THREE ☠ fight fire with acid

[hedonic]

[ Echidna herself is lounging in the hot springs at the moment while she dictates into the journal, her snake swimming around in the water nearby as she sips a cup of rice wine. The journal is open and nearby, although it's slightly damp from all the humidity. Her voice is musing; thoughtful. Perhaps even judgmental or mocking, it can be hard to tell from one moment to the next. ]

I find it interesting how quickly people are to turn on a construct, to blame it for their woes, when they can just as easily pack up their belongings and leave. Perhaps you won't be able to go home, or perhaps you will. Perhaps you'll find answers, or a better place to live. Perhaps you'll find death. There's a big world out there, one I've had quite a bit of fun exploring this past week.

Tell me, ordained residents of Cair Paradisa... What exactly is keeping you here? Aren't there others living out in what you call the Dead Zone?

[ ooc; Open over the journal, or in person if your character is at the hot springs! Might want to check the permissions post, especially if it's in person. ]

Comments

[ruin_mania]

Oh, there are several reasons, but to begin with the Dead Zone doesn't have a library as the castle does.

[It's not her most important reason, obviously, but it is something she'd miss about living here.]

[hedonic]

[ Book worms are hard to reason with... Although that isn't Echidna's goal. She's just sating her curiosity and having fun with it. ]

Isn't the Dead Zone the entire rest of the map, and even perhaps beyond that? Have you explored it all?

[ruin_mania]

Oh, no one has, at least to our knowledge. I do attend every expedition that reaches beyond the border, and have coordinated several myself, in fact. Still, we haven't yet come across a better place to stay as of yet.

[hedonic]

And you return so quickly, because...?

[ruin_mania]

You assume I return quickly.

Still, though most of the land we've passed is arable, there's very little in the way of scavengeable food. We've only found one species of edible plant and very few wild animals - and the eyeless bison are not to be consumed. Moreover, planning an expedition of more than a few weeks risks leaving one's friends in the castle during a crisis, as I'm sure you've noticed by now that not all are able or willing to live without magic or technology.

Additionally, there is the small matter of being overmatched by those in the iron suits, as they have access to a strong destructive power that functions in the Dead Zone and dislike having us approach their border, which they refuse to firmly define.

[hedonic]

[ Well you guys returned at ALL, which seems 'quick' to Echidna. Anything under a few years... These excuses are similar to the ones Ino offered, although this one seems slightly less indignant about it. ]

I still find it strange that so few will trek away from the castle. Everything you've listed is simply a trial to overcome, not an actual barrier. Certainly, many of these excuses are valid to some, who don't want the risk of travel... And I'm not exactly talking about a mob of people moving together. How unproductive that sounds.

Where I come from, all you've listed is not uncommon in varying regions. Travelers learn to work with the environment, no matter how it changes. Strong enemies are around every corner, and danger is a way of life. Are there so many in the castle that have grown coddled and soft? Are the other worlds that sheltered? I don't believe it. There is always a way, however unconventional, and that's been proven by the others you mention living out there.

They may not be home, but they have their will, and it sounds to me like they're flourishing out there. Maybe all the smart ones went with them...

[ruin_mania]

So you'd leave many residents at the castle, undefended from the dangers that appear here? How typical, thinking only of your own desires. I'm certain any of the other selfish individuals who've left held similar views.

[hedonic]

With that sort of logic, I'd need to stop in every town I pass and live there until they're magically protected from everything else in the world to pass in your gradebook, mm?

Besides, I might be the very thing they need protecting from... Depending on what day it is.

[ruin_mania]

[steadily My friends and I do stop in towns that have their own problems and resolve them before we move on, yes.

I see. Thank you for the warning. I'll be certain to place you on a watch-list, then.

[hedonic]

Not quite what I meant... Do you stay to solve all of their problems? A monster could attack them only a day after you leave, having already solved their mysterious murder case and thinking your work was done! The only way to be as honorable as you're preaching would be to live in the first town you find, because you never know when they might need you. I don't know a soul who wouldn't find that strange, and I'm sure you'd agree. Care to try again?

Oh? What watch-list is that? I'm a legal resident, I assure you. [ Snicker. ]

[ruin_mania]

No, and that's not what I'm suggesting. You're speaking of strangers, and I'm speaking of those I've lived with and befriended over several years. If you were in a dangerously monster-infested area in which several friends were trapped, would you leave them just because you could?

Certainly you are, just as several others who cannot be trusted.

[hedonic]

I was always speaking of strangers, since the beginning. I'm talking about those who could have left before they built those connections here.

[ Jeez. Keep up, lady. ]

Not to be trusted? Goodness, what a dramatic jump to conclusions. I'm quite trustworthy, and faithful. You certainly take debates personally, miss...?

[ruin_mania]

I've never been here with only strangers. There have been friends here since before I arrived. As for others, well, of course there have been those who have left. But you asked for our reasons to stay, and friends are mine.

Yes, that's why you'd describe yourself as that which villages have to fear depending on the day, I'm sure. [Nope not giving a name.]

[hedonic]

Then why didn't you and your friends leave together? Couldn't come to an agreement, or did they have different reasons for staying, thus chaining you?

[ She's silent for a bit after that, trailing off and almost forgetting the prior conversation; then laughs. ]

So serious! Do you believe everything everyone says? I thought book worms liked to ask questions and investigate before jumping to conclusions... You clearly misunderstood. Unless being a mercenary is a crime, now? Hard times.

[ruin_mania]

Oh, we've gone on several expeditions together, but seen no pressing reason to stay in any other location, compared to the other friends who are limited by powers from leaving this place. In any case, I'm not without patience. There's much to be learned about this castle, still, and it's difficult to study that when one is far away.

And you think making idle threats is taken lightly in what I've described multiple times as a dangerous situation?

[hedonic]

I think you need more of a sense of humor.

But if you're so eager to list off offenders for unsavory comments, then sign me right up, my dear. I'm the Veteran Mercenary, Echidna. I'll be eager to see if anything comes of it. Perhaps it will even get me a job! Lucky~

[ruin_mania]

That's fair. I think you're asking offensive questions and passing it off as humorous when people are offended.

We shall see, shan't we?

[hedonic]

Asking people's reasons for staying is offensive? You certainly are sensitive. I'm just trying to understand.

[ But yes it is humorous as a side-effect, especially when they're offended by her blunt nature. What's your point... ]

[ruin_mania]

It's the manner of your asking, really. Isn't it obvious there are as many reasons as residents here? It sounds very accusatory with the way you've phrased it.

[hedonic]

Does it? Wouldn't want to upset anyone.

[ruin_mania]

I doubt that very much.

[hedonic]

Going to lock me up for having a little fun? I'll go nicely if you promise to be the warden.

[ruin_mania]

[...Seriously?]

My, you certainly do know how to respond offensively. I do hope you choose to use better judgment with your actions, or you may not find your words to be so humorous in the future.

[hedonic]

Do I have to wait until this delectably troublesome future to hear your name?

[ruin_mania]

[She sighs.]

My name is Raine Sage, which I would gladly have told you earlier had you asked politely.