✘ Round 7 | [Audio]

[glacius]

[Glacius is keeping up with his usual tradition of only posting to the network when something important or noteworthy has transpired. It doesn't help that he doesn't have quite as much to do as usual, given the circumstances that have him stuck inside his apartment for hours at a time, so utilizing the network actually feels like on of the more productive ways he could be spending his time... how odd.] Hello. How are you all finding our change of scenery? For me, it is... quite disagreeable. This scorching heat makes it very difficult for me to get out as much as I would like. [As much as he needs to, honestly. Even though the circuits woven into his flesh allow him to weather this alien planet's temperatures for brief to moderate chunks of time, he's not a creature that does well cooped up for any duration. It was bad enough when he felt confined to the caves; now this...

... but he cannot dwell on that. The point of making this post was to distract himself, to find ways to stay relevant and useful despite the obstacles in his way. He clears his throat quietly and then carries on.] Nonetheless, I am still doing what I can, using snatches of time in the suns and the brief darkness that falls over the land to hunt monsters and accrue supplies for those that may need it. [So his close friends that have received offerings or supplies at their places of business or residence as if overnight can probably now figure out just where, or more accurately, who they came from if they hadn't surmised as much already. As usual, Glacius isn't going to put himself in the spotlight by outright taking credit for it.] If you would like to help me, you can keep me apprised of any reconstruction efforts in the wake of the Null's attacks. If you leave instructions by any damaged areas or specific structures, I will follow them and use that time to aid in the rebuilding. After all we have been through, it is... good for me to find ways to be of use.

I suppose that is everything. Just remember... for anyone else who may be struggling right now... it is adversity that builds strength. We may have lost much, but at the same time there are still things to be grateful for, and... if we remember that, we can endure. [He could say more on that, but the last thing he wants to do is come off as preachy, especially when he's still convinced that most humans would be more likely to find it presumptuous for someone as different as him to be speaking on such things. So he cuts it there and hopes he'll get some more direction; after seeing so much suffering in so many different capacities these past weeks he just really, really wants to be able to help.]

Comments

[so_dark_a_road]

My condolences on the daytime temperatures! Having spent my former life in cold countries, I'm not all that pleased with the heat myself. But I'm sure it is easier for me than it is for you. I had been wondering if you were all right, and am glad to know you are active in this strange new world in which we find ourselves.

I am involved in the reconstruction efforts, and I believe that two of the most urgent projects are the rebuilding of the Clinic and the digging of irrigation ditches and wells in order to save the Orchard. If you like, I can give you some ideas of where to start, though I'm not in charge of either project, just an enthusiastic contributor. Perhaps others who are involved will want to weigh in as well.

And thanks for your words of wisdom and encouragement, Glacius! I second what you say about adversity, strength, gratitude, and endurance.

[ The ice alien does not sound even remotely preachy, just concerned and willing to help! ]

[glacius]

[One might think that such vibrant and effusive outpourings of concern and support might make the receiver feel good-- and it does, a little, deep down-- but closer to the surface, the alien isn't quite sure what to do with all this! He just is not used to it, coming from a human, but he supposes he really should talk to Curufin more often in order to adjust. For now, he does his best to be congenial.] Thank you, Curufin. I am not as active as I would like, which is why I must find more ways to be efficient with the time that I have. That being said, I would appreciate any ideas you would have to offer.

So please... continue. I know about the Clinic-- [as Kate picked up on his nightly efforts nearly immediately, bless her soul--] but not about the irrigation for the Orchard. Perhaps you could offer advice there, or with other projects.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ To feel like a foreigner amongst sentient beings -- that must be a constant trial. And that is the impression that Curufin has always had as regards Glacius' sense of himself and his place in the world. It touches something in the Elf that he would have a hard time defining, but he feels drawn to reach out. Curufin may not always be perfectly empathetic, but he tries. And when he fails, he recalls how much is at stake not only for himself but for others, especially for others, collects himself and tries again. ]

Yes, I see. There are only a few hours in a day on this new planet -- the hours of darkness and of late twilight -- that are not boiling hot. But I can't imagine anybody being more efficient than you are, Glacius. You probably have ideas that the rest of us might benefit from.

[ Bless Kate indeed! ] Oh. . . it sounds like you've been working on the new Clinic building as well? That would explain why so many things mysteriously get done between sundown and sunrise!

And as for the irrigation project, we started eleven days ago. If you go around to the site, you'll see a double line of stakes driven into the ground to mark each bank of what is going to be a fifteen-foot-wide irrigation ditch. It starts at the northeastern corner of the Orchard and runs kind of northeast, and it meets up with the river north of where the dam used to be. We began the digging more than a week ago, but it's slow going.

We can leave digging tools for you on the site. I'll enclose them in a big box and leave it on the bank wherever we stop at the end of each day. I'll scrawl the words Night Crew on it, so you can't miss it.

You might even see me there. Elves don't actually need to sleep much, and I sometimes just work straight through the dark hours instead of going home to rest. I'll stay if you'd like company.

