[X] Talk with Fatoumata
[X] Talk with Amina's group
-[X] Amina
[X] Talk with Clara
[X] Visit the stronghold that the Third Crusade made its headquarters in
[X] Visit the Sun Elf Memorial
[X] Talk with Fatoumata [X] Talk with Amina's group
-[X] Amina [X] Talk with the Good Cauldron
[X] Visit the stronghold that the Third Crusade made its headquarters in
[X] Visit the Sun Elf Memorial
[X] Talk with Fatoumata [X] Talk with Amina's group
-[X] Amina
[X] Talk with Clara [X] Visit the stronghold that the Third Crusade made its headquarters in
[X] Visit the Sun Elf Memorial
[] Talk with Fatoumata
[] Talk with Amina's group
-[] Amina
[] Talk with the Good Cauldron
[] Talk with Clara
[X] Visit the stronghold that the Third Crusade made its headquarters in
[X] Visit the Sun Elf Memorial
[X] Visit the Necropolis
[X] Visit the Triune Site
[X] Visit the Shifting Sands
All the locations sound interesting. I hope we visit at least one.
Well, I didn't intend for people to be able to vote for more than one of Amina's party at once, but since I didn't explicitly say you all couldn't, I'll let it slide. I'll figure something out, and the epilogue portion isn't too strict anyways. Just keep in mind that while I'll add all of Amina's group votes together for a meeting with the party overall, I'll count individual conversations with its members separately. Also...
[X] Talk with Fatoumata
[X] Talk with Amina's group
-[X] Amina
[X] Talk with the Good Cauldron
[X] Talk with Clara
[X] Visit the stronghold that the Third Crusade made its headquarters in
[X] Visit the Sun Elf Memorial
[X] Visit the Necropolis
[X] Visit the Triune Site
[X] Visit the Shifting Sands
All the locations sound interesting. I hope we visit at least one.
While I was going to say that votes should be limited to five here... I guess voting for all the locations sort of neutralizes it? Aha, I'll leave it for now, though if it somehow affects the vote result somehow and multiple people have added in extra votes like this, I'll call for them to limit their votes.
And Clara is actually a really interesting character to me. What must it be like to watch Deirdre from the outside over the course of a decade or two? Is it difficult to try and serve as an interface between her and modern concerns?
Those are definitely questions you may learn more about if Clara is chosen. Depending on where Deirdre goes next, her role in next volume's story may or may not be important as well.
It's Deidere's manager Clara!
The person who is going to complain very loudly we should have taken the 'I'm good with modern tech' keepsake during character creation!'
I can see it now..
Clara: Deidere, did you get my message?
Deidere:No, I didn't get to check my mailbox.
Clara:Uh oh…
Clara: Deidere, did you get my message?
Deidere:Clara! Sorry, I had to let Ophelia borrow my cellular phone to pay back a favor, but I didn't think you sent a message?
Clara: Lemme see that-she blocked me and renamed me to Dusterbutt in here!?!
Deidere:So that's why it was five minutes with the phone or climb five trees in a single afternoon…
Clara: Deidere, why haven't I been able to call you recently?
Deirdre:I am so sick and tired of telemarketers! But uh, I don't quite know how to undo this 'Hermitage Mode' early…
Clara: you don't. How long is left on it?
Deirdre:Uuh, *checks* two more weeks?
Clara: Deirdre!
Deidere:Clara!
*hugs*
Clara:So have you hear about these bunny-vision picture craze you've set off somehow?
Deidere: Bunny-vision?
Clara:Soo this wasn't you learning how the integrated camera works on your phone?
Deidere:My phone was involved? That's…Oh! Lemme go grab it..*walks into the next room, comes back with the fattest rabbit Clara has ever seen* Ta-da!
Clara:…That is a rabbit.
Deidere:Yes. I may need a new phone.
Clara:…Did the rabbit eat your phone!?
Deidere: No, the Rabbit I think IS my phone now.
Clara:What.
Clara: Deirdre, you broke the three week rule again, What happened this time.
Deidere: Dropped it into a river. Why would that kill a phone again?
Clara:Not important, do you have a bag and some rice?
