[ Jing Yuan's eyes land on the way the other man smiles, an indication if anything towards the fact that there are probably quite a number of things that do bother him quite a deal. He does not know their scope, but...he can imagine.
As it is, when the other latches onto discussing the North, Jing Yuan's attention follows suit. ]
Yes...I saw that as well.
[ The way tempers flared so suddenly that they became a conflagration waiting to be lit. Jing Yuan holds back a sigh.
But, as for the North... ]
As you know them well due to being one among their number, I can only trust that your words are spoken with the best judgment you can provide. Still, I imagine if your group is reminded of what is at stake, perhaps that can be sufficient deterrent, should something awry occur in the midst of a mission. It is possible that then can differences can temporarily be set aside in order to achieve victory and ultimately, goals. Even if that pride will linger.
Of course it's possible. The longer time goes on, though... I just feel the impasse we must keep is straining.
[He is as just as much a culprit to that as anyone else, perhaps doubly so. But he's never had a problem letting others of opposing views know, as arrogantly as possible, where he stands. To be viewed in horrible lights for it depending on the party was just another Tuesday for him.]
At the very least, I believe almost all of our number has been clear on where their personal opinions lie. It's not making for a sense of unification, but I doubt that will come on such a short amount of time.
Trying to keep solutions centered somewhere towards the middle ground will always be our safest option, but it will heavily depend on what's asked of us. The people of the North are frightened and battered, and their cooperation or otherwise would be a very easy situation to manipulate through force, fear, or worse.
...I don't want to see that happen. Though I believe in humanity and their resilience, there is only so much I can personally watch someone of magical power do without intervening.
[A slap on the wrist would be easy enough. But that isn't the hypothetical level of escalation that has him weary.
A beat, before he waves off the tension with a tired hand.]
...Ah, but that's besides the point, I suppose. Old habits. There's only so much good assuming can bring.
I suppose that's only natural, when we're all getting to know one another more.
[ Jing Yuan, conversely, is a man who knows where he stands, though summing it up for people to understand unless it's staring down an abomination of Yaoshi or a Void Ranger/etc. would take ages, so he usually never bothers.
As it is, he listens carefully to Solomon's words. He doesn't know much about the people of the North other than what may be found in books (and the interesting things said about the original wizards which seem to hold true for the current ones...) ]
I can't say I would know what options they would choose. Though, if they are self-reliant despite all of their struggles, it may make those citizens more of a difficult choice for manipulation, than say...those normal ones in the East or the West, perhaps.
Let us hope for the best, while knowing that the worst may upon us in that regard. And if what needs to be done is put whoever may be interfering to rest, then that is only natural.
[ Jing Yuan gives a yawn as he says this, because the implications are clear from his words. Whatever threat is enabling this...chaos behind the scenes, well. It certainly needs to be taken out. ]
...Well, I believe what we are doing is speaking in hypotheticals, rather than simply assuming. So I don't think you are wrong in saying what you have so far. Consider it something like so that we aren't quite so surprised when such events do come to pass. As long as we aren't quite committed to these ideas with an unrelenting fierceness.
But, you are not the type to be so inflexible, hm?
Unfortunately, I'd have to disagree when it comes to the citizens. From what I've seen, they're not in a position to be self-sufficient. They could barely hold a conversation with myself or with Robin without avoidance and a meekness that brings me a considerable amount of concern. They cower, and seem to have no confidence in change... and not without reason.
That is what I mean, when I say I worry about someone taking advantage. Their status quo even in the most graceful of situations has still been established out of dire necessity, not self-reliance.
[He'd love to see a little more backbone, sure... but that wasn't an easy problem to fix even in the best of circumstances. In his opinion, despite how it hurts him deeply, it's not going to be a problem for their group to address in its complexity. They are not meant to be here permanently, after all.]
I'd like to think I put up with my fair share, yes. So long as it does not cross a certain line, and even then I would only rather keep it as exactly what it is - an assumption, and not fact, unless there's enough evidence to think otherwise.
...
That said... have you been told of the concerns presented by the research incident directed in the West?
[ It's funny that apparently Northern wizards would be opposite of such a meek disposition.
