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Odysseus definitely doesn't know how to use a phone, much less what it is-- that isn't just being unfamiliar with a new model. But Badou isn't going to bring it up, or if he is, he'll be subtle. No reason to make him feel bad!
"Way useful, but also useless as hell too...spend lots of time on it, worthless time."
Doomscrolling. He hopes he doesn't discover that. "No, they probably don't need these, but maybe they do so they don't overexert whatever magic or power they use for everything else."
He's definitely going to have to do some experimenting with this thing. Fortunately, it's not too hard to figure out how to turn it on-- somehow, all he needs to do is hold his finger over the button, and the screen lights up and changes to some sort of table that he can then drag around.
For a moment, he amuses himself by doing that, dragging the icons back and forth to cycle through them. Communication, archives... since it's a device with multiple uses, maybe each one of those little boxes has a different function.
But that's to figure out later.
If only Penelope were here, he'd show this thing to her, they'd figure it out together...
And then that wistfulness is back in his gaze, and he lets the screen turn dark.
"I guess there's no real way to find out," he shrugs. "You said they don't usually pay much attention to us anyway. Maybe... it's not so bad, and they're not actually watching our every move."
It definitely doesn't sound like he believes that.
Not a prison, Donald had said... and yet, it really does feel like one. Brought here against their wills, monitored, not given more than the most basic knowledge about the situation...
He shuts his eyes. At least, if nothing else, the buzz of the alcohol has dampened the raging anxiety and endless urgency coursing through his veins. Maybe he'll be able to sleep tonight... that is, once he's sure he can stand properly. That stuff really is strong. Fortunately, Odysseus is a good pretender, and he's decently kept his wits about him. Clearly, he'll have to be careful in this place, because even things like this are completely different from what he's used to.
A sigh escapes, and he pushes the now-empty glass back across the bar. "Well... I'm going to keep looking for a way out of here," he announces. "You'll be the first to know if I find anything-- how's that for a deal?"
Ah yeah. Poor guy was having his whole concept of reality shattered. Maybe Donald was a bit too young when all of this sort of multi-dimensional stuff was introduced to him. But he got used to it pretty quick. ( or maybe he was numb to it. It was hard to say. )
Definitely a fantasy type here. Rationalizing with gods and such, when really these were forces that were much bigger than that. Being able to pull from so many kinds of worlds ... man it made him existential just thinking about it.
Well, that wasn't the point. Right now this guy needed some help, and Donald was here to help him. He'd give him space to breathe and room to think. There was a lot to take in, and even more to do.
[ Ah man. It's rough when you've got a pantheon ruffling your tail feathers. ] His family has had his fair share of encounters with gods. Some of them are more favorable than others. But gods were a particularly difficult breed to reason with.
[ I don't think it's a prison. ] He pondered. Granted, it felt like a prison considering they couldn't leave. But they weren't exactly in chains or anything like that. [ More like ... this world is in trouble and called upon people from legends to help 'em out. Or so I've heard from the stories. ]
To tell the truth, Odysseus is still reeling from all of this. Thinking about how he got here, his last memories before his lungs filled with water and his consciousness faded away, makes him feel nauseous, but thinking about all of this madness, being pulled beyond the world itself makes him sick with dread as well.
He's definitely going to take that moment, just to process it... if this is even something that can be processed.
They'd been so close... so close...
"Ha... damn it," he mutters under his breath, calloused fingers threading through dark hair streaked with silver. "You could say that again."
It seems like no matter what he does, he can't help but pick up one divine grudge after another, and he doesn't even have divine assistance to counter it anymore... but does that really matter here? If they're beyond the world itself...
"So... this world. Those Guardians, the being that was there when I arrived... they dragged us here for some purpose, to be their heroes..." he turns the duck's words over in his mind, expression turning contemplative once the initial shock passes. "You know, I can believe that much."
After all... what are mortals, if not playthings for the divine?
Odysseus shuts his eyes, then opens them again-- he's more than a little exhausted, and in pain, and honestly could probably pass out here and now if he let himself, but he's not about to do that. What sort of nightmares would consume his mind if he did?
Instead, he gives the other a tired glance. "So... we're just supposed to sit around here until they figure out what to do with us... and then maybe they'll let us go home... right?"
Please... just one bit of hope. That's all he needs-- something to hold onto, to keep him from sinking down into the bottomless abyss of despair.
Luna smiles. It's timid and small, but she's thankful that he says that. She'd like to stay here for as long as the Guardians will allow her. She really liked this place, but even she knows not everything is permanent. Not even this sleeping spirit inside of her.