Deidere:…HUNH!?
I'm going to call this set here but tune in next time for Clara finally meeting Ophelia! Deidere's heat problems! And possibly a bonus episode involving the adventurers!
Ah, this was great! Deirdre can be so hilarious unintentionally. While I can't say this is exactly what I have in mind for similar scenes, it's got the right spirit. Also, I may or may not have something in mind for that keepsake you mentioned... though I'll say I'm still undecided on it.
Will probably close vote in 12 hours. From what I can tell top 4 options (Fatoumata, Amina's Group-Amina, crusade stronghold, and Sun Elf Memorial) seem to be winning with a clear lead, but the fifth option is up for grabs. Edit: Alright ending vote! Update should come either tonight or earlyish tomorrow. Edit 2: Okay, maybe a little bit later, got really busy with something else suddenly. Sorry.
[X] Talk with the Good Cauldron [X] Talk with Clara
[X] Talk with Amina's group
-[X] Amina
Part of me wishes Clara could just bumble into Deidere's meeting with Anima's party, like it would probably be hilarious as a way for Deidere to be outed to the group.
[X] Talk with Amina's group
-[X] Amina
[X] Talk with Fatoumata
[X] Visit the stronghold that the Third Crusade made its headquarters in
[X] Visit the Sun Elf Memorial
[X] Talk with Clara
At first, you thought honoring the deals you made with Ophelia wouldn't be too bad. There's a reason that you tend to only call on her regularly every few decades. It's enough time that she might've forgotten her previous deals and for the world around you to have changed enough for her to desire new, easier to obtain things and tasks. This time however, the fairy didn't forget what she had to do to help you against the Caorthannach, and she hemmed and hawed as she thought of what she wished to ask of you. Going head to head against a demon candidate's magic wasn't pleasant for her.
As you sit at a table in a Sally B's fast food restaurant watching stacks and stacks of burgers appear in front of Ophelia with the staff growing increasingly irritated at you, you start cursing your past self's lack of caution.
"You know, when you told me you wanted to introduce me to someone important to you, this isn't quite what I expected…"
At least you aren't alone in this. You managed to rope Clara into helping you with promises of meeting a fairy for the first time. The foolish alerion gladly took the bait, and now you both get to watch in horrified fascination at what is occurring here.
"Ophy doesn't quite operate on the same wavelength as many in Orbis. Despite our bond deepening each other's understandings of both realms, she is still a being of the Currents."
You and Clara watch as Ophy scrolls through… something on the recently acquired tablet you called on your manager to help procure. Countless images, videos, and posts fly by at speeds that even you can't quite process, and judging by the look on Clara's face, this isn't an intended feature of the device. With her eyes glued to the screen, she picks up one of the hamburgers on the table and stuffs the entire thing in her mouth, wrapper and all. It simply… disappears, and the "chewing" she does isn't at all matching the size of what she just ate.
Clara leans back, "Yep, she's definitely on something alright. Wonder what it feels like to be doing whatever she's doing right now?"
"We can try asking. Ophy?"
No response. The fairy moves, but only to drink from the straw in her drink.
"Ophy! Is everything alright? How is the tablet?"
Ophelia finally stirs and slowly lifts her too large green eyes up at you, blinking in a measured and exact manner.
"I am stimulated."
Then she looks back down as if removing you and everything around her from existence. You and Clara turn to each other, matching expressions on your faces.
"Okay…" she starts. "That's a little unsettling. Are you sure this is a good idea?"
You wince, "No, but I had to honor our deal. I will simply have to face the consequences of this and hope nothing too bad comes of it."
The alerion shakes her head. "Well, good luck with that. This is why I'm not letting my little chicks anywhere near a tablet for a while yet."
If you weren't already in a bit of a daze from the current situation, that casual statement might've made you start. That's right, Clara has children now. You were at her wedding, but were away when they hatched. The Light must have been watching over you then since you avoided her gushing over her children in person. It was hard enough to be sent dozens of images through the tablet by her. Alerion hatchlings are not cute, no matter how many "filters" your manager uses in her pictures.
