hadriel | 1st ❄ Video

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1st ❄ Video

[Onlookers are treated to the shaky camera work of none other than Haurchefant. There's a bit of jostling as he's attempting to figure out if it's working or not—technology is not his forte—but once the realization hits, he settles and the camera does as well.]

—Greetings, my friends!

[He seems pretty enthusiastic, which is a little strange considering where they are.]

I am Lord Haurchefant, however I realize that such a title holds little weight here.

Regardless, I come to you not as a lord, but as an equal, beseeching every last man and woman to hearken to me. We are but comrades suffering a similar fate, and as such we must come together.

[He gestures widely with his hands, a smile present on his features.]

We should foster camaraderie in a place so stricken with peril around every turn—we must find succor within the company of one another, and aid those who cannot aid themselves. Divided we will become nothing more than meager scraps for the fiends that skulk about in the shadows, mere marionettes for the will of these so-called gods; if we but can come together, and work in unity—we will be triumphant against such unfavorable odds.

What divine folly brought us here matters not, but what does is what we do together in this reprehensible situation we find ourselves in.

[With no small ounce of determination, he clenches his fist.]

I implore those who have combat prowess and skill to aid those who are not so fortunate, and for those who might yet hold interest in learning some modicum of self defense—I was a garrison commander from whence I hail, and to that end I am willing to teach those who are willing to learn.

We are all brothers and sisters suffering the same fate, and to that end we must assist one another, so that this burden does not crush us all beneath its arduous weight!

May Halone guide us all.

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Sheesh, it's only been a couple of days and we already have someone trying to unite a bunch of strangers. [ Get a load of this guy, seriously.

Despite the harsh remark, her tone is soft and her gaze elsewhere. It was as if she was looking at the screen, but beyond what the picture showed. ]

We gather and hope that increases our chances for survival. Is that it?

Would you rather one try to divide our numbers, then, my lady?

[He knows the answer to that, the question is purely rhetorical.]

To an end, yes.

We must first come together, ere we can work together to better our lives while we are trapped here. With a community, we can better bolster ourselves against what travails come our way.

[ No, she would rather stick to herself and not be concerned with how others were faring. That's the ideal way to live albeit a selfish way to. ]

Is that so? [ Fine, she'll have to throw a hypothetical spanner in the works. ]

What happens when the situation grows more grim and people are pushed to their limits? It's human nature to look out for yourself above all else.

[He's gonna just assume "human" is what they call hyurs where she's from, and not remark upon it.]

If such a dreaded scenario were to take hold, then, if our bonds of camaraderie were for naught, the obvious would come to pass: we would perish.

[He lets silence linger for a moment, his expression had shifted from the serene happiness, to something more dismal.

Only for a moment, before his exuberance pulls through again.]

But do not despair over such possibilities. While it is one that is most doubtlessly worth considering, worse has befallen men less fortunate. Common conflict forges bonds unbreakable!

I, for one, would welcome a brother or sister in arms to shield my flank, so that I could return such a favor in kind. There is ever strength in numbers and cooperation, far more than there is in division.

[ She wasn't planning on the despair part so there's no need to concern himself over that. Not that she will voice that out loud, choosing instead to listen to him speak about the possibility of everyone coming together. How hopeful-naive-he sounds when he speaks of flanking and not of murder. ]

What happens when that supposed brother in arms chooses to stab you in the back rather than defend you? Betrayal goes hand in hand with camaraderie.

[ What kind of weirdo thinks that? ] Numbers draw attention.

[He levels a somber look at her. Not that she has defeated his way of thinking, or anything of the sort, but he cannot help but feel somewhat sorry for her if she truly thinks as such.]

While betrayal is well within anyone's nature, the answer is not to separate yourself from everyone. As there are the wicked, there are yet the righteous. Those willing to give much and more for the betterment of their fellows, and the misdeeds of a few, does not revoke the heroics and good of the many.

