Intro Log: None Hadriel With Left Shark

[hadrielmods]

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for February
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: February 10th-16th
Warnings: Shark week

Once more, new arrivals will wake up on the ground level of the ruined colosseum. There isn't anything particularly comforting about it, either- everything is a bit cold and impersonal and there is, of course, the fact that nobody remembers just how they managed to wind up here in the first place. That can all be explained in time, though- until then, you've got quite a bit on your plate already.

And why is that? Well, that may be because you're also surrounded by sharks.

Yes, on land.

It doesn't mean that they're totally incapacitated though- you still have your two headed sharks, your giant sharks, and your sharktopus that are more than capable of flopping in your general direction before taking you into a death roll. And don't forget the (far more dangerous) sand sharks, capable of swimming through the ground as if it were water itself. You might want to start to find a life raft high ground soon.

But hey, if you manage to get away from the sharks, feel free to help yourself to one of the odd food shaped blankets. These cozy comforters are perfect for your new bed, but they tend to carry a faint scent of the food they represent, so be sure not to sleep on an empty stomach!

Listen to the Jaws theme, grab a harpoon, and get cozy! On your way to safety, make sure to explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers February 10th-16th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Comments

[souveraine]

It's not allowed for someone in my position. I have to follow certain rules with certain expectations.

[And she had never resented it when it came to doing her duty. What she resented was the way Louis acted, how he treated her. But she had borne the neglect and humiliations without complaint, never letting anyone see how wore on her day after day. How could she blame herself for falling for Aramis and giving herself one night, one precious memory to sustain her.]

My husband would never approve of this.

[She still picked up the second shot, in awe of Maketh. She downed the second shot, feeling so relaxed as she smiled, resting an elbow on the bar as she leaned forward.]

[mismanagement]

[Maketh frowns. Certainly her own position had come with requirements and limitations, but not being allowed to go out and drink? How very strange.] Even I had opportunities to....unwind.

[She snorts, raising the empty glass in salute.]

To drinking, then. Your husband is not here.

[souveraine]

I don't get the chance to get out often.

[She treasured the times she could go outside the palace grounds and see Paris and more of her country instead. Now she didn't have to stay inside and she raised her glass with a laugh.]

No, he's certainly not. To drinking!

[And down went the third shot. This was getting easier.] I know owe my husband my loyalty and devotion but...I am glad he isn't here, Maketh.

[mismanagement]

Careful. It will hit you soon. [Maketh says it gently, though. She's not one to discourage drinking.] A political marriage, then? I considered one of those.

[She grimaces.]

I found my prospects displeasing.

[souveraine]

[Anne nodded, setting the next shot before her on the bar.] Yes, it was to try to prevent war.

[But she didn't think it worked. She looked at Maketh with a small smile.]

I am glad. I mean- not that I'm glad you didn't find anyone, but- marrying for love seems ideal if you are able to.

[mismanagement]

In my experience, they rarely do.

[Maketh tips her head to the side.]

I had someone. Once. But we were children.

[She grimaces.]

Children don't know anything.

[souveraine]

I hope you find someone to love, Maketh. You deserve it.

[Anne downed her next shot, she felt the room shifting around her.]

Are you happy here at least?

[mismanagement]

It's kind of you to say that. [Maketh ducks her head to hide the blush.] Most of the time. When the gods aren't meddling. It's very different from what I knew, but---good. The people have been kind to me.

[souveraine]

The gods meddle in your life? How so? [She looked concerned at that. She believed in God but she had never spoken directly to Him herself. To have gods present- she wasn't sure how she felt about that.]

Do they communicate with you directly?

[mismanagement]

They feed off emotion and if they get hungry enough, they will engineer events in order to facilitate that. [Maketh is quiet for a moment.] They've hurt us before. A friend of mine was buried alive. That was before I came.

[Stop that. Focus. Maketh clears her throat.]

Sometimes. On the network. You can leave messages for them if you wish.

[souveraine]

[Anne covered her mouth in horror, her other hand going to the ornate cross hanging from her neck. She slowly reached for Maketh's hand again, squeezing it.]

That is...horrific. Oh, Maketh- is there nothing anyone can do to stop such horrible things?

[mismanagement]

[She flinches when Anne reaches for her, but manages not to jerk away completely. It's fine. Everything is fine. Anne is just trying to be--kind.] We fight. As best we can. And we endure.

[souveraine]

You're not alone here. [Anne let go of her hand as two more drinks were brought to them. She thanked the bartender before leaning over to give Maketh a smile.]

We will keep fighting, together then.

[mismanagement]

[Maketh stays quiet for a moment, then nods. She's never met anyone quite like Anne before.] You--have confidence in that. Despite knowing what we face. I admire that.

[souveraine]

I have confidence in others instead of just myself. There are some...[She's not sure how to describe the musketeers without giving her true title away.]...there are three of my husband's guards who go above and beyond for the sake of others, not just the highborn.

They saved my life and protected me even at the risk of their own lives. I believe in them and others like them, like you.

[mismanagement]

I'm glad you had men like that. [Subordinates who clearly believed enough in their cause to fulfill their duty. Her storm troopers never had.] I'm afraid it's rare, even in my world.

[souveraine]

I've been most fortunate. I'm sure they would do the same here without hesitation if they were ever to arrive.

[She misses them, especially Aramis.] It's rare in France as well, but so long as there is someone who is willing to stand up then there is always hope.

[mismanagement]

Perhaps. [Maketh wouldn't wish this place on anyone, but it's not wrong to wish for some company.] I find that hard to believe, sometimes. But perhaps that is only a soldier's prerogative.

[souveraine]

You seem to be a good soldier at least, Maketh. [At least, Maketh reminded Anne a lot of the musketeers. She wondered what they would make of a woman fighting as they did, but she was sure that they would not judge her unkindly.]

We should finish our drinks. [She suggested with a smile, feeling unsteady. She had never been drunk before, giving a laugh that was a bit too loud before stifling herself.]

[mismanagement]

I am.

[It's said simply, not a boast. Just a statement of fact. Maketh smiles a little.]

Careful, there. It can hit you unexpectedly. Are you enjoying yourself?

[souveraine]

[Anne was practically radiant, she couldn't help it.]

I am! Maketh, I have never been able to talk with someone so freely, without having to worry about saying the wrong thing. Thank you, I needed this.

[mismanagement]

[It's strange to think that Hadriel might actually be a kindness to someone. But here they are. Maketh shakes her head at the thought, a faint smile on her face.] You'll find the people here very forgiving when it comes to manners. We must do this again sometime.

[souveraine]

We should! [Anne slid off the stool, nearly falling in the process but she managed to catch herself.]

I'm sure you would think living in a palace must be nice but there are so many expectations. Everyone is always watching, always judging. Always.

[mismanagement]

Careful, there. [It wouldn't do to bang her head against the floor. Maketh stands, offering her arm. She has the poise of a seasoned drinker - steady enough to pass for sober, most times.] I wouldn't know anything about palaces. But I have been watched. I understand that.

[souveraine]

[She gladly took Maketh's arm since the room seemed to be spinning and she didn't want to fall down.] It's a stifling way to live, isn't it?

They watch me and they judge me. I'm Spanish so everything that goes wrong is my fault, I clearly am not to be trusted. Even Louis doesn't trust me, I know he has me watched as well.