[Nexus] Harnel's Plots

[Halae]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness]

Maybe not but telling me about the security in the first place would have been nice. I would have told you if I'd been informed of something similar happening in Ascaerin.

When the security mage writes something down, Harnel will put it back into his sack. Faster that way, and that means she won't write down the same thing twice by accident.

[Shadowcaller]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness]

Look, this is not even what this is about, it's you going off on your own and possibly getting yourself killed while you have children to take care of! Cessie says in frustration. It's not just about me anymore Harnel, what about Cora and Bastion? I understand you want to go on adventurers but somehow I though you would at least wait until the children were a bit older. You have no idea how long your little adventure will take. You could be gone for weeks or months for all you know. Think about this Harnel, what would you do if I just left you without as much as a note of my whereabouts, leaving you to take care of the children all of your own while you worry about what might have happened to me. Does that sound fair to you Harnel? Does it?

[Halae]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness]

Check my study. I did leave a note. That's not the point though, as you said. Cora and Bastion; I knew they'd be fine for the few days I'd be gone. You, Kirin, and Garn are all competent enough at taking care of them that I don't need to be there all the time. They won't get their bedtime stories for a few days, but that's all.

Hmph. "Your little adventure." You don't even think very highly of what I'm trying to do, do you? This is something long overdue, Cessie, and Zelia doesn't deserve to deal with what happened to her. Can you imagine what it must be like for her? I know you don't want any more children, Cessie, but when she saw ours she started crying. She wants children, it's obvious, but she can't

Harnel, assuming he can, will leave the platform once all the objects are back in his rucksack, "Can you give me the direction to the city itself?" His expression is generally dour at this point.

Back in the keep, Cessie will indeed be able to find a folded up letter in Harnel's study, sitting inside the desk. Not on the desk, mind you; apparently he forgot to leave it out.

My Dear Cessie,

I'm in Hestopia at the moment. I should be back within a few days. I'm just getting something for a friend that was stolen from her, so it shouldn't be anything too bad, and I'll be back before you know it.

Before you get worried, I'm well equipped for the journey and you and Kirin should be fine on your own for a few days; the babies aren't that hard to take care of.

Love to you,
Harnel

[Shadowcaller]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness]

I didn't find your note anywhere and to me that's the most important part Harnel. If you want to go on adventures that's fine but you need to tell me first, okay? I don't want to stay here at home to worry like some sort of housewife. Zelia had never even told she had such problems. Cessie replies.

"I could give you the directions but without an airship it will take you at least a week there even if you can fly sir. So I advise you to wait for the one arriving here later today." The officer explains to him while pointing out the skyship tower.

[Halae]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness]

Ugh... check the top drawer. I think I forgot to put it on top of the desk. Anyways, I'll tell you from now on, alright?

"I appreciate that, then. Is there somewhere I can wait in out of the cold?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness]

I'll take your word for it. Still, these seem to be one of those 'major decisions' we talked about before and considering what I know of Arcadia, which I assume you're going to, this might also take more then 'a few days'. The sorceress replies.

"You're in fact required to wait inside the zeeplin tower as no civilians are yet to be allowed within this sector. So if you please could report to Gunnar inside he'll make sure you're comfortable until you get to leave." The officer informs him while pointing towards the tower.

[Halae]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness ==> Zeppelin Tower]

Harnel nods, "Good for everybody then," and he heads inside, still wearing the softhand gloves to leave him looking human. If the individual Gunnar isn't immediately obvious, he'll stop and ask someone for directions. Don't want to get lost in a military installation, whether or not that's what this really was.

Well yes. I need to go after the winter fey, so if this 'Arcadia' is where they reside, that's where I'm going. Why? Is there something special about it?

[Shadowcaller]

[Sub-Arctic Wilderness ==> Zeppelin Tower]

Time there works differently and there are very few who been there to tell the tale. Zelia haven't managed to get it on her own after all and I suspect there is a reason she never mentioned it to me. It's very dangerous Harnel. The mage explains.