"Oh, shouldn't...." don't think she's completely forgotten about the subtle looks of pain from the guy. She noticed, but he surely didn't plan on getting it checked did he?
"Before we do....did you want to get looked over?" It didnt hurt to ask though, "I'll come with you and then we can go get something? You can't enjoy a Cafe if you're in discomfort or pain."
Odysseus waves a hand, tilting his head with a nonchalant expression-- at least, as nonchalant as a man who looks like he's been through hell and back can appear. Still... appearances don't always tell the truth.
He's been through hell, but not back yet.
"Really, you don't need to worry about it," he insists. "I've already taken care of it... as much as it can be taken care of. I just overexerted myself a little. I'm alright now."
Truth be told, while he's happy to poke around in this new world and figure out its technologies and inventions, the thought of being vulnerable enough to get medical attention here... it's a little nerve-wracking, especially for someone as on guard as he is right now.
He's well used to discomfort, anyway.
"Thank you, though," he adds as an afterthought. "It's nice to feel cared about, wouldn't you say?"
festival plotter & starter call ——— ※ HEARTHS RISING (2024)
like this post for a hearths rising starter from odysseus-- cap at 2, with castmates exempt. please specify in replies if you have an event preference!
where he can be found:
yule log hunting - now that he's properly armed, odysseus might be willing to help fend off the wildlife-- for the right price, of course, be it in keys, information, or maybe just to form valuable connections. he'll also be sending his wish to go back home into the fire's flames-- if these wishes are supposed to come true, then it's at least worth a shot.
krystal count - as unhappy as he might be about the entire being-here situation, odysseus is nothing if not opportunistic-- he isn't going to say no to a free voucher, so naturally he's going to be finding all these stars. he might even end up having a bit of fun doing it, too.
tinker town - easiest place to find odysseus by far. he'll be taking a look at all the inventions, or otherwise might be spotted hanging out in trivium square making a copious number of wood-carved figurines just to give his hands something to do-- which he's more than happy to gift to anyone who wants them.
starlight soiree - even though he's still not in much of a festive spirit, he's slowly, reluctantly, beginning to settle in, and might hang out downtown from time to time if only to try the foods and watch the entertainment. he'll be slightly less depressed about it than he was during yestereve harvest-- but there will still be a general odd air of melancholy hanging around him.
a quarter year has passed since odysseus arrived in aevum, and no closer to leaving than he was when he started, he's finally beginning to accept this-- at least to some small degree. though he's far from content enough for any kind of genuine celebration, he's willing to accept a bit of levity... and to watch the meteor showers, wishing desperately to be reunited with his loved ones. despite his gradual acclimation, though, there's no denying that odysseus is haunted by both his past and the distance-- and with plenty of things he is as of yet unwilling to confront, he may find himself in the sights of the dwyrnøkk.
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Throughout the month of DECEMBER is HEARTHS RISING, a festival celebrating truth, unity, and new beginnings. Although the isles are blanketed in snow and carry the cold of the northern winds, residents of Arcanus City can be found gathering from Fanalea to the shores of the Lunar Seas.
Please refer to the ARCANUS ISLE COMPENDIUM for creature and plant references.
OVERVIEW:
Hearthfire Night.
Hearthfire Night is celebrated on the twenty-first (21st) night of December, with festivities and preparations for Hearthfire Night starting as early as the thirteenth (13th), and celebrations ending on the eve of the new year.
As Hearthfire Night is an occasion for loved ones to get together and share food, stories, and spend quality time together under one roof. Presents are usually traded amongst gatherings during the late evening after dinners have finished. Anything and everything from clothes, toys, tools, and so on.
Many shops in the Central District promote holiday sales, and the Waystone Tavern has a holiday specialty called “Toasted Perlberry Rum'', a velvety drink made of cream, butter, dark brown sugar, perlberry rum, and spices.
Celebration of Falling Stars.
Takes place towards the end of the month, from the 17th - 31st of December.
Meteor showers begin to light the night sky from 7PM EST - 4AM EST, leaving blazing trails in their wake.
Legend says that these stars carry all wishes made upon them across time and space, even to the realms beyond Aevum. As such, it is customary to watch the meteor showers and make wishes with friends and family. Some may even hold small ceremonies and give offerings to commemorate old friends who have come and gone.
NOTE:
For the month of December: the Aevum Marketplace will allow all members ONE (1) free MARKETPLACE ITEM between 150-300 EMBLEMS.
Purchases will be processed during Dec. 17th-31st.
ACTIVITIES:
NOTE: Other activities such as caroling, parties, sledding, gift exchanges, tree decorating, snowball fights, and snowman making are all celebrated during Hearths Rising. For event participation, however, only interactions with the listed activities/areas and below legends will be considered valid.