[He lets out an even breath, almost a sigh, but not quite.]

I am no stranger to betrayal, my homeland has been at war for over a thousand summers, and within that time betrayal has left its sundering mark on mine own country. Even so, it was not dividing that has allowed us to survive this terrible war—and what isolating my country men have embraced has done a far bit more harm, than good.

[He pauses, realizing he's been blathering for quite a bit, and so he smiles and gives a dismissive sort of wave.]

But here I am babbling like an avalanche. However, I do have an inquiry, if you would be so kind?

[ Initially she believed herself to be the odd one with her way of thinking, but then he goes on about his world. A war-torn world caught in the horrors it brings for over a thousand years, yet he speaks of the righteous as the majority rather than the few.

What sort of commander over a garrison believes in the good of mankind over the wrong? ]

If you have something to ask, then out with it. You don't need to ask permission.

[ She doesn't mean to be rude, she's just so straight forward. ]

[This one here! A man who has every reason and justification to believe far more in the evil nature of men than the good, and yet doesn't. He's a strange one, even his own countrymen think as much.]

If you were to be in such a dismal situation that you were overwhelmed to the point of perishing, if such a stranger were to come to your aid, would you turn it away and embrace your grim and bloody fate?

Or would you put trust in this individual to aid you, as they claim they will, so that you might yet live against these odds?

[ She's died by her own hands once before though it wasn't her that died, it was another. Relying on others to help oppose her own mortality is something she's never had to think about before. ]

Man, that's a hell of a loaded question. [ Like a child, she blurts out with a whine when confronted with something she can't easily answer. ]

I can't decide that ahead of time. [ And to further defend herself, she adds: ] No one can.

Is this situation not much the same? We are brought here, against our will, left to the mercy of beasts and fiends some of which we have not likely seen before. Furthermore, at the mercy of gods.

'Tis true we are not in immediate danger, no, but there is that of looming death around every corner. Like the eyes of a predator, always watching, waiting to strike. A danger we all are facing, and as such, we are both in the postion of the one needing aid, as well as the one who can offer succor.

[His expression brightens, as he gestures widely.]

Should we not help those who are suffering, as if they were ourselves? Particularly when they are suffering as we ourselves are? Such solidarity breeds and inspires hope, and gives due comfort to those around us, and ourselves, than what we would afford facing such strife alone.

[He gives pause, before shrugging his shoulders.]

'Tis merely food for thought, my lady.

[ There's some truth to his words but Shiki's spent her entire life understanding the selfishness of man. A short life, as she's not yet twenty years of age and did spent a fair bit of time in a coma, but it was a life of bitterness nonetheless. ]

What you're suggesting... [ She murmurs as if she was considering the thought carefully. ] Is that it's best to have someone watching your back when you can't. It's almost as if you're practically throwing yourself in the way of harm talking like that.

[ Man, talking about this kind of stuff wasn't what she anticipated when she answered the call. It's the most she's said in conversation in months. ]

[ well, the word content in that speech sounded like it was mostly bullshit, but... the energy behind it was respectable. ]

You seem like a very optimistic person
Do things usually work out in your favor?
Just wondering.

[Surprisingly, he meant every word.]

you are not wrong my friend
not always but hardship and failure merely serves to temper my will and strengthen my resolve
if you think my optimism is born of naivety and a lack of hardships then you will find yourself sorely mistaken

I don't recall saying anything to that effect

[ even if that was exactly what he was thinking. ]

But really
It's not discouraging?
And you expect this to work?

sometimes ones question does well enough to imply what one might be thinking
to say it isnt discouraging to a point would be a lie however if every bump in the path would serve as a roadblock then how could one hope to get anywhere
i do indeed expect this to work but only if others are willing to cooperate and in that i have my utmost faith
no one wishes to be isolated and alone indefinitely
least of all when danger is skulking about every corner