But also, unfortunate. How do the Northerners survive, being like that? Hmm, well, things are what they are, it seems. ]
Normally I'd wonder if that was the case across the board, but you have presented two instances wherein it must have likely been two separate individuals from the same country that acted in such a manner. I have no trouble in believing your assertions.
[ Though it is certainly not pleasing to hear, for what are obvious reasons. ]
I do recall Ahito telling me about such matters. Tatara seemed inclined to believe that the crater in East territory was linked to the explosion mentioned by that researcher with his arm in the sling. I suppose you would also know that the research incident also apparently involves some hidden labs they have who knows where. Which I would guess would be in both Western and Eastern territory.
Mn. Good, Ahito did find you, then. [And Tatara also knew, though he has his doubts that was also Ahito... maybe Jing Yuan had passed it along himself.]
I have to wonder if the incident the Eastern wizards were called in to intervene with was within the same realm of research, or if the man who they believed caused those issues was acting on his own accord. That sounded like a pretty measurable amount of machines on the loose, if there was so much damage being caused.
Have you had any time to look into the affairs of the West yourself?
[ So that, at the very least, is something of a confirmation that Jing Yuan did, in fact, pass that information along! ]
...In a sense. I do recall hearing that they believe they are superior to Central and East. Considering what you have been told before about their research, it probably is not all that surprising if I let you know that their R&D is quite well-funded.
Incidentally, did you or Robin happen to learn anything enlightening even from those North delegates being rather timid?
Thank you for that. Unfortunately, several of my fellow Northern wizards don't care at all for Tatara. I was concerned the information might not reach him from a thorough source.
[He looks both relieved that this was not the case, and extremely tired at having to say as much in the first place. Why couldn't they work together on something so basic...?]
The funding might explain why that man was at the ball despite his grevious injuries, then. If it takes precedence in the country, they would want appropriate representatives of the field involved.
I can't speak for what Robin may have learned, but there was some definite confusion as to why certain Northern delegates had been picked, as well as some apparent tensions between some areas of the North and the royal family located in Central. A great deal of it was heresay, so I won't go into detail, but it had the representative I spoke to on edge for speaking his mind plainly. I had to remove him from the ball entirely to coax an answer from him.
Outside of that, though, everything else I learned was specific to the more remote regions of North and their worries, not to anything else.
[ Jing Yuan smiles slightly at hearing this. If only because he is glad to know that it means Tatara has another person who does believe in him.
It's definitely certainly more practical, more than anything. ]
Of course. It's imperative that we give him certain information so that he is able to act accordingly. I eventually hope that everyone too will come to realize this.
[ Then, he brings his hands together to rest upon his lap and then tilt his head after the other man delivers what information he seems to have. ]
I see, I see...
Though, Solomon, might you humor me and tell me anything more about this heresey? Such as if any other important names were mentioned in certain contexts, for example. The royal family seems to be quite an interesting subject, but any other individuals or their actions might become prudent to know of even if it might seem like hardly anything worth mentioning.
I'd hope so. Unfortunately, I think several still view him as untrustworthy or uncaring, and don't find it necessary to share things of importance if they don't think he'll act appropriately with them.
[Bullshit, is what he thinks, but you can't convince people to follow someone by insistence alone.]
No one of name but Oz and Arthur, both of Central. It seems Oz has offered some strong protections to parts of the North in the part, and that Arthur was kept alongside him after a supposed abandonment into the wilds as a youth. The tensions seemed to specifically be around the crown prince's involvement, though again, it was mostly worries towards retaliation and their own impending safety.
[ We certainly do! This is an absolutely unironic statement as Jing Yuan will always do his best to support the Sage in his own ways.
Even though the leader is green, he can still grow; he can see that well enough. ]
That is unfortunate. Though, it makes sense that they wouldn't, they don't realize it will certainly become a self-fulfilling prophecy if they don't provide him the information that he needs.
[ It seems that, once again, they are indeed aligned.
He seems to be debating saying something, more than anything. But, he thinks that since Solomon has been forthcoming with him, he should at least share what he knows. ]
Oz and Arthur...I know that Oz is quite a powerful wizard, so that isn't exactly a surprise. Ah, by the way, you didn't hear this from me, and I ask you to be cautious in spreading this along so freely, but I managed to hear something when I was looking into the castle about Oz being locked away deep within it.