FANALEA DISTRICT.
Yule Log Hunting
During the month of December, a single yule log is chosen by the residents of Vesper Town, Fanalea. Each resident then places their yule log in the fire pit at the center of the town square, where each morning the bonfire is burned, and the fire tended to throughout the day. As the fire burns, citizens of Arcanus Isle are encouraged to write their wishes down on small pieces of paper and toss them into the fire. By allowing their wishes or sentiments to return to Aevum through the ash and smoke, traditions often say that the wishes will come true.
The bonfire is tended to throughout the span of the month, and Echoes are encouraged to find and choose their own yule log for personal burning during Hearthfire Night.
Yule Logs are mostly characterized by the distinct knot upon their bark, creating a perfect swirl on the outside, and a silvery wood on the inside’s heartwood. The Yule Trees are the only non-pines to still flower in the winter, and are most often found in the densely wooded areas of the Fanalean Fields, with the larger, more grand logs being cut down from the Whispering Highlands.
But beware the Bramble Lunis of the Fields, and the Dire Wolves of the Highlands, for neither pack will allow you to chop down even a single branch of their trees so easily. What the Bramble Lunis lack in size, they make up for in the sheer numbers of their packs, and the natural camouflage of their pelts. Likewise, the Dire Wolves of the Whispering Highlands will sooner ensnare you in their enchanted vines and throw you from treetops before you fell a tree.
The Snowberry Harvest.
The Vespertown Farmlands are open during the afternoons of the early season. At this time, the farmers who work there allow volunteers to assist with the Snowberry Harvest. Baskets are given to all hands at the entrance, with the goal of the afternoon to pick as many snowberries as one can fit. These berries are scattered all across the Fanalean Fields and are characterized by their bright red coloring.
They are tart fruits that may stain one’s hands and mouth a cheery red upon consumption. Those who volunteer for the Harvest are allowed to take some of the snowberries home with them in a small mason jar. By the end of the season, the snowberries will often be crafted into jams, jellies, and work will have begun in the Honeyglow Meadery to create snowberry wine.
CLEARVIEW DISTRICT.
Hearth Dolls
As part of the upcoming preparations for Hearthfire Night, it is customary to create a “hearth doll”. This doll is a small depiction of one’s own self, and is no larger than the size of one’s hand. While these dolls can go anywhere in a household, they are customarily set safely above or nearby the fireplace out of harm's way. Tradition tells that the hearth dolls watch over their household diligently, taking care of the hearth and the burning yule logs. They keep bad omens out, and the spirit of Hearths Rising, in. These dolls were traditionally made of dried hay and twine, but have since evolved into small rag dolls made of cloth, stuffing and buttons.
In the Crystal Heights Mall, (specifically: the plaza and Mimsy’s) Echoes will find supplies to make their own hearth doll – or even create one to exchange with a loved one! The natives of Arcanus Isle are willing teachers, and for those who are not so artistically inclined, hearth dolls can be commissioned from Carousel Couture throughout the month.
Krystal Count
Every year, the staff of Crystal Heights Mall create something of a scavenger hunt. Thirteen shooting stars have been created, and hidden all across the mall in various locations. Taking a picture of each of these shooting stars, and showing them to a member of staff at the mall’s plaza, will award participants a free voucher to any one of the many shops throughout the three floors. (Even Antonitta’s.) These stars are incredibly well hidden, and sometimes require searching from strange angles.
It’s something of a bragging right to complete the Krystal Count every year, and the most avid counters will even stay overnight to find the ever-rumored, secret fourteenth star. (please see the Krystal Walker for more details.)
MERCHANT TOWN.
Tinker Town
Funded by the West and East towers, Arcanus Isle invites its residents to partake in various crafting opportunities. A multitude of crafts are offered throughout Trivium Square and Traverse Trove.
In Trivium Square, more mundane tasks can be fulfilled. Ornament making, gingerbread house crafting, wreath making and gift wrapping can all be done at Tinker Town. Some areas even allow for sleds to be crafted, and at the edges of Merchant Town, snow-men and igloo-building contests can be found. Hoarders will often be spotted scurrying around the stalls, stealing trinkets and items and escaping into the snow. Be careful! Lest the Hoarders find your keys and wallet before skittering away with your belongings while you’re working.
In Traverse Trove, various mechanics and alchemists of the city have gathered, and with them comes a wide variety of more sophisticated builds. Many of these unique treasures are created utilizing scrap junk from the city, and the more rare junk that descends from the multi-dimensional portals that occasionally open up overhead.