As Harnel heads into the tower he will quickly approached by a blond-haired middle-aged man who seizes him up. "Full name if you please sir." He states, ready to write it down.

Behind him is a round room which seems nearly constructed, the walls made of stone and wood with an large fire place dominating it. Near it a table have been placed where now a group of warmly dressed people sit. Harnel can probably tell they're nobles by the way they look and act. Discreetly taking a peek at him as he enters the tower.

If Harnel rather not interact with this group there is a ladder leading up to the second floor of the building.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

Harnel frowns, Well, that's a bit of a problem then, but not too much of one. I've dealt with a divergent timestream before, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue as long as I'm careful. Do you know the exact difference in time change?

"Harnel Caleb t'Therishein ni'Mithar. Those are some naming conventions from my home; It may just be easier to go with Harnel Mithar."

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

No, there haven't been much research over it considering it isn't easy to travel there. The only instances anyone been there are when the fey drag you in. Maybe you actually should have thought about looking up all this before you go rushing in? If they hadn't stopped you there I wouldn't know where you were and you would be completely clueless about arcadia.

At the mention of the name 'mithar' the disguised half-dragon and see a subtle reaction from the nobles. Something which likely would have been missed by someone without any experience within a court (of course, this might cause Harnel to miss it as well. )

"Right and why do you intend to take this airship?" Gunnar asks while he absentmindedly strokes his beard as he look at his notes.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"Visitng family, in part, but also fulfilling a promise to a friend," Harnel says. He, of course, doesn't notice the subtlety of their response at all. It's perfectly hidden from him, in fact.

My intention this entire time was to talk to any specialist I might find in Hestopia. I don't suppose you have a suggestion as to who I might talk to.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

Blind he is!

"Right you are sir, that will be three hundred crowns." Gunnar replies. "You are the first one that actually goes on board here. Funny that." He says with a faint smile.

There are some mutterings from the nobles at the table that now have gone awfully quiet for some reason.

A specialist on fey? There are a few, anything specific you're looking for? Cessie asks.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

*handwave* Harnel totally foresaw the need for money! >.>

Harnel will take a large bag out of his rucksack, and plant it on the table, "Give me a moment. I don't actually have crowns, but I do have gold. There's a little over seven hundred in the bag, so I'll get out what you need."

It will only take Harnel a few moments to separate the cash he's paying from the money that goes back into the bag. He moves with surprising speed in doing this; after all, if red dragons have any inherent skill it's to appraise the value of things at a glance.

Political structure for the winter court, who's in charge, where they might store things they took from others, and known roads into Arcadia. That sort of thing.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

I wouldn't get up my hopes of anyone knowing that much but it couldn't hurt asking around I suppose. The sorceress replies. There are a few scholars I can recommend but I'm not sure all of them are in Hestopia any more.

"Gold? That's an bit unusual. I'm not really sure how to calculate that sir." The officer says, scratching his beard again.

"Do not worry about it. I will pay for his voyage." One of the nobles offers, raising his hand to call their attention.
"...oh, of course lord Kobe." Ragnar replies before turning back to Harnel with a smile. "Well, welcome aboard then sir. Hope you enjoy the ride. It's going to be rather cold so remember to always wear warm clothes."

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"Of course; I didn't intend not to," Harnel says, scooping the rest of his gold into his bag and stepping away from Gunnar and into the waiting area with the rest of the nobility.

He'll step right up to lord Kobe and offer a hand to shake, "My thanks for the aid. It hadn't occurred to me that gold my have a different currency value here, and of course I'd be willing to pay you back."

As long as they're in the general area, that's fine, and at least a few of them will likely have stayed within the city. Who are they?

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"We'll take off in a few hours so make sure you have done all your business by then." Ragnar reminds him before the half-dragon goes off.

As he offers his hand to Kobe the noble looks at it but does not take it. "There is no need." He replies. "I always like to help out a fellow noble. You must after all be the husband of Cessie Mithar. I was briefly involved with your wedding."

