Seven Bells: [ACTION/WRITTEN] Hat Day.

[simplestgift]

[Citizens of Luceti may see Archie Kennedy wandering around with a new hat today. It looks a little like something a magician would pull a rabbit out of, but he seems to be enjoying it. He'll be around town today--the library and grocery store during the day, and Good Spirits in the evening. In the afternoon, he'll sit at the fountain to pen a few words.]

I believe morale might improve if we had some sort of goodbye ceremony for those who were returned home. Not a funeral, mind you, just an occasion to remember them, celebrate their return, and hope to join them soon. Perhaps once a month or so, for everyone who left during the month. It's the little things that help one cope, sometimes.

Also, who left a note under my door? I'm afraid I can't read it, or indeed tell if it was even meant for me. I live in Building One, in the first flat on the first floor.

Comments

[written]

[paladinlost]

That sounds like an excellent idea. It would be a shame if we were to forget those who have returned home. Is there a list of the villagers who have disappeared previously?

[written]

[simplestgift]

Not that I'm aware of. I'm sure if we asked everyone, we could compile one, even if it isn't quite complete.

[written]

[paladinlost]

With so many people at all times, there must be a few that slip by unnoticed. But every name someone remembers would be helpful. Have you lost anyone since you arrived?

[written]

[simplestgift]

...No. No, not anyone close. A couple of people I've talked to have gone, but no one close.

[written]

[paladinlost]

Considering the circumstances, I suppose that makes you luckier than most. I'd not wish losing a close friend on anyone.

[written]

[simplestgift]

[There's a long hesitation.] Well. It's no better if your friends never come at all, is it?

[written]

[paladinlost]

That is true. The local conditions are quite unfair to us all, but I must admit I was quite relieved to find friends and family already present when I arrived. Even if it might sound selfish of me.

[written]

[simplestgift]

It doesn't sound selfish. You are very lucky.

[Then underneath.] Lt. A. Kennedy, at your service.

[written]

[paladinlost]

Cecil Harvey. I am what you would call a New Feather. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[written]

[simplestgift]

Then welcome to Purgatory. Call me Archie. I have been here about two and a half months now. Be glad you missed the winter.

[written]

[paladinlost]

Thank you for your welcome, Archie. And I am. Those pants were not quite appropriate, even for March weather.

[written]

[simplestgift]

Did they stick you up in a tree as well, then?

[written]

[paladinlost]

They were kind enough to leave me on the ground, and relatively near one of those watch stations. Are arrivals in trees common?

[written]

[simplestgift]

Not that I've noticed. I imagine they felt a particular need to exploit my naturally bad luck.

[written]

[paladinlost]

They have something that passes for a sense of humor, then? Not that it'd be a very good one.

[written]

[simplestgift]

I'm not certain if it was them or my damned bad luck. Did you find your friends and family well?

[written]

[paladinlost]

One of them was absent and unwell, but everyone else was perfectly healthy. Then again, it appears I missed most of the recent excitement.

[written]

[simplestgift]

The battle, yes. Excitement is one word for it. Half of the pressed were civilians.

[An exaggeration, but still.]

[written]

[paladinlost]

Whoever is responsible for these drafts is obviously not thinking clearly. Not only are civilians unable to participate, they are also a strain on ressources in combat and reduce the combatants' efficiency by necessitating their protection. Are they trying to get the draftees killed?

[written]

[simplestgift]

My concern was that the civilians were practically defenseless. A few of the draftees rounded them up in some grand fortress of a barn and tried to protect them. It was foolishness, is what it was.

[written]

[paladinlost]

A barn? Was there no better location for them? Such a building could easily have been set on fire, and would have been nearly impossible to fortify.

[written]

[simplestgift]

Exactly!

[written]

[paladinlost]

Were there any casualties amongst the non-combatants?

[written]

[simplestgift]

None that I heard of. However, half the people here are practically demigods.

[written]

[paladinlost]

Demigods? What do you mean by that?