Steampunk trinkets and gadgets can be bought or hand-made. (e.g., a mechanical bird that can record and sound short 1-3 sentence messages, a small flower music box that opens petal by petal, etc.)
Small remote control robots can be rented out and dueled against one another for awards up to 1,000 keys.
It’s an inventor’s wildest dream come true!
THE LUNAR COAST
Lunar Voyage
Although the shores of the Lunar Coast see very few visitors this time of year, an eccentric seaman says that, for a small fee, he will offer a trip from the shore to the Arcus Cove and back again, for with the winter seasons a tradition of collecting fire gems from the Grotto is popular with the more adventurous sorts. Gifting the gems during Hearth Rising is said to bring the recipient protection and good luck. (These can be crafted into small pieces of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets.) It’s a symbol of great affection.
But, to find the grotto within the cave, an Echo must traverse the rocky winter seas and brave the cold descent into the caves.
Otherwise, an Echo may simply want to scale the side of the cove and pick the last Logus Fruit of the year. The temperamental crop can create a mischievous gift for friends and family members who prefer to create jokes for the holidays rather than share sentiment.
DOWNTOWN ARCANUS
The Starlight Soiree
Downtown Arcanus has been completely decorated for the holidays. Wreaths line the doors of shops, trees are covered in small ornaments, and twinkling lights are strung up to give the area a cozy, festive feel. Musicians play in duets and quartets throughout the streets, and hand-crafted stars mimicking the meteor showers are hung up almost everywhere you turn.
During the day, vendors of South Egg set up shop and pass out hot chocolate and eggnog to patrons or visitors passing through. The Arcanus Museum has worked alongside the Arcanus Archives to retrofit its halls in commemoration of various legends of the Isles. Its main attraction is the Legend of the Dwyrnøkk. It’s a largely informative showcase with a not-so-subtle message to not be a scrooge.
Arcanus University has decorated the entire campus grounds with lights, and during the evening allows all passersby to walk through the grounds to sight-see the various holiday decor. Generous Echoes can even give back the university for the experience by donating keys in small donation boxes across the campus.
In the south-western region of South Egg (beneath the gondola lift from Central District to Downtown Arcanus) is a massive skating rink across Shimmer Creek Lake. Looking over this rink is a large pine tree that has been decorated from top to bottom with ornaments and lights.
Residents 21+ can purchase spiked eggnog and other such spirits alongside their skating boots, with the lakeside bar open from afternoon until sundown.
The lake is open to skaters 24 hours, but is most active during the daytime. (Making a sneaky night time foray over the ice a perfectly viable option!)
NOTABLE LEGENDS:
Dwyrnøkk
This pale white horse only shows up during intense blizzards, snow storms, and thick fog during the winter. It can be most often spotted galloping over the rough ocean waves beyond the Whispering Highlands. However, it can also be spotted from Quill Pillar Shores and the Lunar Coast. Some accounts have even said the Dwyrnøkk has appeared deep in the Fanalean Fields, or around the Moonview Springs.
Those who have accounted for its witness say that it can only be spotted out of the corner of one’s eye. Getting a good look at this creature most often means that you are hiding from a truth, or otherwise not engaging with the spirit of Hearths Rising. The Dwyrnøkk is said to target people who are, in some way or another, estranged — be it by choice or by circumstance.
Some folktales and legends in the Aether Reserve say that the Dwyrnøkk will go after those who do not take part in the Hearths Rising activities, even going so far as to forcefully carry off and drown such naysayers. Other legends say that it will take you directly to the Pale Reapers who haunt the Passage of Masks in order to force the unfortunate soul to confront and come to terms with whatever the heart bids.
As such, it is seen as a bad omen. Especially upon repeat sightings.
The Frost Father
The entity known as The Frost Father was once an old shoe maker known as Old Man Jack, who lived deep in the mountains of Fanalea. Jack was well known for being outstandingly generous and jolly, always looking out for his neighbors and enacting a little bit of good everywhere he went. A surviving quote from the man’s journal from many centuries past states that he believed that “one good act always sparks another.”
After a violent storm overtook the Arcanus Isle, ravishing the land and leaving many families struggling to recuperate, Jack took it upon himself to bring a bit of cheer back to his neighbors and friends during the closely following winter. He worked to create clothes and new shoes for fathers and mothers, and created small dolls and wooden toys for young children seven days leading up to Hearthfire Night. According to historical accounts, it is often assumed that he was the originator of Hearth Dolls.
