Fireside Stories

[Tetris]

ooc: Ohh dear! Feel better?
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Mercy wondered why Candor felt uneasy. This new character seemed trustworthy and quite charming. She smiled at him, fascinated by the way he spoke, dressed... and him in general.

She saw Candor firmly shake the new comer's hand, and not let go. Mercy realized that Candor was using his power. She felt it was unnecessary, but perhaps it would make him feel a little more peaceful.

"Wow. Glad we finally found someone who knows what's going on! I apologize for my bad manners; I'm Mercy, and This is Ethedus, my summon"

Nice to meet you... Ethedus moves slightly closer to Mercy, his eyes on the Eagle.

"Sorry, he has a slight fear of large birds. I wouldn't think a Virtue such as yourself would hurt him....?" Mercy left her sentence open, in hopes that Charisma would reply truthfully for Candor.

[project-daemon]

Extending his hand as well, Charisma took hold of Candor's hand and shook it. After a moment, it was apparent that he wasn't letting go. Smiling, he turned, still in Candor's grip, to face Mercy.

"Well, as already stated, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mercy," he said warmly, clearly putting emphasis on the last word. "And you are quiet right; I mean none of you any harm. I am simply happy that I could have helped you all.

"Now-" He turned back to Candor. "-I assume this has something to do with your power?" With a nod, Charisma motioned to his hand, still held tightly by the apparently on-edge Candor.

[greywalker13]

As Charisma nodded towards his hand, still locked tight by Candor, Candor’s grip loosened. Assuming that this Virtue was not immune to his (power? Is that what he called it?), then this newcomer truly wished to help them. Candor let his hand drop to his side. Best attempt to mend his first impression. Placing both hands at his sides, he slowly bowed.

“Yes. My apologies, but I am hesitant to trust newcomers. My “power” as you call it, appears to prevent those in contact with me from speaking falsely. This ability also appears to affect myself at all times, as Mercy and Altruism can attest to. My name is Candor, and if you know of shelter, or perhaps better, answers, then I wish to accompany you to these.”

The stream of words felt awkward, yet flowed freely. There were no telltale stutters, which was a relief. Still... how many more would he have to meet before he could gain answers? And even if he could get answers, would he be able to believe them? His power certainly couldn’t be foolproof. The South Lands doubtlessly held others with Hearts of Ice.

Candor couldn’t shake the feeling that the Dark Ones would be here as well.

[Tetris]

ooc//: oops! Just realized we weren't waiting for tyr xD sorry
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Mercy was slightly relieved that Charisma had passed Candor's 'test'. Despite her dislike of Candor's lack of trust, she felt a little safer, and was glad that they could all get along. Even Altruism seemed okay with the newcomer, although it was hard to tell, as he was being unusually quiet.

"I hope you don't think me rude, but is there any way we could go to this place you speak of? We've been traveling and looking for days, and I'm a little more than excited as well as curious" She glanced around the campsite.

"We don't really have much to take with us, except for a few vegetables...and berries that we found on the way here. Feel free to have some if you're...hungry... and... yeah." Mercy realized that she'd probably stopped making much sense a long time ago. She giggled nervously, hoping that Charisma hadn't noticed.

[tyr]

OOC:Actually, I'm just back. Sorry I was gone for so long! I needed my appendix out and spent five days in the hospital, but I'm okay now. Good to be back. I'm going to post now, out of order. Sorry 'bout that. I just didn't want to wait to get in here.


Altruism wasn't really sure what was going on. Charisma's answers opened up a world unimaginable in scope. Sins, Virtues, goddesses? His world for the past few days had been confined to a forest and a brook. Now it was big. He was glad to have the answers that Charisma could give, but more than anything, he had more questions. Charisma had mentioned something about a house of Virtues nearby, and keeping the search for information in mind, he was certain that he could find answers there.

The social dynamic going on at the moment was interesting as well. Mercy clearly liked Charisma, and Charisma was more than warm towards Mercy. He was surprised to find himself feeling a bit jealous. Only earlier, he had been confused about how he felt about her, now could feel anger flaring. He fought it down, telling himself not to be childish. Mercy was no wooden toy that had been snatched by another child, and he was shamed by the fact that he had nearly thought of her as such.

