habit.
The questions prompt an amused snort and a wry quirk of his lips, products of a lowered guard. "I'm here to discuss helping you," Gethen gently corrects, "but I've been alright. This is the warmest welcome I've gotten in....mm. A few years, at least."
Maybe that says more about Gethen's hardships than Charlie's hospitality, but he's genuinely impressed regardless. He picks up his cup - he'll pass on the honey, having had more than enough in his recent stay with the ursine Kodan - and studiously swirls its contents with a practiced hand.
"I'm thinking about trying some rituals. We seem to have a good number of casters around, different kinds, myself included. If we could round up the right components and the right information, we might have some serious power on our hands. We should be using it." He pauses for a placid sip and a moment to think. "The question is how."
The questions prompt an amused snort and a wry quirk of his lips, products of a lowered guard. "I'm here to discuss helping you," Gethen gently corrects, "but I've been alright. This is the warmest welcome I've gotten in....mm. A few years, at least."
Maybe that says more about Gethen's hardships than Charlie's hospitality, but he's genuinely impressed regardless. He picks up his cup - he'll pass on the honey, having had more than enough in his recent stay with the ursine Kodan - and studiously swirls its contents with a practiced hand.
"I'm thinking about trying some rituals. We seem to have a good number of casters around, different kinds, myself included. If we could round up the right components and the right information, we might have some serious power on our hands. We should be using it." He pauses for a placid sip and a moment to think. "The question is how."
A smile stretches across Charlie's tired face, and he sits back in his seat as he listens.
"Well, I would be a fool to dismiss an earnest offer to help. But how indeed."
He heaves in a breath, worrying at the edge of his cup with his finger. There is the deepest sense of helping, in simply bonding to the natural world.
"The best thing I think, would be to perform these rituals to an end of helping either residents of this town or the land on a whole. The further reaching the effort, the better." Placing his cup down, he moves to the shelves that line the back wall. Rifling through the bound tomes, he selects a generous stack.
"The most relevant practical uses of magic from this world can perhaps be woven into your own. Are you familiar with the basic schools of magic? Here are some that may be of interest to you." He starts placing the books, side by side on the able, listing them off.
"First, 'A Comprehensive Overview on Abjuration'. Protection magic, shielding, and repelling of threats. 'Divination Basics', fairly straightforward, communing and connecting with divine entities and wielding their power or blessings. 'Conjuration: An In-Depth Dive'. Conjuration involves the summoning of just about anything and anyone. 'An Introduction to Evocation'. The dealing of drawing on the raw magical energies available to you. There are of course, Enchantment, Illusion, Transmutation and Necromancy... but I find it hard to imagine those as immediately useful to your interests. Or simply too dangerous or unethical to promote, in the case of Necromancy."
He takes a long sip of his tea, collecting his thoughts.
"I would suggest beginning with a way to connect with the land. Improve the growth and yield of crops. Perhaps setting up some additional wards around Town. I have placed some myself, but you can never be too careful..."
"Well, I would be a fool to dismiss an earnest offer to help. But how indeed."
He heaves in a breath, worrying at the edge of his cup with his finger. There is the deepest sense of helping, in simply bonding to the natural world.
"The best thing I think, would be to perform these rituals to an end of helping either residents of this town or the land on a whole. The further reaching the effort, the better." Placing his cup down, he moves to the shelves that line the back wall. Rifling through the bound tomes, he selects a generous stack.
"The most relevant practical uses of magic from this world can perhaps be woven into your own. Are you familiar with the basic schools of magic? Here are some that may be of interest to you." He starts placing the books, side by side on the able, listing them off.
"First, 'A Comprehensive Overview on Abjuration'. Protection magic, shielding, and repelling of threats. 'Divination Basics', fairly straightforward, communing and connecting with divine entities and wielding their power or blessings. 'Conjuration: An In-Depth Dive'. Conjuration involves the summoning of just about anything and anyone. 'An Introduction to Evocation'. The dealing of drawing on the raw magical energies available to you. There are of course, Enchantment, Illusion, Transmutation and Necromancy... but I find it hard to imagine those as immediately useful to your interests. Or simply too dangerous or unethical to promote, in the case of Necromancy."
He takes a long sip of his tea, collecting his thoughts.
"I would suggest beginning with a way to connect with the land. Improve the growth and yield of crops. Perhaps setting up some additional wards around Town. I have placed some myself, but you can never be too careful..."
Some time after the Fae Festival is said and done, with the off-worlders arriving back into Town, a slight and cool breeze accompanies a certain wolf man's entrance into Charlie's office. Not that any of the mild dramatics are necessarily on purpose, it just comes with the territory.
A single finger tipped with a claw looking sharper and deadlier than anything that should belong to a mostly canine form, delicately taps the bell.
A single finger tipped with a claw looking sharper and deadlier than anything that should belong to a mostly canine form, delicately taps the bell.
[ There's a moment's pause, the sound of movement coming from the back room before Charlie emerges. He pauses, throwing on his usual friendly smile. ]
Ahh! I was wondering when I might get to chat with you.
Please, come in, have a seat. Tell me what I can do for you.
[ Charlie knows, after all, what he is. It's not hard to tell, even with powers diminished. Deities, demi-gods and avatars have a certain... scent. If it could even be called that. He moves toward the small kitchenette in the corner. ]
Would you care for some tea or coffee?
Ahh! I was wondering when I might get to chat with you.
Please, come in, have a seat. Tell me what I can do for you.