"Ah, yes. How are they? I remember they stayed in the nest much of the time when I came by…"
She groans, "They still want to see 'Auntie Dee" after a whole year has already passed. I barely remembered anything from more than twenty minutes ago as a kid, but somehow you made an impression on them."
You smile at her plight, "I shall be glad to meet them, though they may be kept in suspense a little while longer."
Internally though, uneasiness stirred within you. It is an inevitability for any elf that interacts with other races on a regular basis, but it's something that none have ever gotten used to. Friends and companions will eventually die, but what of the family they leave behind? As an adventurer that never stayed in one place, you could not exactly care for children or grieving spouses in a normal fashion. It was not unheard of for certain elves to have some sort of connection to a "family" rather than a particular individual, but most likely the family will branch out or become distant enough that both sides drift away.
This is ignoring the very uncomfortable feeling of those situations, and… you shake your head. Now isn't the time for this. As you think of what to say to Clara looking at you questioningly however, Ophelia pipes up suddenly.
"Your post is so boring Deir. It's got people making fun of you for it. Don't worry though, I got rid of them.'
You and Clara freeze.
"Ophy… what did you do?"
Ophelia shoves another hamburger into her mouth.
"Told those 'cringe losers' to—oh, I forgot how you are sometimes Deir. Well, it's okay. They don't know I'm connected with you~"
Feeling a nudge from your side, you turn to see Clara pushing her own tablet towards you.
Deirdre Pathstrider ☑️
@therealelf
Greetings to all who have been concerned for my health and safety. I apologize for any worry I caused. To dispel all the speculation and rumors however, I can confirm that I was part of the investigation to discover and dismantle the demonic cults present in Nokoyo.
For more details, read: warbling.com/show/ef_t2fs4
11:00 Oct 30, 1493 12.7m Views 7k reposts 1643 quotes 56.2k likes 🗨️1.5k 🔁7.1k 🤍56.2k 📤 ··· Write your reply Nokoyo Faith ☑️@nokoyofaith · 7h
We can confirm the courageous participation of Deirdre Pathstrider in the fight against the cults. All of Nokoyo is grateful for your support! #lightblessyou #saynotodemons
🗨️134 🔁207 🤍10.8k 📤 ··· Random Gnoll @nognolloh · 6h
I was out traveling when this happened and was so scared for my family when I heard about it. Thank you so much for helping out!
🗨️34 🔁49 🤍3.4k 📤 ··· erirogt3213 @erirogt3213 · 6h
lol what the hell. demons are still a thing? this is so random. good shit I guess.
🗨️17 🔁28 🤍2.7k 📤 ··· strongsumeri @bestn4tion · 6h
Sumeri #1! ⛳
🗨️25 🔁16 🤍2.2k 📤 ··· #1Deirdrefan @elfworshiper · 6h
Of course Deirdre was there to clean up after them! When they saw how much more beautiful, smart, and better she is than everyone, they would've let her direct everything.
🗨️15 🔁52 🤍708 📤 ··· real#1Deirdrefan @elfchair · 6h
god I wish she would investigate and dismantle me before telling me how inferior I am to her. those cultists are so lucky
🗨️10 🔁78 🤍109 📤 ··· Avid Learner @learnerofthings · 6h
There's so many posts like these on Deirdre's chirps, it's disgusting. She posts so much interesting and free content just to get this all the time. Show some decency!
🗨️29 🔁105 🤍5.6k 📤 ··· This chirp has been deleted. This chirp has been deleted. This chirp has been deleted.
Clara hums, "Well, I don't want to know what she did exactly, but I suppose she got rid of some of your haters somehow."
You stare at those particular posts, "I'm unsure I will ever get used to the idea of having 'haters' and these… 'fans' of mine."
"Well, that's the net for you," your manager says a bit regretfully. "I've done my best to limit some of the more explicit stuff, but when it comes to the creatures on here, sometimes the best defense is just pretending it doesn't exist. Acknowledging and confronting things like this tends to only make it worse."
"Remind me again why I continue to do this?"
"To raise awareness of important issues, push back against ignorance and misinformation, give yourself a voice on public platforms, potentially raise funding for the maintenance of elven historical sites, and share the wonders of the world to people who seem discontent with it all?"
