Catchall for late October/early November

[elegant_and_proud]

Who: Ikaruga, Rydia, Margaery, Curufin & OPEN
What: Plotting against the Null, people trying to talk Ikaruga out of siding with the Null, training
Where: All over
When: October 28th-November 5th
Warnings: Character death in one of the closed prompts

Comments

Rydia only - Oct 28th, library

[elegant_and_proud]

[By this point, Rydia's gotten herself on the Null's hit list. Prior to that, Ikaruga had been scanning through people's answers, and didn't quite catch Rydia in time to talk her down from open opposition. But then, she didn't expect many to be so cooperative with the Null when it came to killing each other rather than the gods.

She also notes Matt's post, and how quickly it got him put on there.]

I am glad I've never fully trusted the network.

[She frowns, considering what all of this means.]

Previously, the Null said they will bring a weapon here. Now they claim that they have. They know that there are people who will oppose them, and they must realize some of those people will tell the gods about this. I suspect they are sufficiently prepared to attack that they don't require the element of surprise.

[blessedmaiden]

[The summoner sighs, trying to follow the current conversations on the network and struggling because technology isn't something she's exactly familiar with. With a frustrated sigh she places her cellphone on the table in front of her: the situation is bad, from what she's seen before being blocked some people actually shown interest in following the Null's orders and her faith in the citizens of Hadriel crumbled a bit.]

I... same. I'm glad I kept most of my sensible informations off the network.

[She never had any issue in dicussing anything in person but more than once she stopped herself from talking about things with the phone. It just seemed... wrong.]

I will be honest, I don't know exactly what to expect anymore. And we have potential killers on the loose who could even be after kids [Guess what really made her lose her patience. She sighs passing her fingers between her hair and trying to organize her thoughts, there's no point in losing control now.] The Null will bring a weapon here, right, what else can we gather from what we've seen so far? Uhm... I think we should keep in consideration the fact that the weapon may need more than physical activation to have effect, at least considering they probably already predicted Hope will hide or hole up somewhere.

What bothers me is: if they really have a mole between us why would they need all of this from us?

[elegant_and_proud]

According to the Null, they already have brought a weapon here.

[She corrects gently, because it's an important distinction. While she might not trust them, they said before that they would and this time that they had. She suspects they're not lying about the weapon's existence or that they succeeded in accessing the city.]

I also wonder if their mole is one of these phones. The gods have said the Null can change shape and are quite technologically adept. If they took the form of the phone of someone who the Door sent home, or register a phone in the name of someone who was never here, but otherwise caused no noticeable trouble...well. They would be able to get quite a bit of information.

[blessedmaiden]

Right, right...

[Rydia crosses her arms, sighing and shaking her head: how is she even supposed to learn more about the Null's plan is now hidden from her device? The woman tilts her head back to look at Ikaruga, slowly raising an eyebrow.]

... I wonder if we should try to amke a census of the current citizens bu I'm afraid that wouldn't have much success considering how most people seem to be in this place. I like your theory, though, even if I struggle a bit to see how they would manage to use it to bring items in this place as well, as complex as those phones are they don't seem incredibly useful.

[elegant_and_proud]

I think impersonating a phone would be simply used for tracking our location and watching whatever was said on the network. Bringing items here would take more of an effort, but so long as they can continue to find us...well, that eliminates the trouble that Fear's magic caused them before.

[Certainly, there are enough people who overshare on the network that the Null could learn some things. If Ikaruga had any real desire to hurt people here, there are many who've revealed who the people closest to them are.]

Curufin - Ikaruga's house

[elegant_and_proud]

(ooc: Any day between the 29th-4th is fine, just let me know in the subject line which day you want!)

[Ikaruga's trying not to mope publicly, but losing Tyki has hit her harder than she cares to admit. From the day she befriended him, she'd seen him almost every day, and once they officially began their formal courtship/engagement, they'd seen one another daily. A month ago, he'd moved in. And now the Door has taken him, leaving her with a Tease, a note and a ring that she hasn't taken off except to bathe since she got it.

When she hears the knock at her door, she glances at the mirror to make sure she's presentable before opening it. Just because she's upset doesn't mean that she's going to allow herself to look like a mess, or even let on exactly how troubled she is.

