Intro Log - March 2014

[rekindlemods]

Who: Everyone
Where: The Welcome Center
When: 18th March, afternoon
Summary: The new arrivals, freshly pulled from their worlds or others, awaken in a strange place...
Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. SOME NPC RESPONSES WILL BE SLOW UNTIL THE ONE WHO PLAYS THEM IS PRESENT.

It's a shuddering breath, a sensation of being pulled to elsewhere and finding oneself pressed against something on the soft and some place cozy. However, before one can fully stir, there is and odd, warm stirring sensation that lifts you up from wherever you've been dropped, when you begin to drift off once more.

Yet the feeling passes quickly, and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It's a small room with what some might recognize as a Far Eastern theme when it comes to decor, from the walls to the sofa (or bed) you find yourself on. Illumination is provided by carefully crafted lamps, and even a candle flickering on a nearby desk. The doors are made from paper and wood, with a thin frame; through them it's easy to hear other people stirring, talking, or coming to.

You are not alone...

Close at hand there's a note that reads:

WELCOME CENTER
Newcomers: Please come downstairs to the lobby for refreshments and your welcome packets!

Odd... This wasn't written in your own language, and yet you find it easily understandable. Soon enough, if you don't enter on your own, there's a gentle knocking on the door as someone comes from downstairs to usher you along.

"Welcome to Saeng Seong! I know you must be confused as to where you are and what's going on, but we promise to explain this to you once you've had a chance to stretch your legs!"

Whether you go downstairs immediately or linger a little longer, eventually you must come down and get out of the small space, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. You'll find yourself in a well-lit lobby, filled with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. Along one wall are refreshment tables, loaded with all sorts of warming, comforting food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. On the wall opposite are a pair of desks, each with a sign and a person seated behind them -

Irene, General Assistance
Devin, Technological Assistance

Unlike a few waves before, the only people in charge seem to be the people behind the desks. They look a bit busy.

However, before you can go over and give them a piece of your mind and ask questions, the same person who ushered you downstairs hands you a manilla envelope that contains your welcome packet, urging you to read this before asking the two figures questions that the packet likely answers.

Inside it, you will find: a ring with a key and apartment number on it, some kind of cash card, a map and informational guide to the city, and a letter folded neatly on the top -

Welcome to Saeng Seong!

You are among a new group of arrivals to our city, from many far-apart worlds.
We have gathered you here because our city is in a crisis, and we are at our last resorts. The energy of the city is in a slow downward spiral, and is dangerously close to expiring altogether.

That's where you come in - you and everyone else we've brought to the city. Unlike those of us here, you have the potential to generate the energy the city needs, but you'll need to work together to do it.

Why? Because the energy can only be generated when two people touch each other. Any touch will do, but it must be between two of you who are new to the city. If you don't keep in contact with someone, eventually your energy will begin to drain as well, making you dangerously ill.

A few other things:

The closed-off sections of the city are closed off for a reason; approaching them will cause your energy to drain very rapidly. We're working to open the rest of the city to you as soon as we can, but for now, please remain within the first five districts of the city.

You have been given a key to a one-bedroom apartment in a complex set aside for you and the other new arrivals, near the riverside in the 1st district. You're free to change your living quarters whenever you like, and we encourage you to move in with someone in one of the larger apartments. When you want to change, just come back to this building to exchange your key.

We've also included a cash card with a living stipend; if you're unfamiliar with this system, or the network established for new arrivals, you can talk to Devin in the lobby for help. It's what he's here for. If you need medical assistance, contact Mai, one of our nurses.

Again, welcome, and thank you for all your help.

Irene
Arrival Liaison

Outside, and through the translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street. It's looking bright against a mostly blue sky:

WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG
(ENJOY YOUR STAY!)

Comments

[gaggles]

"Hah, we found it! I wouldn't have gotten the courage to ask for it without you, y'know!"

But that's a very valid point; cheeks flaring, Gordin steels himself and whips about to sweep the woman into a bear hug. It's a little awkward and he might have accidentally jabbed her in the chest or the face, but the gratitude is there in full!

He hopes.

Also that might have been his first hug with a lady who wasn't his mother. Go son go!

"Ah, ah I can't believe it-- I was so worried! I don't know how to repay either of you for bringing my bow back to me!"
Once each little trinket is detached from it, the bow gets duly slung over his shoulder where it belongs. The familiar weight is enough to make Gordin sigh with content like a giddy idiot.

"Hahaha...I'm sorry, I went a little over the top there. But is there any way that I can make it up to you for dragging you around with me?"