Jack continued this tradition for many years, working with winter owls and Frostlight Cerdae to deliver his gifts. It seemed that one year, though, when Jack was old and gray and withered, he completely disappeared. Not a trace was left behind as to his whereabouts, or a body found to announce his passing. But over the next few years, the Frostlight Cerdae continued to deliver gifts and bring people to lose things just the same as they always had. Thus it is said that the Frost Father can be found in a small cabin deep in the woods of the highlands, filled to the brim with toys and mechanical parts across his workshop.
The Frost Father’s Cabin
The cabin is well hidden in the snowy forests, but it CAN be found by watching carefully where the wind blows, and where the Frostlight Cerdae gather. Going inside the old cabin will allow young children, and those with high spirits, to meet the Frost Father. He may even give the Echos who find him a personalized gift, or request that they deliver one to someone who might need a bit of cheer.
Frostlight Cerdae
These antlered, deer like creatures all boast magnificent antlers coated in fresh down. Between the tines, dew covered vines reminiscent of willow tree branches, each with small frozen droplets of ice that glitter in the sunlight. These creatures are positively jovial and tend to be found in large fields and open spaces, skipping in groups together and bounding up to Echoes who linger around their herds for just long enough.
Should a traveler decide to make friends with the Frostlight Cerdae, these little deer will lead the Echo to small treasures found all across Aevum Isles: usually items that the Echo had misplaced, or to useful trinkets that the Echo just so happened to require for a project or a gift. If an Echo requires company, the Cerdae may lead an Echo who follows them to another lonely soul who needs a little bit of fun, or friendship that day.
The Frostlight Cerdae are said to be helpers of the Frost Father. They help him give gifts to everyone in the Isle.
"The ones that remember-- maybe. Like I said, I haven't talked to many-- and not about that situation."
Now he kind of regrets not being able to. His curiosity is rather charged up now. Maybe there's a reason why they're brought back, and their memories are-- question mark. But thanks to Odysseus Badou is now pointed in the right direction for next time.
He waits-- and then pauses.
"Oh, that's a phone. It's a communication device. You can also look up information on it from the internet. Everyone gets one when they get here-- it can definitely track where you are."
Well, there's still a lot to figure out, but at least for now this place is safe and comfortable enough. It's more than Odysseus could ask for-- probably the best possible outcome, aside from actually reaching the end of his journey.
The more they know the better-- and if he can get this guy interested in looking into things on his own, then that's just less work that Odysseus has to do for himself.
"Well... I guess that's just something to pay attention to, then," he nods his head.
As for the "phone..." he can't say he understood half of those terms, but he's absolutely going to pretend he did. Communication device makes sense, but it seems like it might also be some kind of archive? As for tracking... A multi-purpose tool then. Definitely something he should learn how to use... if he knew where to start.
Unfortunately, the last thing Odysseus wants is to appear ignorant, even when he genuinely is. For the majority of his life he's been the cleverest person around, and it's almost painful to be so out of his depth. "I see," he says, nodding thoughtfully. "So it's both something useful, and... well, I doubt that beings powerful enough to cut through worlds and bring us all here are going to need something like this to keep track of us."
I’d like to rank up Odysseus from EPIC: The Musical to Ardent please! My Stats Page can be found at /stats, and my threads can be found at /threads. Today is 11/22.
Your experiences have led you to deeper ties in this world. Young Echo, may you cherish them well.
Congrats! Your muse, ODYSSEUS has ranked up to Ardent Rank! You now have the following benefits:
I'd like to purchase the following standard-issue weapons for Odysseus from EPIC: The Musical:
Recurve Bow (with arrows)
Spear
Sword
Dagger
Emblems are /emblems, stats are /stats, and today is 11/22. Thanks!
Special items have been delivered to your home and placed in a mailbox that wasn’t there yesterday. The box, and the items both have your name on them.
Standard Issue Weapons x4
300 150 Emblems
You enter the doors of THE EMBERLIGHT FORGE. The bell chimes to announce your arrival, and heat buffets your face as you step inside.
Along the back wall, and locked within glass cabinets are various weapons of all stripes and sizes, and your are greeted by the Forgekeeper.
From the Forge, you can buy the following weapons. All are Steel-Tier and are NON-MAGICAL.
ORIGINAL EMBLEM BALANCE: 650
TRANSACTION: -600 Emblems (AEVUM ISLES ANNIVERSARY 50% OFF)
CURRENT EMBLEM BALANCE: 50
I'd like to redeem the following anniversary items for Odysseus from EPIC: The Musical:
M.I.M.I. Hologram
Deck of playing cards with deception rune
Thermos bottle with neverending rune
Today is 11/22. Thank you!
The following items can be added to your Muse's Stats Page!