There are more important things to worry about than her feelings. Such as the impending Null attack and what she's going to have to do in order to secure the Null's trust. Thankfully, she has a volunteer. If it came right down to it, she'd find someone and kill them anyway just to keep up her part as double agent, but it's better that her intended target be a volunteer. For now, she can only hope that she was convincing enough to the Null.

At last, she opens the door, expression serene.]

Curufin. Hello. To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of your company?

11/3

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin has troubles of his own, a sea of them! But he's been worried about various friends and associates as well, and he's seen some of Ikaruga's responses to the Null in the Null's communication posts. He's felt uneasy every time he's read them. He knows Ikaruga is an intelligent and thoughtful person, and so she may be playing her cards close to her chest with some hidden plan in mind. He simply doesn't know. And so one day when he has a moment free, instead of heading straight to other duties, he walks down the spiral to her house and taps on the door. She opens it, looking as unruffled as she always does. ]

[ He laughs softly, pleased to see her serene face. ] Ikaruga, you're looking well. A few weeks ago I was hoping I'd be stopping by to ask you if you'd be interested in helping Alphys and I throw a block party for Delight's Housing, but it doesn't look like we're going to be doing that anytime soon.

So, instead, I wanted to consult you professionally on a matter of importance to me. May I come in?

[ Of course he's not going to mention the Null while standing on her front step within earshot of anybody who happens to be passing by. He'd rather keep the reason for the discussion quiet until he's inside, as being blatant might impact her plans -- whatever they are. ]

[elegant_and_proud]

But of course.

[It's not hard to read in between the lines and guess that some of his reason pertains to the Null. She's not sure how convincing she was at playing neutral to even considering the Null's offer outwardly, but she also had offered advice to one of the children on the list - Richie. Ideally, people will still be left wondering about her likelihood of attacking anyone on that list who isn't a child.

She holds the door open and moves aside so that he can enter. Her cyclops cat opens its one oversized eye curiously to peer at him before she lays her head back down on the cushion and goes back to sleep. The dragon cat only acknowledges Curufin's presence with a flick of an ear and a twitch of his tail. Monster-like appearances or not, they're very much normal cats in behaviour.]

Please make yourself comfortable.

[She disappears off to the kitchen for a moment, returning less than a minute later with some sliced fruit in a bowl.]

Do help yourself.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Everything pertains to the Null, these days! ]

Thank you.

[ Curufin slips past her and smiles at the dragon cat. He's become accustomed to odd pets turning up in Hadriel, creatures that are not monsters, but friendly allies of the residents. He won't approach the creature, but if it shows curiosity, he will respond with interest. He finds a seat and does indeed make himself comfortable. And when she comes back with the fruit, he takes a slice and takes a bite, relishing its sweetness and freshness. ] From the orchard, I would guess?

[ He waits for her to sit down herself. And then he wastes no time broaching the real subject. ]

I wanted to ask you for your opinion on the situation with the Null?

[elegant_and_proud]

Yes. I visit there now and then to get fresh fruit.

[Because food in a can is thoroughly unappealing to her and she likes the finer things in life. Granted, the "finer things" are far more simple and one must work with what's available here, but she tries.]

I suspect they are not lying about the weapons being here, and that they are likely to attack within the next two months.

[She has a dainty nibble of a slice of fruit, chewing it quietly with her mouth closed, swallowing and continuing after a moment.]

Unless you wanted to know something more specific?

[She could just tell him what her plans are, but that's no fun. With Tyki gone, she's glad to have a little company.]

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin is totally in agreement with her on that. He thinks fruit from the orchard is one of the finer things in life, at Hadriel. He, too, gathers it often. ]

Although it is interesting that at first they said they would deliver the weapons to those who merited it -- "You will be contacted again." And now they say they have already placed the weapon, and they seem to be speaking of only one device. It worries me a little that their story changes.

I, too, think they are going to attack soon. Why do you say, in the next two months? Anything special about that window of time?

[ And he takes another bite of his fruit slice and swallows before he answers. ] I did. I wanted to know which side of this fight you will be on? [ Might as well be direct! Although he's not averse to the company, either. ]

Margaery - after lessons by the lake

[elegant_and_proud]

(As with Curufin, just let me know what date in between the 29th-4th you'd like!)