[beforetights]

The poor woman is surprised and all but frozen in place as Gordin turns his massive hug on her. She stutters out a "You're welcome" while trying to squirm out of the hug, turning her face so the bow doesn't poke her in the eye. This isn't helped by Cu Chulainn deciding to hug her legs.

"Thank you for giving Sir Gordin's bow back, Lady!"

Cu Chulainn only lets go of the woman after Gordin does. When he lets go, she beats a hasty retreat, probably praying that she won't run into any more over excitable guests. Cu Chulainn waves her off before turning back to Gordin.

"It was an honor to help another warrior, so I don't need anything. But maybe we could go and get ice cream? The ice cream here is really good and you'll probably like it!"

[gaggles]

At least Gordin has the grace to feel rather flustered over hugging the poor woman, let alone putting the fright into her and making her run off like that. He stammers out an apology at her retreating back, face screwing up to convey the sudden desire to melt into the floor.

...To be fair to her, he kind of feels like running off as well. But the bow's retrieval had been really important to him; a little emotional outburst after how crazy today's been is probably due. That probably helps him laugh the embarrassment off a little, one hand stretching out again so that their little party of two doesn't get split up.

It's rather nice, after all.

"...Ice cream? I, ah-- I haven't heard of that. But if you say that it's good, then I'll definitely give it a go! Lead the way, young Master!"

[beforetights]

"Yeah, ice cream! It's this delicious magical food that's only found here."

He skips off in the direction of the ice cream shop.

"There's one in district three! We'll need to cross the river."

[gaggles]

"Wait, magical? It's not going to turn me into a dragon or--"

By Naga, he's not going to be able to keep up, is he? Gordin allows himself a rather indulgent smile as he trots after Cu Chulainn; magical side effects or not, if ice cream can bring on such excitement then it's worth a try.
...Plus it'd be pretty cool to be a dragon. Tittering to himself at the thought, he rummages through the arrival package for the map; this must be a huge city to have at least three districts to it, and a river.

"Hoy, don't go running off without me; I'm old, you know? I might break my hip, and you'd have to carry me then!"

[beforetights]

"No, it just tastes different from everything else. It doesn't turn you into anything, though it would be neat if it did!"

He turns back and makes a face at Gordin.

"Don't worry! I'm strong! I'll carry you to the healing place, and then I'll carry you to get ice cream!"

[gaggles]

"Oh, oh gods, okay. That's good; you had me worried for a second there! I'm not big on magic, let alone in my dinner. Even if it's delicious, I'd rather not sneeze slugs or some silly thing."

Not that Altea as a whole is big on magic, but that's another story for another day; for now, Gordin's quite content with pulling a face right on back. Quite a gruesome one too; who'd have thought he'd have it in him?
...Though it helps when he's trying not to laugh at poor Cu Chulainn having to juggle such an awkwardly-sized dead weight if ever his hips did go. No matter how strong you are, tripping over someone's limp arm doesn't really help things.

"That's true; alright, if I end up having a heart attack or something, I'm relying on you! ...And I'll pay for the ice cream with this money-card. It's the least I can do if you'd get me healed!"

[beforetights]

"That sounds like a spell for bad fairies. All the food fairies here are good fairies."

He stops and recoils at Gordin's face.

"Oh no! Are you becoming a monster?"

The next second the smile is back on his face.

"You better not, because I'm not gonna carry a monster. Not even if it had a heart attack."

[gaggles]

"Maybe I'm becoming a monster...Who eats good food fairies. If they're really so abundant here, then I'll be well-fed won't I?"
Crossing his arms, Gordin resorts to the much simpler option of sticking his tongue out.

What an example of maturity. He's not overly bothered, though; no one's really paying them too much mind now, and he's having too much fun to care at any rate.

"Gods, that's cruel; what about harmless or good monsters who are really, really old? It must be annoying though, having to carry everyone because you're so strong."
Raising his eyebrows, Gordin shrugs altogether too casually. "It seems only fair that perhaps a monster carry you for once?"

Oh gods is he really offering a piggyback. Brother placebo procedure complete; there is no escape.

[beforetights]

Cu Chulainn quickly shakes his head and sticks his tongue out at Gordin.

"You can't be a good monster if you eat good fairies! You'd only be a good monster if you ate ice cream!"

His eyes light up as he hears Gordin's offer.

"Really? You'll carry me? Thank you so much!"

He all but jumps onto Gordin's back.

"Forward! Let's go!"