Candor was a different story. He was being cautious, Altruism could tell. He'd been hurt before, and he didn't want it to ever happen again. Altruism could only sympathize. He'd been hurt often enough himself. The first few times stung like the ice that Candor boasted of his home. After that, they still hurt unless you made yourself numb, and that made you more dead than any of the four immortals standing there.

Altruism could remember just previously being mistrustful of Candor, but the introduction of Charisma made him feel inclined to stick closer to the people he knew. In a less tense situation, he might laugh. As it was, he wanted to anyway. It might break the tension. Charisma saying under Candor's truthful influence that he meant them no harm made him feel more comfortable, but saying he meant no harm now, didn't mean he wouldn't later.

Candor looked uneasy, and Altruism could only agree. Charisma's gilded phrases and glowing praises made him instantly mistrustful. He'd known many people who were full of words, but without substance. And they always wanted something. He knew this with part of himself, but Charisma was very persuasive. There was just something that made you want to like him. He really wanted to err on the side of caution, but keeping himself obviously distanced from the newcomer would breed distrust between them. From how Mercy was looking at him, he might alienate her as well. So, there was nothing for it but to pretend trust between them, and remain vigilant.

"I agree with my friends. I'd like to go to this Virtue house. I'm thankful for what information you could give us, but I need more answers. And as much as I can survive in the outdoors, it's not a preferred lodging." He put on a smile at his last remark, hoping that he'd seem friendly and open. He'd never been sure of his subterfuge.

[project-daemon]

"That is quite the interesting power, Candor." Charisma mussed. As Mercy stumbled over words, apparently trying to tell Charisma that they had little food, but would still share with him, he chuckled and smiled.

"My, my," he cooed, "you certainly are a charming young woman. I would me honour to guide you all the the Virtues' manor. The trip should pass no more time than a couple of hours. But I'm sure in your company, my friends, our trip shall feel as though it took only mere minutes."

Allowing himself to appear improper, if only for a moment, he stretched out his arms and legs. "In my past life, I rarely partook in long exertions by foot; generally, a carriage was the most suitable form of transportation, and strolls were the only elongated periods of walking. I see now that I must truly be in need of some physical training, for this new life."

"Scout ahead, if you'd please." Charisma instructed Emil.

"As you wish," the eagle obliged. As Emil flew off, Charisma smiled at the party, and, while he began walking, he said, "Shall we be off?"

[greywalker13]

The words Charisma spoke ran true, according to Candor’s power. However, the subtext of them ran deeper. Candor knew the world did not run for free. No one made allies without cause. If something was not gained from companionship, then there was no point. Altruism and Mercy were strangers in a strange land, as was Candor. By working together, they strengthened their odds of survival, and learned from each other. This newcomer.... He had nothing to gain. Or at least, nothing obvious. He knew more than the rest of the new immortals about their powers and situation, and was even aware of nearby shelter.

So why go out of his way to make allies, and give information for free. Candor believed that all that could be gained from this was trust and loyalty. Why would someone like this need allies? Was there perhaps information he was keeping from them? Or was it something else? Perhaps there were enemies tat sought his life, and he required protection? The possibilities were endless, yet there was one way to discover the truth...

No. The words that Charisma had spoken appeared to have convinced Mercy of his honesty, and perhaps more. To show further suspicion towards Charisma would be a mistake. He had charmed Mercy, and Altruism would follow her anywhere. That much was certain. It would be better to remain cautious of Charisma, yet not create friction. This one was truly a South Lander, who bore a Heart of Ice. Flowing, flowery words were a key trait. Twists in speech marked the lies. Perhaps he told the truth alone, and kept what needed to be secret to his self. In this case, questions would be the best alternative, however to create this friction would be folly.

No. Better to wait out the storm. If there was deception, another opportunity would arise to discover it. Until then, it was best to follow.

And to keep an eye on one’s back.

Candor merely nodded at Charisma’s question, not trusting himself to speak.

[Tetris]

Mercy could feel Candor and Altruism's suspicion and unease. However she was confused as to why. This newcomer was offering them help, shouldn't they feel relieved, or at least more...hopeful? She wondered if maybe Charisma was showing something that she'd missed. But with just one look at him, she smiled. He was just too charming!

Shaking her head, Mercy tried to look deeper into Charisma. She couldn't feel anything bad about him, only something that felt like, joy? Her face scrunched up a little as she thought about it. Why were he two companions so, distrustful?

Ethedus looked up at Mercy,
Don't worry too much about it. Trust your companions, maybe there is something you're missing, but try to get to know him better. Perhaps answers will be found at the Virtues' Manor that he speaks of.