"...yes, but what else?"
Clara giggles, "Deirdre, you're so funny sometimes. I know it's hard and can seem pointless, but it's important these days to have this presence. Remember those travel and food bloggers I showed you a while ago?"
You scowl, "I remember those fraudulent posers. And yes, don't remind me, I recall the 'historians' spouting their revisionist nonsense. Very well, I shall bear this burden for a while longer."
Even to this day, you still get irritated at what some say about the elves. You are no apologist for your people's more distasteful actions, but neither will you freely accept slander from "experts" on these sensitive topics. Especially with what some claim about the dwarves... your hands clench.
"These little shits…" Ophelia suddenly mutters, glaring at her tablet. "Deir! Get me to a 'PC'! I gotta stomp these kids in COG!"
The anger dissipates as you are reminded of your current predicament. Sighing, you pick up a fry and begin nibbling on it. This will be a long few days…
"I. Freaking. Knew. It!"
You stand a little awkwardly with your ears exposed to the world as Rowan crows at her apparent victory. Dan facepalms and groans into his hand, berating himself for not seeing it before. Kiran gives an uncertain smile, not knowing how to react to this stunning new revelation. Aya simply nods, while Amina…
"T-t-t-the DeirdrePathstrider!? I was speaking with her this whole time? Receiving advice straight from such a font of wisdom and beau—a-ah. I mean to say that I am such a loyal supporter of you! I follow all your accounts, like every post, oh by the Light, that doesn't sound any better—"
"Breathe, Ser Amina," you interrupt gently. "Remember yourself."
The human immediately stops and begins taking deep breaths, fanning herself all the while. With her out of the count for a while, Dan steps up to speak.
"Man, I don't know how we didn't connect the dots all this time. We literally saw all the posts about you helping out the investigation after that day. Not to mention the fact that most of us knew you definitely looked off anyways…"
Rowan puts her arm around Dan and grins, "Yeah, you would know allll the differences between elves and other races, wouldn't you Mr. I Always Roleplay as Sexy Female Elves? Not enough to figure Deirdre out though~"
The yuren splutters, "W-what! That—hey, half of those were guy elves!"
"Does that really make it any better?"
Kiran clears his throat, "Ms. Pathstrider, it's an honor to meet you and gain your trust in this matter. Although we can seem a bit rowdy, rest assured that we won't betray your confidence."
"Please, just call me Deirdre," you say. "You've all earned it, and I'm just a normal traveler—"
"Lady Dee-irdre," Amina finally says, having recovered from her shock. "I apologize for mine bluntness, but you are not 'just' anything! You were one of the inspirations for me, no, all of us deciding to venture out into the world. Your true stories and adventures prove that it is all possible. I know not where we will be without your guiding star."
You blink, a little taken back by her fervor. Despite being a reclusive figure much of your life, as an elf you have encountered your fair share of admiration from others. But this sort of genuine gratitude from someone you might've never even met in your life is something quite different. By the Light, you'll never get used to this but… you suppose there is truth in her words. There is little "normal" about you nowadays, and pretending that there is probably seems more disingenuous than anything else.
"Very well, Ser Amina. To the stars and beyond may we all go then! I have called all of you here for a journey to somewhere most dear to my heart. Let us go together somewhere with no more deceptions or hidden agendas between us all."
Amina whoops and cheers at your proclamation, pushing everyone to follow your lead. Though they protest and complain, you can tell that they're interested as well in wherever you are bringing them to.
It's strange to be here again. Having stepped off the train near the outskirts of the place, you and the others start making your way to your destination. From a distance, the walls of one of the few places you might've called a home are just as they ever were. Stout, sturdy, and with few frills besides the many banners and pennants attached to it, the walls of the Citadel stand strong. For just a moment, you feel as if you have just returned from a long scouting mission, ready to make your report to the Commander.
