[ VOICE ] - dated before the first ship to Dorchacht

[interlucere]

My name is Lux, and I have a favor to ask of a few of you.

A number of us will be traveling to Dorchacht to... smooth over some rough patches in our relationship with them. Say what you will about how they treat others—I have my own opinions, and that isn't necessarily something I wish to speak about here. That isn't the point of this. Talks are bound to be tense, and many of us will be going in blind.

I am looking for a few monsters to align with, who won't shy away from gathering information, by any means necessary. In exchange for this, I offer a temporary Bond, during our time there; and protection if things don't turn out as expected. I will do what I can to keep you safe while in Dorchacht.

I am also looking for a few Witches willing to come together to push for equal treatment of Monsters within Dorchacht. Neither city can afford a war; and while I have experience with this sort of situation, there is strength in numbers. We have the resources—and it only makes sense to gather as many in one place before attacking this problem.

This is asking a lot, I know, but I want to be prepared for anything. I doubt I am the only one. I will be leaving in a few days. I would prefer to have these discussions before then, either in person, or here. Thank you.

Comments

[towards_okeanos]

It's a noble enterprise you took upon yourself. I shall aid you however I can but I must say I wouldn't count on convincing those in power.

What I believe we can do is to serve as a good example. Let the common folk of Dorchart see that our system works better, make them question their own leadership. That way we can further the cause without endangering the main mission. The behaviour of every single member of delegation will be scrutinized either way so let's use that to our advantage.

As for information gathering, that my main objective. Whatever we do and how pure our intentions may be, things may turn sour for whatever reason. We need to prepare for that too.

[interlucere]

I appreciate your support. At times like this, I don't believe that we have the luxury of staying idle, and if others aren't able or willing to step up to the task, then I will gladly be one of the first.

But I'm not sure if leading by example will work. When all you know is a single way of life, especially when that way of life directly benefits you, other possibilities seem either unnecessary or wrong. I still intend to try, but we may not be far enough along to begin to have these difficult conversations with the people of Dorchacht.

What sort of information will you be seeking out? We might be able to help each other.

[towards_okeanos]

Perhaps. People can be stubborn in their ways and think a change difficult or even impossible. Yet I have seen many times that given a good example they do change though they may never attribute that change to what they saw. Thinking rather it came naturally of their own will and disposition. It takes time, yes, but I wouldn't be so fast in dismissing it.

The information I seek is practical. I know too little about magic still to be of any use, I'd probably miss the most important things. What I am definitely good at though, is war and this is the area where I can be most perceptive. To be completely honest it worries me that the leader of Dorchacht allowed us, supposed perpetrators of the incident, to be a part of the delegation. I don't want to speculate for I prefer to see things with my own eyes before making a judgement but it just feels odd.

[interlucere]

I suppose that's true, all we can do is try.

[ Although, with riots already taking place (if what they saw in the shared dream holds any truth), change likely won't come naturally. But he likely knows this. ]

It worries me as well, but we have to take the offer at face value, and hope that there aren't any ulterior motives. They have us at a disadvantage, but it's my hope that they want us to be part of the conversation. We were the ones who threw the first stone, after all, even if it wasn't entirely intentional.

[ She perks up somewhat. ]

Did you need any help with learning? I'm still a student myself, but I would be happy to teach you what I know.

[towards_okeanos]

[Oh, there are ulterior motives behind that offer. Iskandar is sure of it. As sure as about the fact that they can do nothing about it. Other than remain vigilant for as long as they are on the other city's grounds.]

We might have but it is they who treat it as violation and trespassing while none here knew how seriously to treat those dreams. That's why I think they have an agenda. Otherwise, a question or even a warning would suffice.

[He bows slightly.]

I would be most grateful. This whole magic affair is too new and way too weird for me and I hate to nag my Bonded about everything. Even if he's an expert on the subject.

[That might be a slight exaggeration. The concept of magic is not completely alien to him.]

[interlucere]

[ Lux considers before letting that point lie. Iskander could be right, they may have an agenda behind the invitation. But she understands all too well how tensions can easily boil over with even the simplest of acts. ]

I'm happy to try to answer any questions you have. [ Hm. ] I take it that you're a Witch, then? Or do you want to learn in order to defend yourself and know what to expect?

[towards_okeanos]

It somehow turned out that I am. Funny, how that works. Not something I'd see coming. Alas, here I am so the least I can do is try to make it work.

[Iskandar lets out a sigh. He'd not against learning. Absolutely not. It's just that magic is actually not a subject he feels very comfortable with.]

It is a process. I do go to the lectures in the Coven. [At least some of them.] Unfortunately, they do seem to assume some basic level of understanding which I don't have.