pluviosa | SO BELOW

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*event

SO BELOW - EVENT LOG

SO BELOW

With a slightly bump that can be felt throughout the ship, progress levels out. The skies above are threatening rain, but there aren't any drops falling from the sky... Yet.

Not that you'd know it, looking out the windows. A foreign ocean stands outside, on the other side of the glass - the ghost of an ocean, long gone from the truth of this world.

Just like so many other things, which have become visible to those who are willing to pay attention.

This is the event log for SO BELOW. Information for the first part of the Event (days 15 and 16) can be found here, along with sign-up options for the second part of the event.

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"Ghost...of the sea...bodies of water can have ghosts?" Aventurine asks, eyes going a little distant as he sees the gathering storm. It's funny, because as Casper's panic eases, Aventurine's own nerves seem to fray at the sight. It's...not too bad looking ~~yet~~ but...

He catches some of the young man's words--what's that about portals??-- as he speaks. He really tries, but all of his focus is going into maintaining composure now. His grasp on Casper's arm slipped off at some point, unconsciously going to clutch at the necklace below his shirt.

"Neuvillette...how...bad was that storm you talked about before...?" he asks, keeping a smile in place but not quite able to untense his shoulders, or how he can't take his eyes off the open door.

It's fine. They're on a boat. He just told the guy they were on a boat for keeping water out. It'll be fine.

Well, Casper seems reassured, so that's one success, at least - Aventurine, on the other hand, has a spike in anxiety severe enough that Neuvillette can tell without particularly concentrating on it. Despite the man's efforts at composure, it's audible in his voice.

Neuvillette considers what angle to take for a moment, before he says, "It was quite severe outside. However, the protective bubble surrounding the ship also serves to protect us from the worst of it - within there was only moderate wind and rainfall, and so far as anyone has been able to tell, the ship was not once struck by lightning."

And after another moment, he adds, "If the storm frightens you that severely, you may come find me here after it breaks, and I will ensure that you will come to no harm. However, based on the thickness of the clouds at present and the levels of elemental energy in the air, we are some ways out from a severe storm."

Casper can pick up on it too, though less than Neuvillette - it's mostly the posture and the voice, the little cues adding up to put the puzzle together.

"You can always come find me, too. I'm - um. I'm not good with water like Neuvillette is, but I'm - I can always freeze something to keep the rain out. It'd be cold, but it'd keep you safe and dry." Maybe the other guy has a thing about storms? He doesn't have much of a problem with them other than them being loud, but everyone's got their thing.

Cautiously he reaches out towards the man next to him, giving him plenty of of time to move away if he wants. "And I guess we can... try to avoid the lounge and the windows if need be? For now, at least..."

Aventurine's eyes widen a little at suddenly being under scrutiny, and the concerned words from both parties. It at least finally breaks him away from staring out the window at...the storm over the deserted wasteland.

"You can just freeze a storm...?" He asks Casper, then stops. "I-haha, oh, me? I'm alright, I'm fine, we're here to help Casper, not-" That is a tone of voice that is less than fine. Shit. Get it together. He clears his throat. It is literally just some clouds. Nevillette's a water expert (a being attuned to it?) and says it's a long ways away. Plenty of time to prepare. He clears his throat.

"Still...thank you. Both of you. I'm sure I will be just fine but...ah. I guess if it floods I will keep an eye out." Odd thing is, he believes both of them have the ability to protect him. It's just...very unsettling to have that just offered without a payment demanded, or some sort of caveat, something. He's not sure how to...deal with that. So he smiles. "I'll be alright, but I suppose I am quite lucky to be on such a protected ship with such generous fellow passengers." His eyes flick to Neuvillette. "It seems as if you can sense this sort of thing. Does that have something to do with...what you are?"

"The cafeteria was relatively dry even during the most severe parts of the previous storm," Neuvillette advises, "though if the windows pose a problem, I doubt that will help." The glass walls - if indeed they are glass - seem to be quite sturdy, but there isn't exactly a lack of view of the outside in that double-height atrium.

Casper's comment on freezing things gets a slight raised eyebrow, but in response to the direct question, Neuvillette says, "My mastery over Hydro energy is without peer. Normally, rainstorms at least are well within my ability to manipulate - though I can do nothing about the lightning or the wind. As it is, I am far more sensitive to changes in humidity than I am to changes in temperature or air pressure.