[gaggles]

"It's better than eating humans, isn't it? But still...Eating fairies isn't the nicest thing. If ice cream's better than fairies, I'll switch to it. Deal?"
Tongue duly retracted, Gordin salutes to show how serious he is about not eating fairies. ...Not that he'd know one if he saw it, but still.

For the split second before Cu Chulainn makes contact with his back, there's a horrified thought that maybe he's out of his depth.
Only for that split second though; once they've assumed prime piggyback position, it's like riding a bike. ...Hypothetical bike.
"Alright, fair rider! I might be a bit rusty though, so promise you won't dig in the spurs if I'm slow?"

[beforetights]

"It's much, much better than humans. Just trust me."

He nods, hanging on tight to Gordin's shoulders.

"I promise! You can go as fast or slow as you like."

[gaggles]

"Alright, since I have your word then I'll definitely give up the people-eating for this ice cream. Since you're being such a good rider and all, it's the least I can do! Ah-- Just don't forget to give me directions either, please. Don't want to get us lost, haha!"

Cheeks puffed out, Gordin mimes cracking his neck before trotting off again; not that he'd mind getting lost (it's simply exploring, right?), but he's starting to feel hungry the more they talk about eating.
And ice cream does sound nice. Cream = good. Ice = ...nice on hot days? And if he can figure out how to make it, then maybe he could take the recipe home and make a killing.

First thing's first though; to pass the time while they're journeying through the perilous throngs, he might as well address one of the things that's been nagging at him since they first met.

"This probably sounds silly, but...D'you have any family here, or are you alone?"

[beforetights]

"Go over there. Until you reach the river."

Cu Chulainn points off toward the distance. He doesn't want Gordin to get lost.

"I've got my big brother! He's my family here. You should meet him because he'd love to meet another warrior"

[gaggles]

"Yessir, right away sir!"

Landmarks, he can work with; river fixed in his sights, Gordin makes his merry way onwards and nobly tries to keep his mouth from watering at the thought of ice cream's realisation.
Damn it sounds good the more he thinks on it. Daaamn.

Hearing about his passenger's big brother is strangely bittersweet (and stops him from drooling, thank the gods); there's relief, obvious in the little sigh he lets out, but...
He's jealous, plain and simple. If families can get brought here, then why not his?

Not that he's going to snap at Cu Chulainn for it, oh no; that's something he'll hold close to his heart.
"Oh, that's good; I was starting to get a little worried. I know that you're a strong warrior, but coming to a new place alone is hard for anyone. ...I'd really like to meet your brother, too! Even if he must be strong enough to throw me across this river in one go, ahaha!"

[beforetights]

Cu Chulainn giggles as he thinks of Diarmuid throwing anyone across the river.

"I don't know if he can, but he's polite and he won't do it if you don't give him a reason to."

A pause.

"...Is it really hard for you, Mr. Gordin? You came here alone, didn't you?"

[gaggles]

...Aww, it's hard for Gordin to not break out in a huge grin when he hears his passenger giggling. He's not sure how much older qualifies for an older brother in this case, but...Hey, older brothers can always bond a little over younger brothers, right? That thought alone is enough to encourage a little spark of hope.
"I'm not meaning to start fights with fellow warriors, or fights at all, so I'll do my best to get along with him. ...Enough so he won't go tossing me like a javelin, anyway!"

After all, he'd totally make a neat human javelin-- ...Oh. Oh.
He's not yet aware of the fact that he isn't actually alone, that his lord/saviour/idol/friend since early pubescence is here with him; the relief that that knowledge will bring him is nowhere to be seen right now.
"I think so...I haven't seen a familiar face since I woke up. All of my friends are strong and brave, so I'm not too worried for them yet, but..."

His tone lowers a little to match the frown starting to sneak onto his face. "I was going to go home in a few days, just to see my family. I've been away for a while training, and I really miss them. I wish that I could be with them. Oh, but-- Listen to me complain. Never mind me, okay? I'll be alright. True warriors make the best of what they have, no matter what."

[beforetights]

Cu Chulainn's expression also falls as he hears Gordin talking about his family. He reaches and pats Gordin on the head with a hand.

"All good warriors care about their family and their friends. And a lot of people miss their families."

Maybe, after a while longer, Cu Chulainn would miss his family too.

"But I'm sure everyone will be safe, and when you go home you can meet all of them again!"