[Ikaruga generally takes some time to train alone after giving her late morning lessons. Ultimately, training against a sparring partner or fighting the monsters is better for more practical combat, but sometimes there's peace in going through the motions and focusing purely on technique and precision. Especially when she's learning how to incorporate what Anakin's taught her into her own fighting style and is working on making it as seamless as possible.

Right now, she's trying to invent new techniques. The more she has to keep her mind busy and focused on improvement, the less she'll spend thinking about depressing things she cannot change. Still, her ring is on her finger, and the Tease Tyki left her is fluttering nearby. The carnivorous butterfly-like creature has become very protective of her in its master's absence.

She'd been aware of Margaery's presence while training, despite looking entirely focused on practicing her technique. She can only assume it's manners that keeps Margaery from speaking up, or perhaps she's waiting until she's absolutely certain there are no witnesses. Either way, Ikaruga sheathes her sword.]

Hello, Margaery. Were you hoping to get in some extra practice?

the 3rd

[roseofthetyrells]

[Margaery is watching her practice, appreciating Ikaruga's fighting style. It's nothing like swordplay in Westeros, but it suits Margaery better than the dependence on sheer brute force that she's used to seeing back home.

she also notices the Tease fluttering about. she's never seen it before and so she's curious. but she's not going to ask about it until she feels that it's appropriate]

I was hoping so, yes. The Null have made me a target and I wouldn't want to be entirely dependent upon others for my defense.

[elegant_and_proud]

So I saw. Provoking them was unwise, but what has happened cannot be undone.

[She passes over one of the practice swords and waits for Margaery to get into stance.]

They are godslayers, after all, and killed the gods' previous hosts. Still, it seems that there are far more people opposing them than considering taking them up on their offer.

[Perhaps it might be prudent to teach Margaery a few techniques with a dagger as well, but sword lessons first. Swords allow one to keep one's potential attacker at a further distance than a dagger.]

[roseofthetyrells]

There were children on that list. Children, and the man I love. How could I stay neutral in the face of that?

[Margaery gets into stance. while it's obvious she's still a beginner, there has been improvement]

They are, but surely they can be defeated? Considering the number of people and skills assembled against them?

[probably not a bad idea? Margaery could use all the help she can get]

[elegant_and_proud]

[While Ikaruga finds it in poor taste to put children on the list, she joined her guild when she was still a child, and she was quite young when she first killed in self defense. She's perhaps a bit more desensitized to the addition of children on the list than the average resident here. She just thinks the Null are absurd in their criteria for determining who to put out a hit on. Completely and utterly absurd.

What gets Ikaruga's attention instead is Margaery mentioning the man she loves. Perhaps it's her recent loss that makes her attentive to that detail.]

What is the name of the man you love?

[She makes a couple of corrections to Margaery's stance, but overall nods at the improvement.]

The gods fear them and have mentioned on more than one occasion that the Null have superior numbers, and they were clever enough to get access to the Network even though the Network was created by the gods. If their claim of bringing a weapon here is true, that means Fear's tactic of moving us all with his power has failed, too.

[roseofthetyrells]

[well, in Westeros you're considered a man grown at fifteen and a woman grown when you have your first moonblood, so her standards are a bit strange, too, but Eddie's only thirteen. and that Duck boy seemed to be of a similar age. Marg earned her way onto that list, though]

His name is Matt Murdock. He's on the list, too.

[is pleased that she seems to be improving]

So, somehow the Null were able to get into town to place their weapon without alerting the gods to their presence? If that's so, I wonder why they didn't just attack us or the gods then? They would have had the element of surprise in their favor while now, we're all alert and aware.

Oct 29th-November 4th OPEN - late morning training

[elegant_and_proud]

[Ikaruga has consistently mentioned offering training in the late mornings by the lake for months now, so she's not worried about the Null taking it as a sign of resistance if she happens to mention it to someone who's nervous about possibly being attacked. The lessons are open to everyone, regardless of skill or allegiance. For those with more skill, she's available as a sparring partner.