ILLUSIONAL TOY (DECEPTION RUNE)
These toys can be found at Buster Barns Toys in the Crystal Heights Mall. While these toys may seem ordinary, each of them is enchanted with minor effects to give them some extra pizzaz. These playing cards, once played, will always shift to the winning hand.
ILLUSIONAL TOY (NEVER-ENDING RUNE)
These toys can be found at Buster Barns Toys in the Crystal Heights Mall. While these toys may seem ordinary, each of them is enchanted with minor effects to give them some extra pizzaz. This thermos will never run out of the drink that is first put into it.
M.I.M.I. HOLOGRAM
M.I.M.I. is the well-known virtual assistant of all Kiwi Electronics. While she typically can only be heard, East Tower Company has manufactured a holographic version of the beloved A.I. Now anyone can have a mini M.I.M.I. of their own!M.I.M.I. typically takes the appearance of a teal cat that follows nearby when she is activated. She cannot directly interact with the real world, but can interface with technology when instructed.
Thank you for being part of Aevum Isle's first year anniversary! :)
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I'd like to redeem a Forget-Me-Not Room Charm for Odysseus from EPIC: The Musical using the anniversary voucher. Today's date is 11/22. Thanks!
The following item can be added to your Muse's Stats Page!
FORGET-ME-NOT ROOM CHARM
250 Emblems Free!
A glowing, medium-sized charm no larger than the palm of your hand. When taken to your abode, this charm can cast a strong illusion across your room, transforming it into something more familiar to your Homeworld.This charm can’t be disrupted unless you turn it off, or change it!
ORIGINAL EMBLEM BALANCE: 650
TRANSACTION: FREE! *(AEVUM ISLES ANNIVERSARY VOUCHER)
CURRENT EMBLEM BALANCE: 650
Thank you for being part of Aevum Isle's first year anniversary! :)
Odysseus is nice, a decent man amid all the heavy grief that weighs him down. As awful as it is that he's here alone, maybe he can have a chance for a break. Steven wishes he could test the connection between this world and the others he knows; maybe he'd be able to determine how the time between worlds is affected.
It's a concern he has to put aside though. If his crew is out there looking for him, if Odysseus' family is waiting, it's something none of them can affect from here. Steven will just have to be more proactive about trying to wiggle his way out of this world so he can help the man get home.
He smiles up at the older man, accepting the hand on his shoulder easily.
"I just want to be me, power or no. It's better that way."
There's a seashell embedded in the sand by his foot and Steven digs it out, idly turning it around in his hands for something to focus on. It flips around his fingers like a coin, end over end.
"I never knew so much water could even exist. Well, I knew, but there's a difference between hearing about it, seeing some pictures once in a while, and actually seeing it. I'm no good at sailing, it makes me sick and storms are the worst thing ever. But underwater is probably my second favorite place to be." He tilts his head and grins. "Everyone needs at least one friend like that around. It's good to be grounded and realistic, but you have to have some optimism and good in your life too."
It's hard to relax, to put his worries aside, and Odysseus isn't even sure he'd want to if he could. It would feel far too much like a betrayal, he thinks. Still... it's nice not being alone.
"I guess so," he agrees with a nod. It makes sense-- if he had the choice between wielding the power of the gods and returning home to the life he'd been torn away from, he'd choose the latter in a heartbeat. "Just don't let the power go to your head, kid. Sometimes it's hard not to."
It's an easy-going warning as he leans back, propping himself on his hands in the sand. Though by now his injuries have mostly healed, he still gets tired quickly, and fighting with an octopus wasn't exactly a walk along the shoreline.
"Storms... yeah. I can agree with that," he says, a shadow passing across his brow as he looks out to the horizon, glittering crystal-clear in the sunlight. "When I was younger I was always excited to go off sailing on adventures, like my father... now, I've had enough of the ocean for the rest of my life."
The weather here has been pretty nice since he's arrived. Normally, he would have jumped into a boat and tried to sail in the direction of home, but... there wasn't a direction to sail in. All he could do was sit here on the shoreline and stare out across the endless sea, its calm swells and gentle breeze practically mocking him. His gaze only darkened further, an unmistakable grief washing over his features before he stifles it, closing his eyes and digging fingertips into the sand. "That friend of mine... he's dead now. And that philosophy of his ended up getting even more people killed."
Badou could be a hell of a lot more cutthroat if he'd wanted to-- but he isn't the type-- he finds he can't quite do it here, even to some of the people who arrive and are kind of assholes. Maybe it's pity, or empathy, or something. He's still hard boiled, by the way!!!
"That's a good enough place to start. If they stay put long enough, that is."