Ethedus hopped past Mercy and Charisma in the direction Emil flew off in. Mercy followed, still disconcerted.

[tyr]

Altruism wasn't sure where Tobor was, or else he might have sent her off to follow Emil. He wanted to trust Charisma because he was just so likable. More than that, he wanted to trust Mercy, and Mercy trusted Charisma. Either way, it amounted to the same thing.

On the other hand however, he wanted to protect Mercy, and to do so, he should remain vigilant. And as odd as the sensation was, he found himself wanting to protect Candor as well. He didn't deserve to be betrayed again, and somewhere in himself, Altruism found a spark of loyalty towards him. Though Altruism and Candor looked to be of an age with each other, Altruism found that he felt much older than Candor, more accustomed to the treachery and reality of the world.

He cast a look at Candor, trying to communicate that he knew his suspicions and agreed with him. He was being rather quiet, and Altruism wondered if it was because he couldn't think of anything truthful to say. He also looked towards Mercy, hoping to catch her eye, but she was more fixed on Charisma.

He supposed that at this time, there was nothing he could do, so he followed closely. He didn't know what to suspect, but he did know that he would like to get to this Virtue House sooner rather than later. As he walked along, he became aware of Tobor's presence off to the right of their party. Before she drew close, he told her, Charisma's summon is flying ahead. You should join her. Don't try to hide, go say hello. But be careful, she's much bigger than you. She agreed, not needing words to inform him of her assent, and promptly flew to join Emil.


OOC: Should we end this thread soon? We're just walking to the House of Eternity, right?

[project-daemon]

ooc:// Sorry about being gone so long everyone, exams and whatnot.

But yeah, I'm thinking tyr might be right; they're just walking to the House of Eternity, not much else we can really do.

I'm not going to post another IC thing until we decide what we're doing. So, are we going to start a new thread, or continue this a little bit more (though, for what for I do not know)?

[greywalker13]

OOC: I vote new thread.

[tyr]

OOC: Well, it would seem that everyone agrees, except for Tetris, who hasn't said anything yet. I agree that we should go to a new thread, and I think it should start at House Eternity, but besides that, we still have a couple questions to answer.

First, who wants to start? Second, how do we want to start? Third, do we want to split up when we get there? Because basically, we've gotten all the info we can out of each other, and we can't bring in anyone new because of the four person per thread limit.

[Tetris]

ooc//: I agree with the new thread idea. We were kinda drawing this one out pretty long haha & i alsooo agree with starting off at the house of eternity. I don't really mind if we split upp, although i do think Mercy has taken a liking to Altruism (;

& shottynot starting haha

[project-daemon]

ooc:// Well, I don't really care who starts if, I guess I could actually. But, do we start off by just entering the House of Eternity or what? 'Cause I'm actually not that familiar with how it works, my first and oldest character being a Sin and whatnot.

And I guess we could split up, but that means we'd need to find other people in the house or join other treads in the house, etc. But Mercy is clearly going to go with Altruism, we know that. Candor doesn't really know anyone but these people, and though Charisma is knew, he's out going enough to meet new people. But I assume Candor wouldn't want to hang around Charisma, seeing as he doesn't really trust me. Though, it actually could be fun for developing their characters, and their clashes personalities would be interesting.

But that's just me rambling. I'm fine with whatever you guys want to do.

[tyr]

OOC: I think it kind of makes sense to have you start the next thread daemon. I started the first one, greywalker started this one, so that only leaves you and Tetris, and she doesn't want to.

Next problem: How? I don't know, but we could start the new thread, set up a little, then have some of the people leave and some of the people keep the first thread. We could do a few different things I suppose, once we split up. Exploring, finding new people, finding food, finding places to sleep, all of which are rather mundane, but would be totally believable for characters who just spent some time in a forest with little food and such.

I think we definitely need to split up, because of the limit to the characters in each thread. We need to meet new people. That's just a reality. If we don't, it'll be the same thread over and over, just with a different setting. But, just because we split up now, doesn't mean we won't meet each other again, or even travel together again.

As to who goes with whom, Alt would like to stay with Mercy. Candor and Charisma don't get along easily, but you're right, it could lead to some character development, and Candor might want to keep an eye on Charisma. Alternatively, you guys could just go off alone, and join up with other people, so long as their threads are small enough.