video; un: glow is me

[massrez]

[ It's the first time he's addressed the network since arriving. Well. Arriving again< apparently. But what happened in the bathing halls needs to be known. Should be known. Even if to recount it now still brings a small shiver of discomfort.

He's spoken through worse. And his face is a resolute one when he addresses the network at large. ]

The bathing halls should be avoided if at all possible, at present. There appear to be figures forming themselves out of the dark water, made to resemble us. And it isn't just our faces they appear to be taking...

[ There's a momentary pause as his gaze goes distant, before steeling himself once more. ]

They know us. Our fears, our doubts. Wrathion and I were able to dispatch one of the creatures, but many more began to appear from the water's depths. Most were misshapen, half-formed...but all spoke with one voice. One mind, one will if that is possible.

They reached out to us, spoke from memories and dreams, offering to keep us and ours safe. They would do whatever we wanted or asked, just to be born. To exist. To be given form. They wanted us to wish them into existing. Then they were gone again, all at once, and the water had gone still once more.

[ Is there a trace of sympathy in his eyes? Perhaps. Am I worthy of existence? That question still rings in his mind, even now. ]

I would expect their desire has not ended so readily. Be cautious, should you come near large bodies of that dark water. I would not recommend doing so alone.

Comments

[nothinglikefather]

[ He's never been very good at reading between the lines but he thinks Anduin might need something else like a night out and more like a moment of peace. ]

Well in that case, I'll get us some drinks and we'll find somewhere to have them. Somewhere quiet, and we'll chat.

[massrez]

Somehow, we always seem to manage.

[ A faint smile tugs onto his lips. ]

I can meet you, just tell me where.

[nothinglikefather]

Alright. You know the hill where the fancy people all live? There's a little shrine at the main cross roads. Meet me there?

[massrez]

Moderately fancy people, yes.

[ A small joke. He's used to fairly 'fancy' settings, himself. ]

I think I can find my way.

>>> Action

[nothinglikefather]

Alright, don't get lost.

[It doesn't take him long to get together what he needs, but the market is between his lodgings and there he can pick up what he needs- a couple of bottles, some food, and then heading to the specified point. It's a nice little shrine, brightly painted, with offerings of flowers and wine and bits of food- all fresh. Clearly, in these times of trouble, people do turn to their gods.

The streets aren't all that busy at this time of day, so Jacob keeps his eyes peeled for Anduin. This isn't their final destination- he wants to head a little further up the hill where the view of Ephes and the river are laid out like a blanket. As it gets darker, he imagines it will look incredible.]

[massrez]

[ A crossroads. There's something auspicious in that, he thinks. A sense of diverging pathways that seems an apt place for a shrine. When are they more likely to seek guidance than at the literal fork in the road?

An idle thought, as he approaches, dark blue cape tucked around his tunic, looking for all the world like he belongs save for that length of blond hair barely tied back out of his face.

It's easy enough to spot Jacob, to offer a tired smile and a lifted hand in greeting to his friend. ]

You weren't waiting too long, I hope.

[nothinglikefather]

[ There's a certain feeling when you watch a sunrise over the rooftops, a magnificence of gold and light as inky night is pushed away that Jacob is reminded of when he sees Anduin through the people travelling up the hill. Like some sort of warmth or life radiates from him.

Which is a ridiculous notion, all things considered, and Jacob quickly shakes it off and approaches the other young man, echoing the wave and studying Anduin's face. He looks exhausted. ]

Just got here myself. Spot I have in mind is just a little further up. It's a fairly gentle walk, if you've got the energy for it? But it's worth it when we get there.

[massrez]

I trust you.

[ Through the weariness he still smiles, gesturing for Jacob to take the lead. For a time he lapses into silence, glancing towards his companion now and again. ]

You look well. I'm glad to see it.