Jing Yuan smiles a little at that, before it fades quickly to something appropriately serious. ]
I'm afraid I don't have the timeframe of when this occurred. But, since they already had the barrier in place, I suspect it was sometime before our arrival to this world.
But, that is why they wished to have the barrier to cover magical signatures. Quite an interesting predicament that they're in, no?
It isn't like we were allowed constant access to the castle as well. Though, I believe it is entirely possible to conceal it as well, perhaps depending on how he was being transported, and the timing.
If Tatara and the Sage's assistant had noticed, either one would have certainly said.
[ Jing Yuan believes it is entirely possible that Oz has been before they arrived, though he is also open to the idea that he could have very well been transported under their noses into it, or a whole list of other possibilities. ]
The missing Southern wizards returned. Sometime right before the ball, if I'm to understand correctly.
Given that Oz is one of those assigned to Central, and that our own Central group only recently completed their mission before that group-wide request for barrier assistance... maybe Oz's reappearance was under similar circumstances. And with a magical reading so vast and the current state of affairs brittle, perhaps covering it up was the most immediate option the monarchy had to avoiding an unecessary panic.
I do wonder about the circumstances of his imprisonment in the first place in truth. But, I suppose that would be up to us to find out.
[ He thinks about the plan he is definitely still going to try to reach out to Oz, because yeah. ]
In general, we should continue to do what we can to uncover what is occurring behind the scenes. Tensions are growing higher in countries that have power, it seems. But, something tells me once they reach their apex, that is not only when one in particular will strike, but so will the Great Calamity in earnest.
Mm. I'll see what I can find out from the North. I can't guarantee it will create a solid picture, since the village was kept in the dark about many things related to Arthur. But maybe Henry's worries had more substance than he realized.
[Perhaps Oz's castle could be an option... just another thing to note for his own followup.]
I don't believe that we can cause much in regards to permanent change, and I don't believe that's what Tatara is expecting of us, either. But if we can prevent this world and its people from taking too many hits before we can restore its order, I don't see why we shouldn't nose around wherever possible.
Because I deeply worry that you're correct. The supernatural tends to be like any other predator. If it has the choice, it will make its lunging bite for the throat at the most opportune time. What better for that then when the world is too occupied with themselves?
I will be relying on your efforts, Solomon. Regardless of the end result of your investigations, I do trust that you will go through it all meticulously as possible.
That said, I am assuming Henry is the name of the person you were speaking to.
[ Solomon always has given it his all from when he can see his efforts visually, and yet he imagines even where he can't, that remains the case. ]
Mm, exactly. [ Then, a wry smile. ] As always, I remain unsurprised that you are able to see the big picture.
In some ways it makes it easier. After all, not many are able to comprehend what actions may or should be taken before it's too late.
Henry was one of the only Northern representatives at the ball, yes.
[He'll nod his head shallowly at the statement, at the smile that only goes so far. It's not always a joyous ability, to be seen in such light, but there is a strange comfort in the trust.]
Time will move on no matter what. The least we can do is make the choices we have while they are in our hands, even if it cannot be the ideal ones we may have wished, or even if we choose to let go entirely.
Considering the attitudes and various personas present here, Jing Yuan sees nothing wrong with pointing it out. ]
Haha, you must be certainly and obviously speaking from experience.
A pity I hadn't brought a drink, however. We could make a toast..."to us being able to make the most of the opportunities and choices before us so that we are able to emerge from this all with having made no regrets".
[ His eyes crease in amusement because he does still believe the opportunity to making those still exist (he is not counting past ones), but hey. ]
[He doesn't believe the opportunity has passed either. Not yet. Not for everything. But time was not a luxury here.
The silence sits for a beat, before Solomon lets out a huff, clapping his hands against his knees and rising to his feet]
Well! That's enough of the more dreary conversation. I see you brought your chess board. What do you say we engage our minds in a different way for now?
Ah, you can stay where you're seated. Hold on a moment. [Have you ever seen a side table levitate from halfway across the room? Here it comes, settling between them.]
Jing Yuan's smile seems to more or less indicate that, always light at the edges, but genuinely glad. ]
Yes, let us do so. I was hoping it would be able to get put to use. Though, I do hope you will, as always, prove to be a challenge.