It's hard to make a plan in an unknown realm. That's why guys like Badou are good to meet-- guys who know a lot of things, from the integral to the insignificant, and who are willing to part with that information.
"You think they'll end up disappearing again?" Odysseus raises an eyebrow. He does wonder, too, why no one has said anything about their disappearance and return. It could just be that the ones who did just weren't very talkative. Still, he worries that it's a trail that leads to nowhere, that he'll just end up going in circles again.
"One more thing." Odysseus reaches into his pocket and pulls out the rectangular device he'd been given when he first showed up here, setting it down on the table. The top lights up, displaying numbers-- what he assumes might be the time-- floating over the image of a landscape. He's been wondering about this, what it is and how it works, ever since he started seeing the locals carrying them, tapping away on top of them or staring down at the illuminated surface. "Do you know what this is?"
˗ˏˋ 💜 」 —— nerve is a beautiful color , the strokes of a gall painted the demon's tongue to canines : please , don't tease me with a good time . for when humans dare threaten to match her energy , it feeds her desire to hunt -- to find someway to prove that even when she loses . . . she wins . because , humanity will always suffer from their own actions , and she'll always linger in the shadows where their hubris crumbles .
because it always will .
" well then , lucky me . " evelynn concedes , aggressive with her catch . claws lurch for the gentleman's shoulder , not settling for his exit . stilletto nails press a warning into his skin : you're not going anywhere . " i've found myself a catch . "
Danger senses that had sparked before lit up like torches within Odysseus mind, flashing a warning in the half-second before he feels the prick of nails through his shirt.
This means trouble.
He's unarmed, and though the woman hasn't revealed any kind of power... she doesn't seem like an Aercon. And most of the Echoes are something beyond mere mortals.
Potent anxiety and alarm lurches through Odysseus' stomach, an urge to escape, stayed only by the knowledge that beyond the boundaries of the casino were a network of darkened streets and alleys-- to attempt to flee might land him in worse trouble than before.
Still, he's not just going to let himself get manhandled either-- pressing his lips tightly together, he stops in his tracks, but neither does he fully yield. "Sorry, but I'm already taken," he snaps, then pauses. "What did you say your name was, again?"
"Mmm. I'm sorry." He feels that pain, keenly. He's grateful to have one of his three from home, at least. This fellow doesn't sound like he died getting here, so he was probably pulled away from his family.
There's some small comfort in knowing that he's dead. He knows he won't be going back to his kids in any way, so the distance hurts a little less. Only a very little, but it's something.
"You can die," he corrects. "You can be killed, shot, torn apart, stabbed, drowned, what have you. You just don't stay dead. I've heard some people see themselves for a bit after, like a ghost. Some people just black out. Some come back immediately, some take hours. But everyone shows back up at that crystal tower again. Sometimes you have scars, sometimes you're in one piece. You still suffer from the death, it's just not permanent." Best to correct any notion of total invulnerability before the other man decides to test it, or tries to rely on it. Dying still sucked, after all.
His head tilts as he listened to the man describe the place they found themselves in, only to then despair again. Clearly, he was taken away from his family, and Roberto could relate. At the very least, it sounded as though they were alive, just far away.
There was hope there, but was it the kind of hope that was poisonous or healing? Only tome could tell.
"Two of my kids are still back on our world," he says quietly. "Though one of them watched me die, so I imagine if she shows up here, it's going to be a whole thing with tears and clinging." He sounds dismissive, but his eyes are soft.
"I get it. I've lost my family twice now, I feel you. Walk with me, tell me about them?" There was nothing a family man loved better than to talk about his family, especially if he was missing them. Maybe it would help a bit, talking about them with someone who knew what it was like to lose that.
"Well... that certainly sounds less pleasant," Odysseus muses, making a face at the thought. "Regardless, though... it's still a relief to know." He's suffered plenty-- he's no stranger to pain by now. The worst part about dying would be the fact that he'd never make it home, he'd never see his family again. To know that he won't actually die here in this place, so far from everything he's ever known, that even if the worst were to happen he'd still be able to keep on living...
It's reassuring. In the end, as unpleasant as it may be, as long as he's still breathing that means it's not over yet.
He'll hold on to that thread until the end of time, if he has to.
Ever so slightly, he brightens at the chance to talk about them, nodding as he settled in to follow alongside the other, head tipped back slightly to look up at the cool, starry sky above.
"Penelope, my wife, and my son Telemachus... they... are everything to me," he says, softly. "Penelope and I had been married for... just under ten years when I left for war. She's clever, and beautiful, and the only one I'll ever love-- it's been almost thirteen years now since I've seen her. And Telemachus... he wasn't even a year old."