[glacius]

[Alright, yes, Glacius should definitely talk to Curufin more. Though the alien supposes it should be obvious enough just from looking at him compared to everyone else here, most people don't really understand just what it is he has to deal with every day he lives here. At least, not just from a few interactions like the elf has seemed to. Actually, there's a lot of ways Curufin treats him that are new and refreshing, especially in the way he openly asks to hear more of the alien's ideas, valuing him for his expanded perspective. Even the otherworldly being, reserved as he is, can't help but puff up a little.] It won't be slow going if you have me on your side! I probably won't even need your tools, what with my abilities, but leaving them there could be helpful to at least to show me what I should be working with. Thank you, Curufin. You know, I... I do not think I would mind if you wanted to work alongside me, for a little bit at least.

[Which might not seem like much, but is actually a fairly glowing appraisal, coming from a loner like Glacius.]

audio

[am_i_a_monster]

I think we're all finding it too hot. I hunt sometimes too. I don't recognize your voice. I'm Abigail.

[She pauses.]

Will's back. That's something to be grateful for.

[glacius]

[Glacius lets out the slightest, barest chuckle--he doesn't doubt that she hurts, but he doesn't know if it's quite the same.] My name is Glacius. We probably have not spoken before; socializing is not... exactly something I do often, nor is posting to this network.

But I am glad to hear one someone close to you has returned. Having those that we care for, and who care for us in turn, make this place more bearable. This is something I have learned quite well over the past couple of months. [The ice alien pauses, about to leave it at that, but... he really could learn to talk to people a bit better, couldn't he? He can at least make the effort if people are going out of their way to sympathize with him.]

Would you... like to tell me about him?

[am_i_a_monster]

[There both hunting monsters, instead of hunting in a way that makes them monsters, and that's enough of a similarity for Abigail. Though it would be easier for her to hunt if she had her rife and other hunting gear with her.] Nice to meet you.

It does make it bearable. I'm hoping Hannibal will come back too.

[She pauses a moment, wondering what she can say about Will that she knows is true, rather than what Hannibal had her believe.]

Will's one of the good guys. He's saved my life more than once.

audio. SHHHH.

[dedikated]

You gone far hunting?

( She asks because she hasn't, with all the reconstructions. And because she's up to date with his efforts helping in those. )

eehhhh <3

[glacius]

Not far. It would... be unwise of me to venture too far out in this heat, lest I find my strength sapped, or against all odds, somehow injured or incapacitated. [These are the sorts of worries he wouldn't express to just anyone, but he knows Kate can be trusted with them--and he knows she will understand. Nonetheless, she can probably just feel the way he folds his arms behind his back and stands tall as if trying to appear presentable and strong, and he tacks on:] I won't let it affect my performance, though. I will still defend you with all that I am, no matter the risk.

:3

[dedikated]

( Understandable. His explanation gets nothing more than a hum of noise in response, unspoken agreement to what Glacius is saying. No need to say more than that to her, or for her to use words to express that she approves of a sensible approach.

(Someone in Hadriel has to have them.)

But, more to the point, and maybe coming off the relatively fresh heels of conversations with Glacius' less composed partner... )

We fight together. ( Her voice is firm. She's not letting him take on risks alone. )

[paragonbrosca]

I know, right? I was missing the surface, but this is a lot hotter than more intense than I've ever had to deal with at home. It's weird to say that I miss rain and grey clouds, but fuck it, I do now.

I've been out there hunting, too. If you see a dwarf lady and her dog, you can come over and say hi. He won't jump, promise.

[glacius]

Ha-- as do I. It does not help that I have been trapped in that cave for... far longer than I care to think about, so it has been some time since I have seen natural weather or precipitation.

Noted, in any case. [Normally he might have to ask for clarification, but he's heard of dwarves thanks to talks about his partner's world, and he's had plenty of human friends to talk about the various domesticated life, so he's... actually all good here for once! He allows himself a little bit of self-satisfaction.] When you say hunt, are you speaking on some form of wildlife native to this planet... or to the beasts that used to creep through the caves?

[paragonbrosca]

Both, I guess? Whatever I can find around here, to either help make it less dangerous or bring back some food. I'm not picky, as long as there's something to do.

And hey, I totally get it. I lived underground almost my whole life and I was just getting used to the surface when they yanked me here. Now it's a learning curve all over again. At least Barkspawn gets plenty of sunlight, though.

voice;

[ritualized]

It's the same for me. [She sighs.] I think many of us are much more used to colder climates... I've never even seen a desert! If you haven't heard yet, there's a young man offering ice and cold water... [Thanks, "Fox."

Irisviel hums a little under her breath, thinking about what he's said for rebuilding. Though she's done what she could, she lacks the strength to do too much heavy lifting.]

I've been experimenting. With cooking what we have, that is. If you need something prepared, I could see what I can do with it! It's not that difficult to make a hearty stew, after all!

voice;

[glacius]

[Ice and cold water does sound very promising... unfortunately, there will always be some lingering wariness in Glacius' heart when it comes to meeting a human for the first time. He'll keep it in mind should things become dire, but he's not sure how he feels about his first meeting with one being where he's in need. Best to avoid that where he can... just in case. Still, he can be appreciative of a kind offer when he hears one.] Thank you. Perhaps at some point I will seek him out.