[ He says this calmly, and there is something like undeniable delight in his tone (he is always excited to play), and then amusement colors over his face as he watches the side table levitate until it reaches its point. He reaches for what he placed the chessboard down, and places it right atop the side-table. ]
[A laugh ripples from him, soft and ringing, like bells on the wind.]
Letting me have the first move with white? Sure, I'll take it.
[Pawns across a board without motive, without identity, outside their players' whims and the ultimate end goal. It's a mindset one could easily fall into, uncaring and calculated.
What a good enough reason, he thinks, to remember exactly what he is.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
As it is, when the other latches onto discussing the North, Jing Yuan's attention follows suit. ]
Yes...I saw that as well.
[ The way tempers flared so suddenly that they became a conflagration waiting to be lit. Jing Yuan holds back a sigh.
But, as for the North... ]
As you know them well due to being one among their number, I can only trust that your words are spoken with the best judgment you can provide. Still, I imagine if your group is reminded of what is at stake, perhaps that can be sufficient deterrent, should something awry occur in the midst of a mission. It is possible that then can differences can temporarily be set aside in order to achieve victory and ultimately, goals. Even if that pride will linger.
What do you think? Is it possible?
no subject
[He is as just as much a culprit to that as anyone else, perhaps doubly so. But he's never had a problem letting others of opposing views know, as arrogantly as possible, where he stands. To be viewed in horrible lights for it depending on the party was just another Tuesday for him.]
At the very least, I believe almost all of our number has been clear on where their personal opinions lie. It's not making for a sense of unification, but I doubt that will come on such a short amount of time.
Trying to keep solutions centered somewhere towards the middle ground will always be our safest option, but it will heavily depend on what's asked of us. The people of the North are frightened and battered, and their cooperation or otherwise would be a very easy situation to manipulate through force, fear, or worse.
...I don't want to see that happen. Though I believe in humanity and their resilience, there is only so much I can personally watch someone of magical power do without intervening.
[A slap on the wrist would be easy enough. But that isn't the hypothetical level of escalation that has him weary.
A beat, before he waves off the tension with a tired hand.]
...Ah, but that's besides the point, I suppose. Old habits. There's only so much good assuming can bring.
no subject
[ Jing Yuan, conversely, is a man who knows where he stands, though summing it up for people to understand unless it's staring down an abomination of Yaoshi or a Void Ranger/etc. would take ages, so he usually never bothers.
As it is, he listens carefully to Solomon's words. He doesn't know much about the people of the North other than what may be found in books (and the interesting things said about the original wizards which seem to hold true for the current ones...) ]
I can't say I would know what options they would choose. Though, if they are self-reliant despite all of their struggles, it may make those citizens more of a difficult choice for manipulation, than say...those normal ones in the East or the West, perhaps.
Let us hope for the best, while knowing that the worst may upon us in that regard. And if what needs to be done is put whoever may be interfering to rest, then that is only natural.
[ Jing Yuan gives a yawn as he says this, because the implications are clear from his words. Whatever threat is enabling this...chaos behind the scenes, well. It certainly needs to be taken out. ]
...Well, I believe what we are doing is speaking in hypotheticals, rather than simply assuming. So I don't think you are wrong in saying what you have so far. Consider it something like so that we aren't quite so surprised when such events do come to pass. As long as we aren't quite committed to these ideas with an unrelenting fierceness.
But, you are not the type to be so inflexible, hm?
no subject
That is what I mean, when I say I worry about someone taking advantage. Their status quo even in the most graceful of situations has still been established out of dire necessity, not self-reliance.
[He'd love to see a little more backbone, sure... but that wasn't an easy problem to fix even in the best of circumstances. In his opinion, despite how it hurts him deeply, it's not going to be a problem for their group to address in its complexity. They are not meant to be here permanently, after all.]
I'd like to think I put up with my fair share, yes. So long as it does not cross a certain line, and even then I would only rather keep it as exactly what it is - an assumption, and not fact, unless there's enough evidence to think otherwise.
...