The illusion doesn't last long. Despite the work done to maintain its integrity, the Citadel is still inhabited by people. A large town has sprouted into existence around the fortification despite its relative isolation from the rest of inhabited Sumeri. You see a few cars driving in the distance along with many of the modern trappings of civilization today. The United Peoples have given support as well by placing a great deal of cultural importance on this location, and you can see their flag on the walls. In a way, the Crusades are like an early version of the global organization, so you see why they wish to tie themselves to it.
You are normally an advocate of preserving historical sites such as these in their natural state, but Commander Nasrin herself helped develop the area after the Crusades ended. She wanted to build a place where all were welcome, separated from the faults of the other kingdoms and societies at the time. Unlike the Crusades, this was met with more mixed success, but you recall that this is by far still the most diverse area in Sumeri. Whether it was its symbolic importance or just its isolation, war rarely visited this region, and the Citadel has stood to this day as a testament of mortal will and fortitude.
"Wow, the architecture here is so different from Nokoyo." Rowan says, looking around curiously.
You see what she means. Despite being an ancient city, Nokoyo has been conquered and rebuilt many times over the years, and it has done much to try and modernize its infrastructure. While older buildings and areas still existed in significant numbers, there were many visual similarities with other large urban centers in Orbis. Not to mention the fact that it is relatively closer to other cities and influences.
The Citadel, or Bastion as the town is known as, is a clear representation of its unique roots. Houses built in the image of ancient Zhonghua and Yashima stand side by side with homes built in the style of southern Avista and Tarshish. Many of the buildings are ancient, having likely been host to generations of the families living there. The wood and stone is worn with scratches and marks on them, but they still stand in defiance against the test of time. Slightly uneven roads line many of the streets and are clearly meant mainly for walking, and indeed most of its residents seem to be traveling on foot rather than using any vehicles. This nugget of civilization further south than any other still standing is one-of-a-kind.
"This… is nice."
Surprised at the speaker, you turn to Aya who seems to be basking in the quiet but somehow more lively atmosphere of this place. The guardedness with which she always carried herself with seems to be lessened, and you can even detect a small smile on her face.
Dan hums, "Hm… it sort of feels like a bunch of the regional towns mashed together into one place. Not something I've ever seen before."
"There seems to be adherents to many different faiths here," Kiran says with a little uncertainty, watching a small ceremony being performed by a pagan priest of some kind.
Amina has been silent so far, taking in everything with observant eyes. You thought at first she might've been trying a little too hard at affecting the same kind of quiet interest you present to the world, but it seems that something is on her mind. Eventually, she seems to notice something within the group as she raises a hand to call everyone to a halt.
"Why don't we go our separate ways here? I can tell you all wish to explore already."
A chorus of agreements answer her, and Rowan quickly grabs Kiran to go listen to the priest despite his protests. Dan and Aya pair off too, though the two seem a little more aware of what seems to be going on with how they linger and look at you two. They leave after Amina nods at them, and soon you are walking towards the gates of the Citadel alone with the human.
The disorientation you've been feeling gets worse as you walk the same pathway you've walked hundreds of times before so long ago. With an armored human beside you, it's disturbingly familiar to those times. You know the uncomfortable daze you're in has nothing to do with the environment this far south too, as the Citadel and Bastion both have many protections against the Currents. Only when you two step back into the light to see the interior does the feeling abate somewhat.
It isn't a completely foreign sight, but there's enough differences that it breaks the illusion. The buildings are old, but aren't literally the same ones from all those years ago. People in modern clothing walk by you both with tablets in hand. Street signs and lights stand on the sidewalks, and while not entirely imitating a fully modern city, the roads and infrastructure have clearly been built on and improved over the years.
"Lady Deirdre, are you well? You have a strange expression on your face."
Amina seems to not have returned fully to her archaic speech, despite the fact that the two of you are now alone. You hum a bit as you think on how to answer that question. Obviously, you're feeling a little conflicted, but…
"No, I think I just needed some time to process it all. There's something quite comforting actually in seeing people going about their lives normally even in a place such as this."
The human nods, "I see what you mean."
You both continue walking in silence for a while longer until you sigh and stop.
"I think it's clear that I am not the one struggling with something, Amina. There is something you wish to say to me alone. Speak. I promise I will provide you with fair and honest counsel on whatever ails you."
