un: wide open-winged queen of butterflies | audio

[binghua]

[So. Xingchen has been out of the House of Dew for the past two or three days. He hadn't told anyone where he was going. In hindsight, this was probably not the greatest idea. And when he makes his graceless appearance over the network, it's accompanied by the ever-present dubious background noise of the House. Also, to anyone who has spoken with him before, he sounds tired. Tired, and a little...unsettled.

Mostly tired, though. He's probably fine.]

If I may offer my unsolicited opinion, I would suggest no one of our number attends any meetings regarding Anurr, or if you must, please stay vigilant or go with a companion. While none of Anurr's followers who spoke with me seemed to wish any ill-intent upon my person, they still follow a man who kills people.

[...Okay, maybe that's not the best way to start things. Or maybe it's perfect, as much as Xingchen doesn't want to use fear-mongering to influence others, as long as it keeps them safe and out of trouble.]

What I should say is that this conflict between Unhalad and Anurr is not our own. However, I can understand if anyone feels it is personal as Unhalad wished to consume us when we arrived. I know I prefer to remain among the living. But if we do end up dragged into the struggle - and I hope we can leave the city without that coming to pass - I will tell you what I've been told by some of Anurr's followers. Of course, this is just one side of the story. It could be, and probably is, extremely biased and I have no way of verifying it. But they seem to follow Anurr because of his, ah, restraint to kill just anyone. He will ask for a willing sacrifice, and a small one, at that, unlike Unhalad. It is easy to compare these two lords and fall into step with Anurr's side, but the lesser of two evils is still evil to some extent.

[He pauses here, not quite wanting to bring up this next point, but this doesn't seem like a secret that should be kept.]

During their meetings, Anurr's followers drink some concoction. It almost feels like if you were to get drunk impossibly fast, but with the side effects of added strength and heightened senses. I cannot stress enough how much I think we should all avoid this drink unless we have no other choice.

[His voice softens here, shame coloring his words.]

If you have heard news of some of Unhalad's corpses showing up within the past few nights with an arm missing...I'm afraid I am to blame. Please avoid this drink.

[Well. This is a pleasant message. Xingchen clears his throat and tries to brighten up.]

I think we have been joined by some new comrades. Those who arrived on the ship? This is not my best introduction, but I am Xiao Xingchen. I hope you are all safe and staying warm. If we stick together, I believe we will make it through.

audio | username: haltham

[aprescoup]

He... llo? Hey-ho! Hello. Got the hang of it now —

( But does he? A sudden spell of background laughter would indicate the channel remains disrupted, until… it suddenly quiets down. )

...there we go! How’s you lot? This is Haltham. Me? Been good. Real swell. Got me a... got a goat now. She’s a handsome one. Met’er coming down from the mountains, minding my own business, might’ve had a little to dri — ...but keeps the body warm, don’t it? And there I was, and there she was, and I think she’d just killed a man? Can’t be helping it, happens in a mountain. And we looked each other up, then down, though she’s mostly sideways, think she’s, hm... her eyes sort of cross, but you know, she’s a looker, and she walks the leash right, and we headed on together, so. And now, I take her everywhere.

( He seems, suddenly, to remember the point of his outreach: )

Anyway. You’ll have your own goat! Maybe. We’re taking you. Taking you elsewhere. On a walk. To a new place, better place, for living. Mostly better. Well... right, it’s not all that better, but it’s a home, a farm. And... look. Can’t be having you at the… ladies’ house no more. There’s trouble in the city now, with all them folks rising for Anurr, and... heard some of you got involved with all that. Keep your heads down! Oi! Oiiiiiiii. Down. Don't be dying before I even see you.

( A pause, then: ) So, this farm. Used to be a woodhouse. It’s... closer to the forest, where the old blood live, and it’s farther out, but… you can still walk to the merchants’ places, and it’ll do you good. Proper, honest stroll each morning. Works an appetite. Old man thought it might be rough, but I talked him into it, and it’s all yours, now! You can head on tomorrow, and Karsa’ll even... you know, sort out your speech pieces, so you can talk smart there too.

Now, it’ll need some cleaning... and some urging along of the wolves. And rats, and... the trouble with the... you'll see. I don’t think some walls are holding, but you’ll prop them, won’t you? Bit of sweat and mud and snow, and it really is all yours, once that’s done! And no one will come along to bother.

Just... don’t open your doors at night, no matter what the wind tells you. Or people. Them’s not people, in that forest.


( ooc: A mission log for the move-out and the delights of the 'farm' will be up tomorrow :) Characters with jobs at the House of Dew can hold on to their posts, even after they relocate. Translation devices will work throughout. )