That said... have you been told of the concerns presented by the research incident directed in the West?
no subject
But also, unfortunate. How do the Northerners survive, being like that? Hmm, well, things are what they are, it seems. ]
Normally I'd wonder if that was the case across the board, but you have presented two instances wherein it must have likely been two separate individuals from the same country that acted in such a manner. I have no trouble in believing your assertions.
[ Though it is certainly not pleasing to hear, for what are obvious reasons. ]
I do recall Ahito telling me about such matters. Tatara seemed inclined to believe that the crater in East territory was linked to the explosion mentioned by that researcher with his arm in the sling. I suppose you would also know that the research incident also apparently involves some hidden labs they have who knows where. Which I would guess would be in both Western and Eastern territory.
no subject
I have to wonder if the incident the Eastern wizards were called in to intervene with was within the same realm of research, or if the man who they believed caused those issues was acting on his own accord. That sounded like a pretty measurable amount of machines on the loose, if there was so much damage being caused.
Have you had any time to look into the affairs of the West yourself?
no subject
I managed to go ahead and tell Tatara as well.
[ So that, at the very least, is something of a confirmation that Jing Yuan did, in fact, pass that information along! ]
...In a sense. I do recall hearing that they believe they are superior to Central and East. Considering what you have been told before about their research, it probably is not all that surprising if I let you know that their R&D is quite well-funded.
Incidentally, did you or Robin happen to learn anything enlightening even from those North delegates being rather timid?
no subject
[He looks both relieved that this was not the case, and extremely tired at having to say as much in the first place. Why couldn't they work together on something so basic...?]
The funding might explain why that man was at the ball despite his grevious injuries, then. If it takes precedence in the country, they would want appropriate representatives of the field involved.
I can't speak for what Robin may have learned, but there was some definite confusion as to why certain Northern delegates had been picked, as well as some apparent tensions between some areas of the North and the royal family located in Central. A great deal of it was heresay, so I won't go into detail, but it had the representative I spoke to on edge for speaking his mind plainly. I had to remove him from the ball entirely to coax an answer from him.
Outside of that, though, everything else I learned was specific to the more remote regions of North and their worries, not to anything else.
no subject
It's definitely certainly more practical, more than anything. ]
Of course. It's imperative that we give him certain information so that he is able to act accordingly. I eventually hope that everyone too will come to realize this.
[ Then, he brings his hands together to rest upon his lap and then tilt his head after the other man delivers what information he seems to have. ]
I see, I see...
Though, Solomon, might you humor me and tell me anything more about this heresey? Such as if any other important names were mentioned in certain contexts, for example. The royal family seems to be quite an interesting subject, but any other individuals or their actions might become prudent to know of even if it might seem like hardly anything worth mentioning.
no subject
I'd hope so. Unfortunately, I think several still view him as untrustworthy or uncaring, and don't find it necessary to share things of importance if they don't think he'll act appropriately with them.
[Bullshit, is what he thinks, but you can't convince people to follow someone by insistence alone.]
No one of name but Oz and Arthur, both of Central. It seems Oz has offered some strong protections to parts of the North in the part, and that Arthur was kept alongside him after a supposed abandonment into the wilds as a youth. The tensions seemed to specifically be around the crown prince's involvement, though again, it was mostly worries towards retaliation and their own impending safety.
no subject
Even though the leader is green, he can still grow; he can see that well enough. ]
That is unfortunate. Though, it makes sense that they wouldn't, they don't realize it will certainly become a self-fulfilling prophecy if they don't provide him the information that he needs.
[ It seems that, once again, they are indeed aligned.
He seems to be debating saying something, more than anything. But, he thinks that since Solomon has been forthcoming with him, he should at least share what he knows. ]
Oz and Arthur...I know that Oz is quite a powerful wizard, so that isn't exactly a surprise. Ah, by the way, you didn't hear this from me, and I ask you to be cautious in spreading this along so freely, but I managed to hear something when I was looking into the castle about Oz being locked away deep within it.
no subject
[Hello, suddenly you have his attention.]
Was this recently?
no subject
Jing Yuan smiles a little at that, before it fades quickly to something appropriately serious. ]
I'm afraid I don't have the timeframe of when this occurred. But, since they already had the barrier in place, I suspect it was sometime before our arrival to this world.
