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 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?

[written]

[simplestgift]

Magic and spells and incredible strength. I've never seen anything like it till now.

[written]

[paladinlost]

Magic is not common in your world, then?

[written]

[simplestgift]

I never saw it in my life. I've heard of things. My nurse when I was a boy believed very strongly in the fair folk and other spirits, and since coming here I've been told there are many things most simply don't see.

[written]

[paladinlost]

There are many things in all worlds that few people see, true. But magic is not one of them, at least in my world. Most armies include White Mage and Black Mage corps.

[written]

[simplestgift]

[The idea of Black Magic makes him a little tense and nervous, so it takes him a moment to reply.]

I'm sure they're formidable, then.

[written]

[paladinlost]

They are, because of both their battle prowess and their more mundane abilities. Ice spells are surprisingly good at keeping the food stores fresh, and Libra eliminates the need to bring maps.