"Oh, not a whole storm. But a large amount of water, yes." It helps that he's focusing on someone else. "And I believe you, regarding the water. "As for what he is, Neuvillette is Neuvillette. If he chooses to share more, that's on him." He smiles at the other - he wasn't kidding when he said it was impolite to power-check allies without permission.

In any case, the flood comment. He focuses on Aventurine again. Maybe that's why he's uncomfortable? Maybe he lived in an area where it flooded, or maybe - he forces his brain to slow down. It's not his business unless the other shares. His natural curiosity doesn't give him an excuse to not be polite. "Flooding I can probably freeze as long as it's... reasonable." It'd take a lot of energy, but he'd be willing to help. "The - uh. I can deal with ice, not water so much. The dead, too - if either of you run into some of them." Never mind that the whole area is starting to smell of death - that's probably not something either of them want to hear right now.

Aventurine's eyes go to whoever is talking, firmly drawn from the window, tension slowly unwinding from his shoulders as he listens to them talk. It's always good to hedge one's bets, but the power implied by these two is...insane. And they're just...volunteering. To help someone like him feel safer. He...doesn't know whether to laugh or cry? The emotions over this really are forming a twisted, strange knot in his chest.

He is not in a state to analyze all that, clearly. So. Just...take it as is for now.

"I...thanks. I'm...not sure I could repay either of you for your generosity. My own power has been...weakened as of late," he huffs, shaking his head. Then he shoots Neuvillette a playful grin. "Oh yes, Neuvillette is himself, I agree. I'm just playing a fun little guessing game with him, that's all," he laughs. Privately he is a little surprised at himself for asking things so directly of the Iudex...he'd been so scared of social misstep at first. Interesting. When did that change?

"Yeah...yeah, ice is fine. And hey, we might need some of your expertise on the dead, if the ghosts around here are anything to go off of." A whole ghost ocean. Ghocean? He shrugs, looking to both of them. "Guess we're both not too great around alot of water. Good thing we got an expert here in the Iudex," he says breezily, in fact very reassured. His brain is also running with the new information. Entire storms?? Without peer?? Uh...this guy goes beyond a simple merman or water elemental or something, huh...emenator? Are there emenators of water or...

"I was able to redirect a substantial portion of the floodwaters when we arrived, and I see no reason why I would not be able to do so again," Neuvillette says. It seems that they do indeed have the flooding well under control.

He does tip his head slightly to Casper at the mention of the ghosts, though, in something that could be the world's faintest nod. "I have some experience with the accumulated emotions of the dead," he says, "but not ghosts as the common mindset describes them. An emotion that persists after death is not the same thing as a spirit, and I know of only one of the latter in all of Teyvat, which is a... unique circumstance."

Please don't ask about Elynas that's just like a whole thing, which Neuvillette would happily explain but it would take like five paragraphs of exposition. "I will gladly defer to the knowledge of someone more experienced in such matters."

He's less worried about being underwater with Neuvillette aware of the situation. The 'nod' doesn't get ignored either, instead getting a small smile in return. "Ghosts - as in the remnants of someone who was once living and still walking around in a humanoid form - are something that I've been able to see as long as I can remember. They're not normally visible in my world." He's not going to ask about that unique circumstance, at least not now - but he files it away for later.

Casper turns a bit more fully to Aventurine and tilts his head in a somewhat confused gesture. "... You don't need to repay us - at least not me, for sure. I like helping people. Friendship and helpfulness isn't a competition and it's not a currency." Be kind has been something he's always tried to stand by, only breaking from it in direst need and with great reluctance. Sure, he's been taken advantage of, sure he's been hurt... but he'd rather get hurt than not try.

"If you ever need someone to try out your abilities on you can let me know. I'm... hard to keep down." Physically, at least. Emotionally... his anxiety and depression are something he's aware of and he's doing his best to not get consumed by them. "Just... just don't tell Shang Beida, he'd probably get upset that I offered to be someone's punching bag even if he knows I can take it."

He...believes them. Despite everything, he finds the tension easing from his frame. It's fine. He'll be fine. Although he's got to figure out a way to ask Neuvillette for a demonstration of his "hydro" powers sometime, the scale seems incredible. For now though...their earnest words are enough.

"Emotion after death? How do you sense something like that, if I may ask?" It seems rather different from his water abilities up to now. And unique circumstance...? One thing at a time, Aventurine. He doesn't want to push his luck with the Iudex.

Aventurine peers at Casper, curious. "Do...all the dead leave ghosts behind? Are they tied somewhere?" He wonders if he brought someone like Casper to Sigonia, if the sands would be full of wandering ghosts of the Avgin people. Are they trapped there? Would they know if some escaped...alive? Are they still suffering...? He shakes himself, heart aching. It's...a foolish and selfish thing to ask of someone he barely knows. They've got their hands full trying to get off this ship already.