But, that is why they wished to have the barrier to cover magical signatures. Quite an interesting predicament that they're in, no?
no subject
[So he has his doubts to Oz having been cooped up quite that long, but--]
Perhaps it might be the same situation as what happened in the South.
no subject
If Tatara and the Sage's assistant had noticed, either one would have certainly said.
[ Jing Yuan believes it is entirely possible that Oz has been before they arrived, though he is also open to the idea that he could have very well been transported under their noses into it, or a whole list of other possibilities. ]
...That said, what do you mean by that, exactly?
no subject
Given that Oz is one of those assigned to Central, and that our own Central group only recently completed their mission before that group-wide request for barrier assistance... maybe Oz's reappearance was under similar circumstances. And with a magical reading so vast and the current state of affairs brittle, perhaps covering it up was the most immediate option the monarchy had to avoiding an unecessary panic.
no subject
I do wonder about the circumstances of his imprisonment in the first place in truth. But, I suppose that would be up to us to find out.
[ He thinks about the plan he is definitely still going to try to reach out to Oz, because yeah. ]
In general, we should continue to do what we can to uncover what is occurring behind the scenes. Tensions are growing higher in countries that have power, it seems. But, something tells me once they reach their apex, that is not only when one in particular will strike, but so will the Great Calamity in earnest.
no subject
[Perhaps Oz's castle could be an option... just another thing to note for his own followup.]
I don't believe that we can cause much in regards to permanent change, and I don't believe that's what Tatara is expecting of us, either. But if we can prevent this world and its people from taking too many hits before we can restore its order, I don't see why we shouldn't nose around wherever possible.
Because I deeply worry that you're correct. The supernatural tends to be like any other predator. If it has the choice, it will make its lunging bite for the throat at the most opportune time. What better for that then when the world is too occupied with themselves?
no subject
That said, I am assuming Henry is the name of the person you were speaking to.
[ Solomon always has given it his all from when he can see his efforts visually, and yet he imagines even where he can't, that remains the case. ]
Mm, exactly. [ Then, a wry smile. ] As always, I remain unsurprised that you are able to see the big picture.
In some ways it makes it easier. After all, not many are able to comprehend what actions may or should be taken before it's too late.
no subject
[He'll nod his head shallowly at the statement, at the smile that only goes so far. It's not always a joyous ability, to be seen in such light, but there is a strange comfort in the trust.]
Time will move on no matter what. The least we can do is make the choices we have while they are in our hands, even if it cannot be the ideal ones we may have wished, or even if we choose to let go entirely.
Regrets teach that more than anything else.
no subject
Considering the attitudes and various personas present here, Jing Yuan sees nothing wrong with pointing it out. ]
Haha, you must be certainly and obviously speaking from experience.
A pity I hadn't brought a drink, however. We could make a toast..."to us being able to make the most of the opportunities and choices before us so that we are able to emerge from this all with having made no regrets".
[ His eyes crease in amusement because he does still believe the opportunity to making those still exist (he is not counting past ones), but hey. ]
no subject
[He doesn't believe the opportunity has passed either. Not yet. Not for everything. But time was not a luxury here.
The silence sits for a beat, before Solomon lets out a huff, clapping his hands against his knees and rising to his feet]
Well! That's enough of the more dreary conversation. I see you brought your chess board. What do you say we engage our minds in a different way for now?
Ah, you can stay where you're seated. Hold on a moment. [Have you ever seen a side table levitate from halfway across the room? Here it comes, settling between them.]
no subject
Jing Yuan's smile seems to more or less indicate that, always light at the edges, but genuinely glad. ]
Yes, let us do so. I was hoping it would be able to get put to use. Though, I do hope you will, as always, prove to be a challenge.
[ He says this calmly, and there is something like undeniable delight in his tone (he is always excited to play), and then amusement colors over his face as he watches the side table levitate until it reaches its point. He reaches for what he placed the chessboard down, and places it right atop the side-table. ]
I will choose black. Yourself, Solomon?
no subject
Letting me have the first move with white? Sure, I'll take it.
[Pawns across a board without motive, without identity, outside their players' whims and the ultimate end goal. It's a mindset one could easily fall into, uncaring and calculated.
What a good enough reason, he thinks, to remember exactly what he is.
Right?]