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.
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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?]