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[thewakemods]

It's that time again!



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Comments

[be_seeing_you]

Have you been familiarized with the facts of this city? There is a power here known as bending. It is the ability to bring one's own will into being. Those skilled enough in it have no need for currency, as they can simply will into existence whatever it was they might have bought.

Those who are yet unskilled are provided for by such establishments as the pub, Furman's, where we are headed. It is the way of things here.

[did_i_say_percy]

Bending was mentioned. I don't understand what it is, not completely. What you just said is the most I've heard about it.

Oh, so I suppose new people aren't very much expected to be skilled. What if you never manage to learn it?

[be_seeing_you]

It takes some time to master. Some small percentage never do and still some choose not to.

There are classes offered to give introduction to it, for beginners like yourself, but I would not concern yourself with that just yet. Let us get out of the rain. We can speak more comfortably inside.

[They have arrived now at an unassuming wooden structure, with flapping wooden doors under a hanging sign that reads Furman's. The inside will be made of cozy wood and timber, with a bar at the back, and behind that bar a construct that is certainly not human. Amazingly, that construct, although not able to converse with its patrons, can make any drink one could ever think to name.]

[did_i_say_percy]

[Classes and lessons are something Armand understands. He isn't much older than a school boy. And being part of The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel was almost endless lessons in so many things: disguises, sword work, driving, and spying.]

I think I can understand that.

[At Furman's Armand can't help staring at the construct. He's never seen anything like that in his life, not even in his dreams. Completely out of the rain, Armand runs his hands over his face, and pushed stray hair back out of his face.]

It's warm in here. Thank you for guiding me, Mr. Smith. I feel I owe you a great favor.

[be_seeing_you]

[Number 6 nods and follows Armand in. A small smile curls on his lips when he observes the newcomer's reaction to the Construct. He can remember his own surprise at seeing it for the first time, like many things in this city.]

It was nothing.

[He waves to the Construct casually to bring it near to take their orders. For himself he orders a pot of Earl Grey tea and some sandwiches; the construct then looks to Armand waiting for his request.]

[did_i_say_percy]

[The warmth and the smell of food remind Armand how long it's been since he remembered eating. He isn't even certain how long he was imprisoned, a few days likely. Then he orders tea with lots of sugar and lemon, and bread and bouillabaisse.]

I feel very lost here. Forgive me if I seem overeager to praise those who help me. Are most people this friendly to the new ones here?

[be_seeing_you]

It is customary to show new arrivals some courtesy. We should remember that once we too were helped in the same manner. I'm afraid not everyone in this city is so polite, but there are many eager to assist. Some who even consider it their duty.

[He may be included in that. Since taking on a new station of power in this city, as an Angelii, one of the Ascended, he considered it only natural to shoulder some of the responsibility.]

Once we've finished here, I can show you to a place where you may take residence. Temporarily, or permanently as you see fit. It is referred to as a Welcome House. Its intended purpose is to house those who are newly arrived to the city like yourself.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand listened in astonishment. That even a few take their responsibilities seriously impressed him.]

I'd be happy to let you show me that. I don't like being a burden on others, but staying near others like me might help me fit in some.

[be_seeing_you]

Certainly. Each Welcome House is run by one of the citizens of the city. I'll be sure to introduce you. How many others will be in the same house will vary however, as most leave it to seek their own place to reside out of the many vacant homes and structures in the city.

[did_i_say_percy]

Is it so easy to settle in here? I don't mind meeting new people. There's so much you can learn from new friends.

[be_seeing_you]

That can depend on yourself, and whatever storms may come next.

We, all of us, have come from somewhere else, alone. It necessitates forming new bonds here. Most are willing, if not eager to share their experiences. I do not think you should have much trouble.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Sometime while they were talking, their orders had arrived. Armand fussed with his tea a little to make sure it was how he liked it.]

I thank you for your confidence. Storms, you say? You said something earlier, I think. You don't mean bad weather, do you?

[be_seeing_you]

No, I do not mean storms in the traditional sense. Reality Storms are an event that occur quite regularly in this city. They cause all manner of strange effects. They can alter our appearance, abilities, even memories. Some have been known to be dangerous. Very few of them are pleasant. Generally they last only a week.

[He says this casually as he takes a sip of his own tea, plain save for a squeeze of lemon.]

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand hides behind his teacup, as much as he can.] That sounds like a huge price to pay for living here. I'd rather have bad weather.

[be_seeing_you]

As, I'm sure, would we all. There is a place you can go to weather the storm, if you so choose. It is a city off-world called Helix; easy enough to reach through the gates, like the one you came here through. Bending will not work on Helix, but neither will the storm affect you. I have known many to use it.

[did_i_say_percy]

To go there, I need to learn how, don't I? [Thump down goes the cup.]

[be_seeing_you]

No.

[He looks with passing concern to the other, at the rather hard landing that cup takes.]

You only need to walk through the correct gate with the desire to go there and you will be transported. It's quite safe.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand flushes, embarrassed about the cup.] Pardon.

That sounds easy. [But he still sounds doubtful.] Life here seems to be much easier for the people who know what they're doing.

[be_seeing_you]

[Number 6 continues conversationally as if he hasn't noticed Armand's embarrassment.]

Indeed it is, but one can't be expected to know all there is on the first day. There is, however a guide that can help answer the more basic of questions.

[He brings out his communicator and types into it for a few seconds. The device makes a pinging noise and a file will presently be showing in a message on Armand's own communicator.]

We do try to be accommodating.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand peers across at Mr. Smith's communicator. Yes, he'd seen his and, not having any clue what it was, had tried to tuck away inside his shirt away from the rain. Not to much avail, but they're probably waterproof, unlike young Frenchmen. When his beeps, he startles, and takes it out, even more puzzled.]

So that's what this does. [He pokes the device until it opens the file, but thinks it'd be rude to read it right in front of his host, so he pokes it again and puts it away.]

Someone planned ahead. Merci, Mr. Smith. I promise I'm not always this stupid.

[be_seeing_you]

That device will be your method of communication while you are here. You may call on others through it, as well as write letters and search for information. It will take some getting used to.

I gather from your dress, you are from a time that would be considered long past for most here. Certainly before such technology was available. What year is it where you live?

[did_i_say_percy]

[The year isn't hard to say. It's strange to think that, of course, he'd have to tell someone this.]

It was 1792, sir. The fall. I'm afraid my poor nation is in flames, and the little we've done hasn't been able to stop that.

[He chews his lip.] I've seen many things I find confusing, but I hoped, and still do, I suppose, that learning more of where this is would explain it. It is starting to do so. This... device looks like magic to me; is it part of that bending you mentioned?

[be_seeing_you]

Does it surprise you to hear that your time considered the distant past in the year I come here from?

[Indeed, the revolution has long ended.]

It is, I believe, created and powered through Bending.

[He hardly understands it himself some days.]