A long, heavy sigh follows, then another draught of the drink in his hand-- it's not alcohol, but the caffeine at least does something to settle his racing mind as much as it can be settled. "I have no idea what sort of man my son is now... I've hardly even known him," he laments. "All I wanted since the day I left was to return, and I've gotten so close so many times-- and now, I'm further from home than ever."
It's all too easy to turn hard off a drop into sheer misery-- but in a way, it feels good to talk openly.
"What about yours? You said your daughter saw you die... so, does that mean you don't have any chance to go back?" he asks. Would he even want to? Odysseus has met a few people who are perfectly happy to stay here, after all, but if he has people left behind... it might be different.
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He wonders if instead of-- whatever it was Badou assumed this guy was, just a soldier or something, maybe he's a priest? Or more...holy inspired? To be concerned about all that, to have that plan. Hm.
Badou also isn't much for favors for strangers...
"Not one for favors for newbies," Not more than this, anyway. "But if you buy us some snacks or something, sure. You got some kinda plan?"
"Fair enough," he shrugs. He can't fault the guy for it-- after all, he'd be much the same way. It had still been worth a shot, though. "If that's all, though... I'm sure I can manage that much."
He's not completely certain of the value of this realm's coins yet, but he probably has enough. It can't be that expensive, right?
As for a plan, though... Odysseus can't say he's figured out all of the details yet. "I have to get home, no matter what it takes," he says, after thinking for a moment, "and to do that, I have to find out how I got here, and how to leave. It hasn't been that long... I'm hoping that maybe, hearing from people who left this place and returned might tell me where or how to look."
Once he had some information, a plan would practically draft itself... at least, that was how it always had been before. There's no reason it would be any different now.
(♤) the gemstone cut crinkle of his smile only widens still. how familiar the decisive dance of outcomes that hinged on something so simple as coin or drastic as life itself. however, his new opponent may certainly seem to care little for the outcome, aventurine is far better experienced than simply accepting an unknown player for their value. as a velvet gloved palm moves to take first draw, the telltale clink of a chip calls the hidden addition to his hand. good or bad? fortunate or unfortunate?
with a pleasant hum he's plucking a single suit from between elaborately ringed fingers only to replace it with the new and soundlessly drop his sacrifice into the pile. that's all a game truly is, isn't it? considering the law of perspectives, life is very much the same in such depraved regards. one person gets bested by another, someone is bound to endlessly suffer where another flourishes at every possible angle... and of course; some will always be luckier than others.
he takes a sip of his drink and passes the next play to his partner without missing a beat--or suddenly prying eye for that matter. where a new crowd gathers around, so too do the vehement whispers of the gambler's frivolously won fortunes, that perhaps his new opponent can somehow usurp that immaculately untouched number of glittering winnings from beneath his cooly drumming fingers and the mother goddess' ever watchful gaze.
"alright, friend. your turn. don't forget now--if you think you've got a good enough hand, feel free to pass. ultimately, it all comes down to chance after all."
Odysseus watches the play with a sharp and inquisitive gaze, studying his opponent's expression for any shift of the eyes, any twitch of the lips-- to see what his posture might give away. There's not much, but that's not altogether surprising. He's already seen this fellow amass quite a fortune in a short time, and he's experienced enough not to let much information slip out onto his features. Still, it doesn't hurt to watch.
He turns over the cards he's been dealt already, his own features similarly unbothered. "I'll keep that in mind," he notes, with a nod of his head, running through the rules once more in his mind. The turn passes to him, and he sets down a chip and draws a card from red.
"Chance is a fickle things, is it not?" he muses, turning over the card he'd drawn. His eyes, one deep brown and the other amber, flicked from the ones in his hand to the one he'd drawn. "While things may seem random at first glance, eventually one must ask whether there truly is such thing as coincidence, or whether the outcome of every draw, every deed already been ordained by the gods."
He slips the card he drew into his hand, discarding another. Indeed, while it couldn't hurt to weight his purse a bit, this venture is more importantly a test of just that-- of chance, luck, and fate. "And if it is the latter... is it possible to change said outcome?"
Before coming here, he has seen the highest and lowest of each, the weight of word and deed upon outcome, the ever-shifting factor of chance. Would it tip in his favor here, or would he find himself its victim instead?
And how better to test that question than to play a little game with it?
"Even the deepest well of luck can run dry, and the thread of fate may yet draw one from the greatest depths of misfortune... I can't help but wonder, do the fates still rule beyond the boundaries of worlds? What do you think?" Curiosity glimmering in his eyes, he passes the turn back to his opponent.