Well
By taking a different road, probably
Maybe one less taxing.
Even if people want company
Doesn't this place lend itself well to suspicion?
Danger isn't exclusive to monsters in the darkness

the easiest path does not always end at the destination you wish to arrive
well aware am i of the danger that could reside in our fellows but that does not mean i will forsake those who would not bring us harm because of it
a common enemy often forges the most unlikely of allies and even if some might be more villainous in virtue they may yet prove to be a stout ally when necessity calls for it

[It's not that he's downplaying what damage those people could potentially do, but he is hoping, perhaps a little foolishly, that the danger they are all facing may yet convince those people to not act out against their companions. Similar threats have forged such bonds back in Eorzea, so perhaps here it will ring true as well.]

A common enemy also inspires people to flock to his own banner
Especially when the odds seem to be poor

[ not that he'd know anything about that. ]

As it currently appears, we have little here but ourselves.
Your confidence lends your stated intent some credibility
But not much else.

that is a truth i will not deny
but little are cowards rewarded for such fleeting loyalty like as not

your skepticism if anything is understandable but if we are to make this work then you may just have to learn to discard it
i am not asking for you to trust so blindly of course as that would be a folly all on its own
but perhaps allow for the benefit of the doubt

Well
That's a large allowance.
And how would you spend it?
Simply gathering and perhaps agreeing to play nice
Does not amount to much on its own.

nay it is not so simple
we could teach those less skilled in martial practice how to fight and defend themselves
we could work in teams to scout around the perimeter of the city to find aught of interest or importance
mayhap even have a patrol to keep monsters at bay from those incapable of protecting themselves
those with stronger minds for academia and other such pursuits might be afforded the safety and comfort they need to unravel what mysteries we are hard pressed to solve that this realm yet offers us
together we can yet prevail and live as comfortably as such actions will afford us than standing divided

You haven't any friends here
Have you

[ after a pause, a second message comes through. ]

Sorry.
But I don't think it'd work out.
Best of luck and all
Maybe I'm wrong.

ive not
at least none from whence i hail

very well
i wish you well my friend and should you find yourself second guessing you doubts and wishing to eventually aid in what may very well be our only means of hope in this dreadful place
you will not find yourself turned away

[Half the video at first is obscured by a thumb. Whoops. Sorry, he's really not so good with this thing! "Answer" and "Send" and "Goodbye" are about all he's got down...But from what little face is visible, he seems pretty enthusiastic!]

I don't know what half of what you said means, but if you're talking about working together to survive, beat the guys that put us here and get everyone to the surface, then I'm with ya one hundred percent!

Aye! That is indeed what I was implying, friend!

[He just has a habit of babbling far more than what's necessary.]

We will accomplish much and more as a community, and with our combined efforts we may yet prevail against our captors—thus freeing us from this subterranean prison!

Full glad am I to see those of like-mindedness.

Edited 2015-12-14 05:21 (UTC)

Hey, great! You know, you sound a lot like me talking to my team, when I first came up with the plan to escape from Jiiha Village! Only with a lot more words...Anyway, good to see somebody that isn't just wanting to wait around and see what monsters they throw at us next! You know if anyone's tried making a map of the tunnels yet?

Sitting on our hands does little good. There is naught to be gained from it.

As far as the tunnels go—I fear I have not any such knowledge. However, such an adventure may yet prove exciting, and if none have done it, perhaps I shall pull together a brigade willing to the task.

Hey, I know a thing or two about tunnels. Too bad my bro isn't here. Simon's the best digger in the world! I bet with him and Lagann here, we'd be out in no time.

((sorry for the belated reply, no obligation to continue this thread!))

Is he a miner, by chance? I would suppose such skills would be fairly valuable here, seeing as we're in quite the suitable environment for it.

Miner? Not really--he's just a digger, you know? Back home he dug tunnels to help expand the pit we lived in, Jiiha Village. Simon and his drill have gotten me out of more than a few scrapes, lemme tell ya!