[ Charlie knows, after all, what he is. It's not hard to tell, even with powers diminished. Deities, demi-gods and avatars have a certain... scent. If it could even be called that. He moves toward the small kitchenette in the corner. ]
Would you care for some tea or coffee?
Being as observant as he is, it was only a matter of time before Elidibus makes his way to Charlie's office. Each and every time he has met their local deity the man has appeared practically dead on his feet. It's a bone-deep sort of exhaustion that Elidibus has seen more than once, has experienced it himself - and has also experienced the false smiles that Charlie gives. An attempt to dissuade others that aught is wrong.
But Elidibus knows. Themis knows.
How could he do anything but offer his aid? Though he knows naught of the extensiveness of Charlie's workings, he will attempt to help regardless. So he finds himself walking inside quietly, looking around at the interior before making his way to where the bell sits.
And presses it a single time.
But Elidibus knows. Themis knows.
How could he do anything but offer his aid? Though he knows naught of the extensiveness of Charlie's workings, he will attempt to help regardless. So he finds himself walking inside quietly, looking around at the interior before making his way to where the bell sits.
And presses it a single time.
The charr listens attentively as he gives each tome a cursory inspection. There's a moment of pause on the ethics of necromancy, but only subtly so and quickly discarded. Different experiences, he expects, and different worlds to boot. What is more apparent is the quiet enthusiasm that takes Gethen at the subject of bonding with the land. It's not a surprise after what he heard at Town Hall, but he's glad to be gutting to the chase.
"Connecting with the land is one of my specialties. Before I ended up here, I'd been in training with-" He pauses upon glimpsing a familiar term in one of the books, not a central topic, but one the author saw fit to mention. "Druids. There are druids here?"
"Connecting with the land is one of my specialties. Before I ended up here, I'd been in training with-" He pauses upon glimpsing a familiar term in one of the books, not a central topic, but one the author saw fit to mention. "Druids. There are druids here?"
My apologies for becoming so... caught up. I've had my fun for now.
[Taking at least a month out of his indefinite 'vacation' was perhaps too indulgent for just settling into the land. But it is what it is.]
A coffee would be acceptable. [Then Death sits and he's straight to the point.] Really, I believe I should be asking you that... What can I do for you that is or... could be uniquely within my capabilities?
[Taking at least a month out of his indefinite 'vacation' was perhaps too indulgent for just settling into the land. But it is what it is.]
A coffee would be acceptable. [Then Death sits and he's straight to the point.] Really, I believe I should be asking you that... What can I do for you that is or... could be uniquely within my capabilities?
Hidden? I suppose I never intended to... merely that I am of a different sort. I have very little to offer unfortunately, outside of making what resources I have available to you.
That and... it's fairly common knowledge here, it's easy to forget.
[ He is being truthful, but there are more reasons than only that. ]
That and... it's fairly common knowledge here, it's easy to forget.
[ He is being truthful, but there are more reasons than only that. ]
No need to apologize. Everything has been rather hectic after all.
One coffee coming up.
[ He goes about brewing a nice stiff dark blend. ]
Well. You need not be expected to do anything beyond what is asked of anyone here. However, if you wish to help...
I suppose death is the other end of life. I am... new to this. I could perhaps use some guidance on keeping a correct balance. Right now though, I am more concerned about keeping everyone in this town alive. We have some reckless types, to be blunt.
One coffee coming up.
[ He goes about brewing a nice stiff dark blend. ]
Well. You need not be expected to do anything beyond what is asked of anyone here. However, if you wish to help...
I suppose death is the other end of life. I am... new to this. I could perhaps use some guidance on keeping a correct balance. Right now though, I am more concerned about keeping everyone in this town alive. We have some reckless types, to be blunt.
[There's all kinds of little thoughtful doodles all up and down the margin of this. Spirals. A daisy. A snake eating a different daisy. All very cartoonish.]
Not the 'lesser' dragons as we have met, nor the ones we are becoming? As far as I know we have only been introduced to the idea of three kinds, the last also the most recent.
If there is in your library other such common knowledge information that beings from other planet have no way of knowing, would you be willing to point out which specific books should be read?
Or is it more akin to looking up a chocobo in the dictionary and the writing beside it is 'you know what a chocobo is'.
Not the 'lesser' dragons as we have met, nor the ones we are becoming? As far as I know we have only been introduced to the idea of three kinds, the last also the most recent.
If there is in your library other such common knowledge information that beings from other planet have no way of knowing, would you be willing to point out which specific books should be read?
Or is it more akin to looking up a chocobo in the dictionary and the writing beside it is 'you know what a chocobo is'.
I'm aware. This was my own error.
Yes, I am... of celestial heritage. The kind I spoke of in the story I told.
There are the Celestials, True Dragons and Lesser Dragons.
Celestials are the stars above, given form.
True Dragons are of the heritage that Methuselah created with his own hand.
Lesser Dragons are the result of mixing bloodlines and breeding outside species.
Yes, I am... of celestial heritage. The kind I spoke of in the story I told.
There are the Celestials, True Dragons and Lesser Dragons.
Celestials are the stars above, given form.
True Dragons are of the heritage that Methuselah created with his own hand.
Lesser Dragons are the result of mixing bloodlines and breeding outside species.
Edited 2024-12-05 23:07 (UTC)
[ OH the discomfort. He won't deny him though. ]
White-gold.
Plasma.
White-gold.
Plasma.
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