[The second part of what she says is even more promising, however, and the alien perks up-- probably perceptible even to someone who doesn't know him!] Oh..! Actually... I was having some people here teach me how to cook before... unfortunate circumstances got in the way. [To put it lightly. He'll bull right on by that.] Do you think... you could do the same? I am a capable hunter, and my partner tends to a fine garden, so I never have too hard a time coming up with supplies.

[ritualized]

[Unfortunate circumstances are common enough in this city that she doesn't think twice about it. How many plans of her own have been cut short by things so terrible and irreparable? And that, of course, was well before the attack anyway.]

Well -- To tell you the truth, before I came here, I didn't have to eat at all, so I haven't been cooking for long.

[She chuckles warmly.] But that doesn't mean I won't try! Why don't we try learning together?

[hasitsthorns]

Glad to know I'm not the only one dying in this heat, dude. Wasn't made for this climate.

[ They'll adapt. Or at least she will. She always has. ]

Lots of help needed at the orchard but I don't want you to overheat. So, I'll ask around. What skills you got?

[glacius]

[This isn't the first response that gets a bare sort of chuckle out of Glacius; it's quiet, terse, almost under his breath and very easy to miss if one isn't used to his mannerisms. Rosie might say she wasn't made for the climate, but he can't imagine anyone embodying the sentiment quite as literally as him. Nevertheless, it's important that he present himself as strong and capable particularly when he doesn't know a person very well, so his response is automatic.] I will not overheat; I am simply choosing to exercise caution for the time being. As for my skills, well, I possess a great many of them.

I am most trained in combat, peacekeeping, and law enforcement, but my talents extend beyond that as well. I possess great physical strength and keen intellect. [Though this might seem boastful, the alien actually speaks quite manner-of-factly; he's not interested in crowing, just answering the question with a sort of blunt honestly.] I can lift weights that might seem overwhelming to some with relative ease, and I can shift my limbs into any shape or form, making me well-suited to any task without requiring tools. I am capable of following direction when practices are unfamiliar to me, and I do not mind manual labor, either; it is a good way for me to help out around the city while working my body and thus, honing my strength.

There are other things I can do, too, but these seem the most pertinent to the reconstruction efforts. Still, if there are other areas where help is required, I am sure that I could find a way to make myself useful.[So in short, she's not the only one able to adapt.]

[hasitsthorns]

[ She can respect that. Rose is someone who hides her vulnerabilities behind the mask of the fool. The gift of being underestimated is something she often uses to her advantage. ]

Do you want to help me make potpourri? It's pretty easy, but... It'd be nice to have someone else helping out. [ A beat. ] Also, do you know how to cook? I'm garbage at it but probably need to learn to help out with the survival efforts.

[Voice]

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance is still... A little annoyed by how their last meeting went, but nowhere near enough so that he doesn't want to use this opportunity to check on Glacius' condition, even though he doesn't have a lot to offer in regard to the actual point of the post.]

Aside from the issues of the heat, are you doing alright?

[Voice]

[glacius]

[Honestly, it takes Glacius a moment to even place the voice; gung-ho humans are fairly commonplace, and a lot has transpired between then and now. When he does remember the circumstances behind their first meeting, he doesn't sound particularly bothered. In fact, he sounds remarkably nonchalant about the whole thing, his answer a simple:] Yes, I am fine, thank you.

[His people are as cool in nature as the element they are most attuned to, but... perhaps it's more than that, too. Maybe it's that losing a limb isn't a big deal for his species, or his adaptability extends even to injury, allowing him to adjust to the change extremely quickly, or... something else entirely.]

[Voice]

[lifetothefullest]

[Alright, well, at least he sounds better. Of course, it's hard to tell how much better just through voice and with the generic 'I'm fine' answer, but it's still better than during the Null invasion.]

That's good to hear. Have you fully recovered?

[In other words--without asking directly on a public feed--how's the arm?]

[Audo Private]

[drabsolutelynot]

Glacius, I apologize for taking this on an unrelated tangent, but I was wondering if you had a moment to talk.

[Audio Private]

[glacius]

[Ah, Rosen. It's actually fortuitous that the man has hailed him, for Glacius has an issue that he'd like to talk to the human about as well... but it would be rude for him to call attention to that when the man clearly has something that he wants to say. Perhaps later, if they don't end up stumbling over it throughout this conversation, so the ice alien invites it.]

I have too much time to talk. [It's part of the problem of being cooped up like this; at some points, there's little else he can do.] So if I am going to be spending all this time doing so, I would like it to at least be helpful to someone. What is on your mind?

Re: [Audio Private]

[drabsolutelynot]

I appreciate it, Glacius.

[He falters for a moment before he proceeds]

I owe you an apology, Glacius. For my selfishness. Lance told me that there was an...an incident... [He's not sure what else to call it as he wasn't there and the information Lance gave him was vague at best] ...one that put you at risk.