"Yes, aren't you that reptilian?" A woman at the same table asks curiously as she peers at Harnel.

"Amanda, please. That was just vulgar." A man besides her adds in who may or may not be her husband considering they are sitting so close. "We must respect this mans privacy."

"Indeed, be careful so you don't offend our new guest." Kobe agrees.

I'll mention the three most likely to still be there. Ilda Starfire is rather renowned for her work with spirits. She is rather young however so her knowledge in other areas might be rather limited. I know for a fact she recently settled down with her husband though, last time I met her she was pregnant so I doubt she's going to leave the city any time soon. Jagun Bronzespear is another one, he's older and more experienced but I don't think he have left his home in quite a while. I guarantee you he's still in Hestopia though. He wouldn't leave it for the world. Then we have Hallin Voidstone, a fellow scholar who I think might know nearly everything. He's twice my age but still going strong, at least the last time I saw him. While he likes to travel he was working on his masterpiece so I suspect he might stay foot for a couple of years at least. The mage rants about her fellow scholars.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"It's no trouble. I've gotten stares and questions since I was a child, so a comment here or there isn't going to bug me." Harnel puts his hand away, finally remembering the Hestopian tradition of 'Only touch family' "I'm currently using some magic to make myself look human, more for making people more comfortable than myself. Quite frankly, it feels odd not to have a tail, to say nothing for everything else. If you have any questions, please, feel free to ask."

Voidstone may end up being my best bet then, if he knows everything, but I plan on visiting all of them. Thanks for the help, Cessie. I'll be checking in with you every day at about this time to make sure you know what's going on.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

The three look at each other before Kobe breaks the silence. "So you must be coming from the other side of that rift." He finally comments. "Perhaps you can tell us a bit about that?" The other two nod in agreement, looking rather curious about it.

They all live in the richer quarters, around blackriver. We were there a bit during the wedding, I'm sure you can pay a guide to take you there though. Cessie replies.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"That's right," Harnel says, "Through the rift is a place called the Nexus. it's... a crossroads of a sort. Every world that exists overlaps with it," he tries to think of how to explain it, and gets an idea. He lifts up both hands and forms a circle in both with his fingers and thumbs, "Here we have two worlds. Perhaps the one I originally came from, as well as this one," He brings both hands close enough that the circles are overlapping, "This overlapping point is where the Nexus exists. It gets its name from being a nexus point, after all. The difference there is that every world is in contact with the Nexus. Some believe it has a mind of its own, and plucks things it likes from the worlds around it, but in the end it comes down to the fact that it's a melting pot of cultures and worlds. In this world, and in the one I was born in, I'm a freak; I'm half human and half dragon, and it sets me apart. But in the Nexus there are a great many things stranger than me. I'm just another man there."

Right then. Can you tell me anything more about them personally? I don't want to stumble upon an insulting phrase that I hadn't expected to be insulting, or something similar.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"Yes, a melting pot." Kobe comments once Harnel is done with a look at the others who nods in agreement to something. "A truly dangerous world from what we have seen. The reason all these soldiers have to be deployed here out in the middle of nowhere." More nods.

"So a man such as you like it there since it's more accepted?" Amanda now asks.

Nothing specific, just be polite and try not to be too open or you will end up staying there for days while they ask you questions about the nexus. They are all scholars after all.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"I am. In my homeworld, or even here, I would be getting stares constantly. There, I'm a reputable an of a good degree of wealth, and a skilled warrior, but not particularly of note otherwise," Harnel says

Alright, I appreciate it. I'll be home soon, I promise.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"How curious." Amanda comments. "You must know of course that if the vote goes through, the rift will be sealed. Permanently."

The man besides her shakes his head. "Now you're doing that again. I don't believe we have even introduced ourselves to the man and you're already talking politics." He turns to look at Harnel. "You have to excuse my wife, I'm Durmond Northwind and this is my wife Amanda Northwind. We and Kobe here are from the court of eldritch. The ruling body of Hestopia."