[ The whole message is gross to Johanna. He's too naive, too sickly sweet. It makes her sick. And who the fuck calls himself a lord anymore? Johanna is absolutely taking this as condescending junk, and she has no time for it. ]

Nah. If other people get crushed cause they're weak, that's fine with me.

[The thing is, he means every word. It certainly isn't meant to be condescending as much as it is genuine, however, who could honestly take him seriously?]

'Tis a right poor way to think, my lady.

[He doesn't sound judgmental, so much as he sounds concerned.]

We are in this together, whether we like it or not. As such we should seek to benefit one another, not let our numbers dwindle over something so foolish.

[ If he means it, then that's even worse. That means this "lord" is stupid, too. And that kind of stupidity brings you nothing but hurt. ]

Really? 'Cause that's what's kept me alive and in tip-top fucking condition.

[ She smiles ruefully. She's nowhere near peak condition, and it's obvious. But helping people won't fix that. it's really what got her into this mess in the first place. ]

Again, why should I care if you all die? More supplies for me.

[Quite the contrary, actually. His optimism and good faith has actually helped him a great deal before, but those far more pessimistic might not be willing to believe such.]

Doubtless am I that such a way of life may lead to one's survive—for a time. But there is weakness in that, as well as due limitations. There is far more to gain from cooperation with others, than to push ones self to the limits, and to shortly fall thereafter.

[He breathes out a sigh, though he doesn't seem irritated at all.]

More supplies will not help you when the beasts of this world close in around you. Would it be that you had stout allies to help fend off the creatures, but myriad supplies will not keep you alive forever. To assume such shows no short supply of naivety, I fear.

[ Naivety? Johanna wishes she had some of that. Two fights to the death and a round of torture and imprisonment has made her anything but. Johanna's fighting experience comes from war, dirty and bloody. There are no friends. Only allies, and those are temporary. Attachments can and will be used against you.

She knows from unfortunately personal experience. ]

Oh, I'll have allies. But I'm not gonna be fucking helpful Hannah. Life isn't a fair game, and playing like it is is just gonna get you busted. Or worse, you're gonna fuck up the people who you tried to help.

[ She gives him a thin lipped smile. ]

Take it from me. You wouldn't want that, would you?

Of course not.

[As the illegitimate child of Count Fortemps, head of one of the four ruling houses of Ishgard, Haurchefant well knows the cruelty of his fellow man. He is a man born between social classes, and neither belonging to one or the other. On top of that, born to a society locked in a war that's lasted over a thousand years. He has seen, heard, and lived the horrors of war, and yet he still would put faith in his fellow men and women.

Because while a man may be cruel beyond imaginings, so too can he be kind. Haurchefant has seen both sides, been both sides, and so he has chosen which he rather be.]

However, it would seem to me you have blatantly misunderstood my request. I am but asking that we all become allies, so that we may forge ourselves yet a better means to survive. I most certainly do not expect every single person brought here to get along, or be friends. Nay, such a request would be foolish indeed, instead I only ask that we can make our odds in this unfair circumstance that much better.

'Tis an ability we have, we merely need to harness it. I know much and more of the unfairness of life, my lady, and furthermore how to turn the odds of it in my favor.

[Being a bastard in Ishgard is almost, if not worse, than being of the lower class at all. Yet, here Haurchefant was able to strive to being a knight, and garrison commander, assuming the title of Lord, where others born similar would not have been given such the chance.]

Edited 2015-12-16 09:02 (UTC)

Succor? [that's not even the first word haurchefant has said that lloyd didn't quite know the meaning of, but it's kind of the one sticking out to him right now because at least he's heard people use some of the other ones before.

why can't people just speak plainly so lloyd can understand them, huh?]

Ahh—unfamiliar with the word, I wager? It means respite, comfort, shelter—some such like that.

[He's starting to realize his vocabulary is a bit odd for the general populace at large...]

[to be fair, lloyd's not exactly a great representation of the general populace.]

Why didn't you just say one of those instead then?

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