She's never shown an interest in joining the Guard, despite being a capable fighter and on civil to pleasant terms with various members of the organization. The idea of having regular shifts to work and protect people for free has no appeal for her. Her lessons may be for free, but they are on her terms, and she's found that she actually enjoys seeing how her students progress over time. Under the circumstances, it's important to seek out those little pleasures and to remember to live as much as possible.

When her first pupil arrives, she greets them with a pleasant smile.]

Be sure to stretch thoroughly before we begin. We're going to work very hard today.

October 29th-November 4th OTA - Hadriel Society for the Fine Arts

[elegant_and_proud]

[Have you come by to share your latest contribution to the society? Are you simply curious about what it's all about? Either way, Ikaruga's here at the library getting set up for the group's meeting today.

Her own piece to share today is an ink painting of a battle. She greets the person who enters with a polite nod.]

Welcome.

October 29th-November 4th - OTA - WILDCARD

[elegant_and_proud]

(ooc: Want to meet with her and don't want either of the open prompts? Hit me up!)

Rydia only - November 5th - by the river

[elegant_and_proud]

[It's greener near here due to the water, and unlike the orchard, people are less likely to spend much time here. There are a few people who fish, yes, but on the whole it's a very quiet place.

She's waiting for Rydia, and made sure to allow a full week for Rydia to help coordinate efforts to protect people on the Null's list and to warn Kain about what was happening. Kain is a friend, and Ikaruga would hate to hurt him by seeming like she murdered someone close to him in cold blood.]

Have you made the arrangements that you needed to?

[blessedmaiden]

[Rydia took most of the day for herself, writing, walking around town and enjoying some time alone. The longer she spent thinking about it the worse the plan she crafted with the other woman seemed but she wasn't the kind of person who took her words back- not when kids and other innocent people were involved. When she arrived Ikaruga was already there, waiting.]

I... have. [She nods, offering her a small smile. Even if Hope's temple safely brought people back from the death so far the summoner can't help but worry.] Thank you for giving me this week, hopefully this will give us an advantage over our enemy.

[elegant_and_proud]

[She's hoping that so many people responding to the Null in a rash and emotional way will lead to the Null underestimating them. She's also hoping that by appearing to actually cooperate with their demands, that they won't be prepared for deception from her. If all goes well, that will put her in a good position to gain information from them and learn who among their number wants the godkiller weapons in earnest.

There are a lot of ifs. But Rydia is making a brave sacrifice here, and after all of this, Ikaruga doesn't want to be pessimistic about everything that could go wrong after Rydia's had to work up the courage to go through with this.]

I made Hope aware of our plan and advised him to be very careful about who he reveals himself to going forward. The Null also revealed their intention to kill Hope to us early on. No doubt there will be people willing to protect him.

[blessedmaiden]

[Perhaps, they have the advantage of being in front of creatures who don't seem to understand how creatures with feelings work so perhaps that will be enough to deceive them. In any case she already went too far to step back now.]

I... somehow think he should just hide and not reveal hiself to anyone, other gods included. [She comments, waving her hand] And while I suspect our enemy has something in mind even in case Hope stops showing himself to anyone I aldo doubt it'd be a good idea to let a defensive team around: if we can pretend to be on their side one could pretend to be interested in defending Hope. Then again I won't pretend I know what to do at this point, there are too many things that make no sense to me.

[The summoner walks to the side of the river, sitting down by the water and trying to hide how uneasy she feels.] I left my phone in the library, just in case they're recording us.

[elegant_and_proud]

We already know the gods can create magical constructs. He was fairly adamant about not wishing to hide away completely, so I suggested making a magical construct of himself to interact with people. Then he can talk to them without putting his life at risk.

[She can agree with what Rydia is saying, which is why she suggested the construct. It would let him hide.]

I left mine behind as well. I've given it some thought and I think the phones may have some small connection to our life signs. Hope created them and the network. We can tell if someone has been sent away by the Door, but Hope somehow knows within a few days of a person's death to revive them, even without any requests to revive them. So if the Null have compromised the network, perhaps that is how they can detect if someone is alive or not.

[She can't say for certain if this is the case, but it does make sense.]

The Null also said that braindead but physically alive was acceptable, so perhaps Hope monitors simply to determine if we are capable of feeling emotion.