XI

[adamantlyardent]

There really was no guarantee that world-altering madness would cease upon the departure of the fate sisters, was there? In fact, perhaps leaving a seat of power open like that can entice other high powers and potent forces to come and see what they can do.

Despite that, it doesn't mean I'm going to ever grow fond of, let alone become used to being battered around by these things. Forces, circumstances, fates, fey...whatever you wish to categorize them as -- I'll just bucket them all in "Things with Greater Influence in the World(s) at Large than Most Mortals." Perhaps that label will satisfy most were I to use it? Not all, naturally.

In any case, who shall begin the mass-accounting of things amiss or askew THIS time around? In a neat list for easy perusal, I'd prefer.

Comments

[eyediot]

[oh this is Not Ideal. He really hopes he didn't have any tagalongs.]

Do you mind if I ask what happened that time?

[adamantlyardent]

If you are familiar with the Feywild, I imagine I needn't say more than that.

[eyediot]

Familiar with it, again, as a mythological concept.

[He's at least gotten past the speedrun to panic attack in favor of his favorite thing: research, in this case via direct sources.]

What other "Things with Greater Influence in the World(s) at Large than Most Mortals." do you think may be here?

[adamantlyardent]

Perhaps as many as one could imagine, I suppose. This place does seem to draw quite a colorful variety of sorts from various realms, so it isn't THAT much of a leap to imagine their pantheons or powers sneaking in with their shadows.

[eyediot]

[What a time to consider autocannibalism if he's eating his own fear.]

I see.

An odd question, I apologize. Is there some place in these cities that keeps record of events?

[adamantlyardent]

If you mean a dedicated source, solely for such things? I wouldn't know of it if there is one. News and speculation come from many outlets, oftentimes conflicted or ill-accounted.

[eyediot]

Thank you, that. At least lets me know to pick my sources wisely.

I apologize, my name is Jonathan Sims.

[adamantlyardent]

It matches the name displayed by your text, good. Well met, I am Cecelia Ardenbury, and I imagine your escapades here have only just begun; at least it is not such a violent beginning as others.

[eyediot]

I never could get the hang of internet forums.

[Not really his thing. More Sasha's or Martin's.]

I really hope they don't escalate.

[adamantlyardent]

You are welcome to hope, but I advise you do not hold your breath. As the saying goes: Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

[eyediot]

At this point in my life, I tend to prepare for livable and expect the worst. My luck isn't that good. I do appreciate the warning, though.

[adamantlyardent]

There is also something to be said about self-fulfilling prophecies, but I'm not interested in overstepping in such a fashion.

[eyediot]

I'll admit there is an element of self-sabotage, but there was a good amount of 'things I had no control over' at play as well.

[adamantlyardent]

You'll get your fill here, rest assured.

[eyediot]

Brilliant. Guess it was too much to hope for more than five days' peace.

[adamantlyardent]

Relish it while you can, I suppose; most of us are still trying to recover from the shock of losing so many days without warning. I'm sure more aggressive ripples are to come.

[eyediot]

I'm sure.

Thank you for answering my questions, Ms. Audenbury.

[SO formal.]

[adamantlyardent]

And for your civility, Jonathan Sims.
You'll find many others here more inclined and more capable of answering many manners of questions you'll doubtless have; it'll just be a matter of sifting through the chaff, as all must.

[eyediot]

You've answered quite a lot of my questions already. My assistant is looking to ask the network at large about some specific things, so I'm certain he and I can scrape through the dregs. It's what we're good at.

[adamantlyardent]

This world saw fit to grant you an assistant?
Perhaps I need not answer any of your questions at all.

[eyediot]

Not like that.
He's one of my research assistants from my world. He's as new to this place as I am.

[adamantlyardent]

I see. So he'll be the one taking all of the notes, then?

[eyediot]

I'm taking a lot of my own notes!

[WOW HE'S FEELING ATTACKED. They were having a nice conversation.]

[adamantlyardent]

[that's what he gets for reading into things!!!]

A wise practice; you'll benefit from the surplus. I believe the volume of information can stay off existential terror for a bit, should that be an issue.

[eyediot]

That
I do apologize for. The last seven or so years, my particular field of study has been the occult and supernatural. I do research all manner of things, but my focus tends to be in existential fear, as you so put it.