Aventurine laughs at the bit about payment, surprised and doubtful. Not at Casper. "Sorry, I believe you mean what you say. It's just...ha. Let's just say that it very much is a currency where I work. Worked. Whatever." Jade, perched at the desk purposefully higher than those under scrutiny, her eyes gleaming as he bets his life for the chance to survive. Aventurine sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face. "It's just what I'm used to, you know?"

Aventurine's eyebrows raise at Casper's last remark. "My capabilities are more...defensive in nature, but I'll keep that in mind. Also you know Shang?" he says, face brightening. A nervous man, but someone who understood the need for payment and met his terms readily. "Good guy, he was the first to find me when I got here. Showed me where the food was and such," he chuckles. He'll...not mention how he'd goaded Shang into hitting him for demonstrating powers. "He does seem the type to get upset about that kind of thing, I'll keep it a secret." He holds his finger up to his lips, a conspiratory grin on his face.

Although it's not much of a secret in front of a Judge. His eyes flick to Neuvillette, grin only widening. "You're probably in on this too, Sir Iudex."

"Don't worry. I'm quite capable of keeping things confidential; it's very much a requirement for my line of work." Really, neither of them knows just how far that extends. Neuvillette doesn't have a reason to say anything, so he won't, and it's as simple as that.

Poor Shang Qinghua would probably have a panic attack on the spot, anyway.

And it is unfortunately an enlightening insight into Aventurine's mindset, for such an offhand comment, especially in combination with the man's concerns about the risks of violating a contract in their previous discussion. One Neuvillette has seen before, usually within the confines of organized crime - and while the style is different, the opulence of Aventurine's garments certainly wouldn't look out of place there. Well. Not his jurisdiction, not his criminals; involvement in such matters hardly precludes one from being a good person on a personal level.

"Likewise, I have no need of such favors, either, and as a general rule do not practice such things. A reputation for impartiality is equally essential at the court." The thing about being notoriously impossible to bribe means that at this point, the people who approach him are generally actually interested in him, rather than his favors, and that is by far how Neuvillette prefers it.

"As for the other matter... It's difficult to explain to humans, as it is a sense you do not possess, though I suppose I cannot entirely discount the possibility of someone from another world having similar abilities. My experience of the emotions of others is most similar to taste, and those emotions accumulate in water, most strongly in tears. Emotions that have left the body in this way can thus persist after a person's death." There's another factor involved where Fontainians are involved, of course, but strong emotional impressions are hardly the domain of Oceanid-humans.

"Not all the dead do. Those with strong emotions and unfinished business tend to be the most likely to do so. Tasks, objects, people... they can connect to all of those kinds of things. I'm sure there's even more kinds that I don't know of." His senses are limited to dead people, but who's to say there aren't more kinds of dead people?

He frowns at Aventurine. "That sounds like a rough time. I'm sorry." He nods and puts a hand to his chest, ignoring the squawk of the raven in the hallway a bit behind them. "If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here. I understand if you don't, but the offer's open. I've... heard a lot of things." He shifts slightly uncomfortably all of a sudden, keeping his gaze away from Neuvillette. "Even outside of the ghosts I helped. I. Uh. My uh. My first and best friend for most of my life was the ghost of a serial killer? So there's not a lot that's shocking to me."

So anyway. "Ah... yeah, I know him. Pretty... well." His face flushes and he scratches the back of his head. "But yeah he doesn't like me getting hurt. In. Erm. Particular." He's just going to leave it at that. "And emotions... that sound like how I experience the smell of death. It's almost a taste but definitely a smell, and that energy can even accumulate in objects."

"Alright. Thanks, then," he says with a smile to both of them, noting Neuvillette's...vague language regarding his occupation. Sure a judge had to keep confidentiality in some cases, but the way it was worded...interesting. He does wince a little at the implication of bribery. Right. Judge. "Pardon, I'd never seen you at work so it slipped my mind that an exchange could be seen as bribery..."

He does listen curiously when Neuvillette explains about taste and emotions in water. Oh. "I've met someone on the ship that could...taste emotions." Well. More like see and eat them. "I don't think it had to do with water though." Thankfully Aurelia didn't need to bite him to feed. He will not go into that here. Instead... "Hey, Neuvillette. You mentioned certain tastes in the water on the ship; since it's sentient, do you find some sort of emotion in the water here too?"