"One of the ruling bodies dear. Don't forget the commons." Amanda gladly corrects her husband with.

You promise a lot of things Harnel, sometimes it feels like you're forgetting it after a while however. But good luck in either case, just remember to contact me at this time every day so I don't have to worry.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"It's probably a wise course of action, as long as I'm not left stranded here," Harnel says, "Theoretically, we could open a portal under more controlled circumstances with the proper equipment. It's how I get to and from my world. That means you wouldn't be leaving anybody stranded in the Nexus either, of course." He's most certainly referring to his wife there. Don't want her barred from returning home, after all.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"Actually it might be best not to open any portals at all. The idea behind closing it is sealing us off from this nexus place." Kobe explains. "But the details will be discussed there of course. Nothing has been decided yet."

"I'm glad you agree though, the most important bit here is to keep in control, which this rift is the complete opposite of. Something really needs to be done with it so we can focus on other problems." Durmond agrees with a nod.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"Completely closing yourself off is a bad idea. It's the same concept as if you locked yourself in a room your entire life; it doesn't make you safer, it just makes you a hermit. Opening the door in a controlled fashion shouldn't be an issue, honestly, and there's a lot you can learn from the other worlds that are around, all of which you have access to from the Nexus."

((Carrying on the edited in bit from Cessie there...))

Well, this promise I'll keep. Just remember; if my contacting you takes longer than normal, contact me, alright? I'm wary of the time dilation effect, and if nothing else this should give you a chance to study Arcadia's temporal shift.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

The pair don't seem to be very pleased by his answer, Kobe looks completely neutral however, an expression that haven't changed during this entire conversation. "Hestopia don't need more cultures to deal with." He states. "Our own world is hard enough to control so inviting this nexus into the mix is just inviting unnecessary chaos. We need more order. Not less."

Amanda nods, giving the half-dragon a shake of her head. "You can't honestly expect us to interact with so many inferior cultures can you? No offense, but your home is a mess and it's not going to get better. I'm sure you can live out there in peace, but Hestopia is an empire. It's a bit harder to keep in order."

"I have to agree with my wife here. Anything that could come out of this nexus could completely shift the balance here and that's really not what we want. As Kobe said, it's inviting chaos into our ranks. Not to mention the dangerous creatures that have emerged from that rift." Durmond says with a gesture towards the window.

Kobe takes a sip of tea. "So the best thing is to cut off all ties completely and permanently."

I rather study it without you inside it Harnel, but good luck in either case. I love you.

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"As a matter of fact," Harnel says, "I rather do take offense to the place I grew up in being called an inferior culture. It have its intolerances, but I wouldn't be looking like a human right now if Hestopians didn't as well."

He sighs, and reaches into his rucksack, drawing out one of the adamantine blades, which he'll put on the table, "Being from the Eldritch Court, you're mages, yes? See if you can move this sword with your magic."

I love you too. Talk to you tomorrow, Cessie.

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

Durmond and Amanda looks doubtfully at the sword while Kobe decides not to pay it any attention.

Harnel might not be able to feel it but there is an attempt to push the sword away, followed by frowns from the pair. "What is that thing?" Amanda asks in horror.

"I think our friend here just proved our point, what if the criminals would have access to weapons like that? How would we be able to keep order if such horrible weapons suddenly started to flood the market? Or if they made armors out of it? It would be chaos!" Durmond exclaims.

Kobe nods stiffly, still without giving the sword as much as a glance. "Indeed, you better not show that thing to anyone if you care about the stability of our empire."

[Halae]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"Right, but now take a look at this," Harnel reaches into the rucksack once more, pulling forth the silver pocket watch he chose to bring along, "Can you tell me how it works, just by looking at it?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Zeppelin Tower]

"We know what a watch is." Durmond protests. "We aren't primitive."

Kobe just shakes his head slightly at Harnel's gesture while Amanda crosses her arms over her chest. The half-dragon clearly not getting any more popular.