un: song | voice;

[spoilers]

As long as we're sharing, I guess it can't hurt to add one more observation to the pile of 'everything is clearly not as it seems.'

Since we've been here, I've been working with the military in Minaras. Well, I say working. Honestly, it's mostly a publicity gig. But they do still let me fly on occasion.

[ There's a brief pause as she tries to remember what it is she's here to say, having now distracted herself. ]

Oh, right. Anyway, our planes actually make it a point to avoid dragons whenever possible, as anyone with sense might. But some of our ships have taken some interesting fire damage, of late. Not from a missile. I had a look, myself.

Interesting, isn't it, each side suffering attacks that might be blamed on the other but neither certain enough in their accusations to break the peace.

Comments

@samsa, voice

[enucleation]

Sometimes you don't need to be certain. I'd think peace will be broken if this continues to happen.

[spoilers]

Yeah. Maybe. Maybe not.

I'm not sure either side wants to fight the other. But I'm beginning to think someone is trying very hard to make them believe they do.

[enucleation]

It certainly looks like it.

I also do think most people wouldn't want a war, but it's very easy to change people's minds too, which can be worrisome. [ specially if politics are involved ]

[spoilers]

I suppose it can be, yes. But I'm not sure that applies to these people, in particular. One half of the city lives in constant fear of the imperfect, the decaying, and the other struggles to remember anything they might find unpleasant.

I think if Serthica is to find itself at war, whoever's inciting it will have to get a bit more heavy-handed.

[ And that is something that worries her, considering they're still caught in the middle. ]

un: absterge

[downswing]

Where two merchants quarrel, a third makes coin.


( Not to accuse anyone of manipulation, never that. )

[spoilers]

My thoughts exactly.
The real question is...who's benefiting from this war?

[downswing]

A contingent exists, forcing union.

People suffer in strife. Seats of governance defend peace.

No seeming incentive.

[spoilers]

There's always a reason, even if not a very good one. I suspect we're still missing a piece of the puzzle or two.

[downswing]

( Truth, in all things. Then, heartbeats later: )

Your name, mislaid.

[spoilers]

River. Call me River.

[downswing]

River.

See to yourself. Citizens here appear jealous of their privacy.

[spoilers]

I'm afraid curiosity is in my nature.

[downswing]

...Wangji, clan Lan. Well met.

[spoilers]

Nice to meet you, too. In a manner of speaking.

[downswing]

Better we meet in the resolution of war, than its creation.

[spoilers]

I wouldn't disagree.

un: headless ragdoll

[matermali]

I suspect by now that neither side is to blame, though I would not dare suggest this to the locals. Someone may be draping a veil over everyone's eyes, including our own.

[ All this talk of flying is something that really amazed Vanessa, and she doesn't know which is more fascinating: the dragons or the planes. If only the surrounding menace wasn't so stifling, Vanessa might be more focused on the marvel that River's allowed to fly about.

Perhaps one of these days. ]

[spoilers]

I rather think that's exactly what's happening. And I'm not sure the locals would believe us if we did suggest it.

[matermali]

So I am left to wonder what to do with such suspicions. It weighs on the soul.

[spoilers]

I'm not sure I've enough soul left for it to weigh on, but I think we're left to find answers for ourselves. And I suspect our mysterious third party might be our best chance of getting those answers.

un : dappled peals of the parted seas (voice)

[beitangmoran]

So there is fire damage on the ships, but no one as actually seen a dragon attacking a ship?

[spoilers]

It doesn't seem so. Just quite a lot of suspicion and uncertain evidence.

[beitangmoran]

And I assume in the same way, no one actually saw a ship attacking a dragon and injuring them.

[spoilers]

I believe they saw something. But it wasn't our ship. Not currently, anyway.