Casper's information about ghosts is interesting too. "So the, ah, haunted nature of this ship isn't too new for you, huh?" So much so that the poor guy was more nervous about the apparent rising water than their increasing spectral visitors. "Must be alot of things keeping them here."

In the face of Casper's sincere offer to hear him out, Aventurine...flounders a little bit. "Oh, haha, well...thanks. I'm not sure there's much to talk about?" The brand on his neck itches. He will not draw attention to it. "When it's how the galaxy worked for so long...let's just say time on the ship has been very eye opening," he chuckles. Meeting so many people who claim to not want anything in return for help. So many heroic types, and a place where money doesn't work. Yeah. It's alot. His eyebrows shoot up about the first friend thing. "Oh. I'm....sorry? I suppose they had some stories to tell, at least..." First and best friend is a ghost...not at all concerning, nope.

But then Casper blushes about Shang annnnd. Aha. Many things click into place for him suddenly. Aventurine grins widely. "Ohhhh I see, you're that friend. Very good to meet you, then!" It was all too easy to fluster Shang about this kind of thing, he should probably not mess with the special friend in the same way. Especially in the presence of a judge. But this was...fun. "Funny time to meet you; the situation could be better probably, but, y'know. Anyway, if we end up sparring, he won't hear a peep from me!"

Edited (typo.....s) 2024-06-27 23:21 (UTC)

"There is a definite taste of emotion to all the water I have been able to sample here," he says, "but I cannot be sure if it comes from the Ship itself, the spirits that may remain, or some other source. Much of it is old and has been circulating for long enough that the origins of such things have grown muddy, in much the same way that water used to clean paintbrushes tends to end up appearing a similar brown eventually."

With that disclaimer uttered, he continues, "The water in the cafeteria, as well as from most of the functional faucets, especially on this floor, tastes of aged grief, old and aching. It also has a distinct metallic aftertaste due to the pipes, which even the average human would likely notice if used to fresher sources of water. There is a faint taste of hope to the hosewater on the agricultural decks, and a significantly increased flavor in the standing water used to cultivate the aquatic plants there. I would, however, not advise human consumption of that, as it is also filled with composted plant matter and fertilizer."

Just in case anyone decided they wanted to try. Do not do as he does, because he can't get sick from it.

"The taste of the rain when we arrived lived up to the usually metaphorical reference to a raging storm," he concludes. "I have only rarely encountered such intense feelings of anger in all of my life, but I do not feel confident in speculating as to cause or source without more information. However, it was outside my ability to influence meaningfully, which is unusual and may indicate another active power involved, rather than the water having simply absorbed emotions passively."

His long informational ramble completed, Neuvillette looks back at Aventurine and says, "Don't worry, you've caused no offense. I simply wanted to be clear on the matter so that there would not be future misunderstandings; I do occasionally accept gifts from those I know well, who are well aware that the friendship will not equate to favors in the courtroom." Humans and Melusines both like to give gifts as a demonstration of their caring for one another, and he won't deny them that. He even participates himself from time to time.

To Casper he says, "Occupation aside, I am not one to judge. Even those humans cast as villains by others have complex motivations and the ability to form lasting bonds in live; that they should continue to do so in death, in places where they persist, is of no surprise to me."

"Probably wouldn't hurt me, but wouldn't taste good either. I think I'll pass." He smiles and shakes his head, listening to the two of them. "But um. I - 'that' friend? Oh. He mentioned me?" Oh no. He's going to try to keep his face from flushing.

It's fine. It's fine. "But yeah, I understand that there's a lot to get used to here. And that if you're used to the world working one way, it's very difficult to not do it that way."

Casper is blushing, and now isn't that familiar. Jackpot. Aventurine grins, unable to hold back all the teasing. "Not by name, but I think I have enough clues to guess." And sure enough, the guys face is flushed. Cute. "Nothing but good things! He seems rather fond of you, and keeps an eye out for you even when you're not there. It's very...considerate of him." His grin does not diminish. It's fun to see people's tells like this.

And as for the Iudex...the deluge (ha) of information sure is something. Aventurine's smile grows more genuine as he listens, enjoying having something like this to focus on. Neuvillette really seemed to have a passion for this sort of thing (an affinity even?) which is...something he's always enjoyed listening to, even if the topic wasn't of extreme interest to him.

And even then, the information this implies is very interesting. Grief in the residential decks...the ship missing its lost passengers? But hope in the agricultural decks...growth. New life. Especially for the standing water- wait.