[gaggles]

Gordin's well aware he sounds like the most miserable bastard on the planet right now, and he's also well aware that there's much worse out there than not being around his thankfully-totally-alive family because Saeng Seong recruited him. But that thought does nothing to stop the fierce tightening in his throat, and neither does the little hand patting his head.
...Though the gesture makes him suddenly want nothing more than to hug the stuffing out of Cu Chulainn. If only that weren't incredibly creepy...

"That's true; not missing your family...I think that's part of what makes a monster. ...Thank you, Cu Chulainn. I'm sorry for being a sap over something so silly, haha."
It probably wouldn't be such a painful little thorn in his side if it weren't for his brother finally entering the army; this could just be another duty then, and he could have a fine adventure and be done with it. It's at least a touch comforting to remember that everyone he knows is a qualified soldier with experience from the War of Shadows, and definitely capable of fighting off some great evil.

"...Mm. Everyone back home is very strong; not quite as strong as you I don't fancy, but close! They can handle things without me just fine, I know it. And I'll--"

Ah, gods; the dam's broken. That sure is one big, fat tear (and then another, and another) streaking down his screwed-up face. "I'll never leave my family again, that's what I'll do!"

[beforetights]

Cu Chulainn presses his face into the back of Gordin's neck and grips Gordin's shoulders. It's not a proper hug, but it's all he can do for now.

"And give them all big hugs for me too, okay?"

Talking about Gordin's family makes him remember his own family. His mom and dad and uncle, and all of his friends in the Ulster Boy Corps. As he thinks about what they might be doing now, he starts sniffling. Even so, he starts stretching out a hand to wipe at Gordin's tears.

[gaggles]

...People are giving them mildly concerned looks by this stage, given that they're both in tears; probably the only reason that no one's stopping to check on them is that they both seem unharmed.
Probably.
Which is good, because if Gordin realises that he's blubbering like he hasn't since he was last imprisoned (7 years ago, 7 godsdamned years) in public of all places, in front of someone he hopes to make a good impression on...

Well, he'd just cry harder. But the point is that he doesn't need more distress, not when he realises that by Naga, that had been a hug or as good as, and they're both starting to sob now and great. Great. All he can think to do is try to slow down and tighten his grip, so that they don't end up collapsing and making even more of a scene.

"A-and yours, when you see them! We'll hug them really tightly, to make up for the...Thuh-huh-huh not being there--"

Feeling his passenger's hand brush against his cheek in such a simple little gesture completely shatters any semblance of having his shit together that Gordin might have had. If his concern hadn't been so squarely on keeping them upright and in place, then he'd return it tenfold instead of just standing still and bawling. "I want to go huh-hooooooooome!"

[beforetights]

"I wanna go hooooome! I want my mommy! I want my daddy!"

Once the tears come, they won't story. Cu Chulainn clings to Gordin and squeezes him tight, so much that his nails start digging into Gordin's skin. Unlike Gordin, he's not so afraid of being emotional in public, so he cries and screams without caring for that fact that he's clinging to someone else.

[gaggles]

Okay, no, that's...That's a pretty good cue to sit down. Him alone crying is bearable, but the fact that he's reduced Cu Chulainn to tears with his emotional nonsense is doubly upsetting; scuttling out of the road of most passers-by, Gordin squats and tries to turn or something so that he can hug the poor little sapling. Even if it hurts whenever he squirms too much or tugs a little too quickly.

Least he can do. Any embarrassment pales in the face of how godsdamned upset they both are (and really, even if he hadn't been also in the middle of sobbing his heart out, the sight of a crying child would still probably win out over his shame. Thankfully).

"Shhhh, shhhhhh, it'll be okay! We-- We'll g-get home, and they'll be really happy to see us!"

[beforetights]

Cu Chulainn sniffles and looks down at Gordin with his red, puffy eyes. For just a moment, he stops clinging to Gordin so hard.

"Really? Are you telling the truth? Promise?"

[gaggles]

With a quick reprieve from the bite of Cu Chulainn's nails, Gordin exhales rather shakily and tries to stem his tears; there's no way he can be comforting if he can't say something that he doesn't believe. So they just awkwardly squat on the side of the footpath as he tries to think of something that would work (and keep him from making ridiculous, squeaky hiccup noises as the tears begin to dry up).

Eventually he manages to collect himself enough that unbroken speech is possible. ...Thank Naga.
"I hope I am. But...We're just here to help, right? So once the city's--" Eurgh, huge sniffle. Gross. "--bleh, once it's fixed up, we should be able to go home! They wouldn't lie to us, I'm sure! So you and me, we'll get to go see our families again. And until then, we'll just have to make friends and keep working hard as possible. We can do that, you and me. Right?"