Amina raises a finger in protest before dropping it sheepishly at the look you give her. Looking away for a moment, the human takes a moment to gather her thoughts before taking a deep breath and meeting your eyes once more.
"Uh, Deirdre. Ever since that day where everything happened, I've been havin' some doubts about…" she waves her hand at the area around her. "...all this."
You raise an eyebrow, "You seemed enthusiastic about coming along with me not too long ago."
"I know, I know! I'm still excited about it. I want to see the rest of the world. But it's not just about me, is it?" Amina says, crossing her arms.
"Have your friends said they wished to return to Avista?"
"...nah, they haven't," she admits. "I dunno if they'll talk about it even if they want to though. They already put up with so much from me, I feel like they feel pressure not to raise any concerns with me."
Amina sighs as she looks down at the ground.
"Deirdre, am I just… dragging them along with me? Forcing them to go with whatever I want to do because I'm the most vocal and demanding person in the group? I want to go on an adventure, but I don't want to do it like this."
For a moment, you stare at her in silence as she mopes and avoids your eyes. Then you reach out a finger and poke her.
"Ow! What was that for?"
You catch her indignant expression before saying, "Amina, it seems you still have much to learn. Tell me, did you actually force them to come with you?"
"Well, no—"
"Has Dan and the others criticized your actions throughout your time here without fear of your judgment?"
"Well, yes—"
"Do they not still express interest in the sights around them?"
"Can I finish—"
"Do you trust them to stand at your back and fight with you? Will you do the same for them?"
Amina lowers her annoyed expression at those last two questions to answer with, "Yes."
"Then you have nothing to worry about. Speak with your friends and alleviate any concerns of theirs, but there should be little amiss if your answers are true."
The human opens and closes her mouth as if she wants to counter what you just said but is unable to come up with anything satisfactory. Grumbling, she turns away from you, but the tightness around her shoulders and posture seems to be lessened.
With the matter mostly settled in your mind, your eye turns to something that caught your eye just a few moments before. Though you are happy that the people here seem to have grown and adapted over the years, you're glad that there are still some things that haven't changed here.
"Come! Let's get a few drinks in you!"
You are just about to head to the Sun Elf Memorial, your last destination before you finish your affairs in Sumeri and move on. While the thought of bringing along others with you here crossed your mind, you decided against it. This... is something you wish to experience alone. However, Clara did almost beg you to consider doing a livestream or video of your trip there, citing the educational benefits to your audience and seizing the opportunity to engage with your new followers. You've just seen the impact social media apparently had on Amina and her friends, so you're not totally against it. You just don't know if doing it will be helpful for the still somewhat troubled state of mind you're in or not.
Choose One:
[] Record your visit to the Sun Elf Memorial
[] Visit the Sun Elf Memorial alone and without distractions
AN(semi-important?):
This update was sooo much harder than I thought it'd be, and I got really distracted yesterday. The social media took me WAY too long to make, but I'm happy with how it turned out even if I'm still a little unsure of how I implemented some of it here. I was going to include the Sun Elf Memorial visit in this update, but I was unsure of how to fit it all together. It was starting to get too long for an epilogue part anyway. I wasn't going to include a vote at all for this one and just post the final epilogue part tomorrow, but I think I'll take this chance to semi-ask whether you all like how I implemented not-twitter/blue sky here and would like me to do more stuff like it. There may be benefits related to either choice, but choose whichever one you guys might enjoy more.
I just feel like the last elf's thoughts on the site should be recorded for future generations and historical purposes. It's that much more ammunition against the historical revisionists. Revisionism is a pet peeve of mine.
And yeah, I had no problems with the social media section. If nothing else, it's a short and punchy way of showing other viewpoints on in-story events.
The social media took me WAY too long to make, but I'm happy with how it turned out even if I'm still a little unsure of how I implemented some of it here.
It's hard to know if some quiet contemplation or a expository walkthrough would help Dee's mindset better. As long as she's not reading chat talking it out might help, but I don't know if her having a Weight induced cry on stream will be helpful.
Ophelia however had 500% gremlin energy. 10/10, would feed sugar water to her again just to see chaos happen.