"You just went to- isn't fertilizer-- okay," he clears his throat quickly, reining himself in. "Right. Wasn't planning on drinking that, but thanks for the heads up," he says, more than a little amused and very mystified.

Especially when Casper adds it probably wouldn't hurt him too. Aventurine does a double take, looking at the guy who, unlike Neuvillette, seemed very human.

He's not sure why meeting people of different...species? Kept surprising him so much here. The IPC recruited all sorts of people from different planets, and the ship pulled people from different universes. Still a surprise to be hit with!!

Okay, back to water. The storm upon the first arrivals...anger? He thinks of the rains of Sigonia, how they can signify the death and rebirth of Gaiathra Triclops. "An entity, huh? Maybe some...god is angry about losing the world or something? Do you think the anger was directed at the ship...?" Aventurine asks slowly, still newer to these abstract concepts. He did understand...aeons and gods to an extent, though.

And the note that Neuvillette could not influence the storm, but could usually just influence storms. Ok. Okay. Offered shelter during a storm was a very legitimate offer. One he didn't expect payment for. Aventurine's head may be spinning a little with all that.

"Okay. I- thank you for the clarification. About the gifts and...everything," he says, blinking as he works to process all of it. He's had to examine and re-examine his life views way too many times lately for comfort.

Casper's flush also draws Neuvillette's attention, though his address to the young man is significantly less teasing. "Well, it's good that Master Shang has found someone he feels comfortable around," he says. "I was beginning to grow concerned; that level of nervous constitution is not healthy in the long term."

Or in the short term, frequently, even if it appears that Shang Qinghua is made of somewhat sturdier stuff than most mortals.

"It's difficult to say," Neuvillette says in response to Aventurine's question. "Emotions taken out of context are very difficult to return to their context, and speculating too much can bias a person towards a particular outcome when they find additional evidence. I try my best to refrain from it."

"I - I mean yeah, he... he deserves someone he feels comfortable around." Different topic, different topic. He turns his attention to the storm.

"I don't know about the emotions. Maybe someone's mad that we're here. It wouldn't be the first time." And probably not the last. "But I guess you're right about drawing conclusions. We don't have enough evidence. What we need are records of some kind."

Maybe they're hidden further in the ship? "I'd start digging again but the last time I dug into the lower levels there was a body there. And it feels... incorrect to go disturbing someone's rest. I know they're not there anymore, but usually after a shipwreck or something they leave the bodies where they are..." He has opinions on Titanic tourism, but he'll keep that quiet for now. "I could gather more information from them but it's the same issue of a lack of context."

“Shang? Nervous? He didn’t seem particularly that nervous to me…” …perhaps in several instances while they interacted, but overall, Aventurine felt he got along well with the man. Neuvillette is making the guy sound like a nervous chihuahua or something.

…did that mean Shang was pretty comfortable around him? Huh. He’s…not sure how to feel about that. And yet he finds himself smiling, slightly.

And Casper himself seems…kind. Considerate, an easy presence. Aventurine thinks about how Shang Beida understood the concept of exchange for favors so quickly…and how Casper gently addressed the topic. He huffs, amused. “Glad you two could…get along,” he says, teasing but also with more sincerity than before.

As for emotions…”Fair point. I’m accustomed to just acting on the information I get, but looking for more records would help… Where would one find them, here, I wonder?” He muses, tapping his chin.

Aventurine blinks at that last bit. “Um. You found a what? A body?? Where? What? How??” He shakes his head, processing. “Wasn’t this ship empty for about 300 years?? How was it still…intact?”

"He's a nervous kind of guy, yeah. But it's good that he's not nervous around you." No, nervous chihuahua is pretty accurate. The gentle verbal nudge gets a slight blush, but it's... it's fine. They're fine.

Anyway. On to other matters. "I mean I'd guess in the ship's computer, but I don't know that it's going to allow us access so easily. Unless we have someone around here who's a master hacker, but all I really know is how to do accounting and stuff like that on the computer. ... And search through forums for weird supernatural stuff." Or claims of it, anyway. It's difficult to find real things.

"I mean, I don't know. It was covered in a lot of mud and stuff... but we have to be careful. The plants that were embedded in it grew really fast when they reached the light. And... and I saw into its past. They were running from something. I couldn't tell what - but they had the plants embedded in them when they were alive. Or right before they died. I couldn't see what killed them, but I could tell that someone dumped the body from a railing." It is normal to know this kind of information, it's fine.

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SO BELOW - EVENT LOG

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