2017-06-14: A New Start
- Log: A New Start
- Cast: Riesenlied, Noeline, Zed
- Where: Old Petra
- Date: 14th June 2017
- Summary: Riesenlied and Noeline reconvene with Zed after his drunken episode, and reaffirms their goals for the future.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Much has actually happened, for Riesenlied -- she's had a lot more time to ruminate about the nature of their conflict, about the nature of how history has concealed and smeared itself with a grand assortment of misinformation that has made their task much more difficult... and then there is the nature of sensing Seraphs and Malevolence, of which she seems to be... somewhat on her way. On a particular new day, Riesenlied comes to seek Zed out, because there is always more to be done.
She wants to speak to him now that, hopefully, he isn't under the influence. About him. About his role in this struggle. About the future.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline has certainly done her best to stay around Old Petra and help out with matters there, at least to some extent. Though she makes frequent trips out to Adlehyde, apparently trying to make up for the damage done in the attack and keep tabs on the situation as it stands within the city, she's also made sure to be visible around the demon village. Every so often, she can be spotted with a perturbed demon, slowly and carefully explaining some aspects of the situation out in the world. It's a bit of a thankless job - disbelief and anger ride high - but some of the demons are starting to put more stock in her 'expertise'.
Around Old Petra, at least, she's been acting a little more serious, a little more responsible around the camp and a little less Crimson Noble. Perhaps even the human sympathizer is affected by Mother's failure to awaken, or perhaps she's worried over new faces in the camp and what it might mean for the neonate troops still recovering - though a large part of it is probably also her worry over what, exactly, she counts as nowadays.
Either way, she's nearby as Riesenlied strides out of one of the repurposed buildings, sat daintily on a half-ruined wall until she pushes off to follow after her.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied looks towards Noeline with a softer smile, nodding as she looks behind her where Cetiri has paced alongside. The metallic dog-shaped robot buddy's tail lazily flicks back and forth as she pads on all fours, looking up towards Noeline. "You have been busy," Cetiri comments. "I am rather pleased. I did not think you had it in you."
Riesenlied looks towards Cetiri with a huff, saying, "Are you not being a little hard on her?"
"Perhaps. But it is a precarious time," comes the electronic voice in turn.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
The Crimson Noble's first response is a soft huff of her own, though there's a note of pride in there as she watches Riesenlied stick up for her. "Well... it would be rather amiss of me to tie myself fully to the Ebony Wings and then immediately proceed to bring the name shame, don't you think?" she wonders aloud. The question is almost asked seriously, were it not for her hand splayed at her mouth to half-hide her amused smile. "My hopes mirror Riese's in most cases, after all."
She does sag her head to one side with a theatrical sigh, though, even as she moves to pace alongside them both in search of Zed. "Still, I can't say I'm doing particularly well at that whole 'bodyguard' part, if only because a /certain/ someone keeps sneaking off on her own and pushing herself much too hard," she points out, leaning forward to catch a glimpse of the commander's expression.
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
"Do not begrudge Riesen for her wanderlust," says a voice from ON HIGH. "Because it is by wandering and wondering that she is better off than the rank and file down below! Those unworldly fools who believe the world to be black and white will be waylayed by a flood of gray!" There. Atop a building, silhouetted against the mid-day sun. It can only be...!
A NINJA.
"IN OTHER WORDS! IF YOU ARE WORKING HARD, THAT MEANS YOU'RE DOING YOUR JOOOOB!" Leap! Twirl! Land. The scarf billows dramatically in the breeze.
"HELLO FRIENDS!" Zed says, seeming... Zed-like. "I HEARD YOU WERE LOOKING FOR ME."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied looks towards Zed, with a polite smile that seems to be more tender than ever. Perhaps all of the practice meditating has allowed her to set her worries aside for now, and look on more hopefully to the future, in the wake of the massive failure of Mother not awakening. "Zed," she bows her head. "You look much better today. I much prefer to see you like this, than under the influence."
Cetiri stares towards Zed for a moment, letting out a comment of, "Devet has a lot to answer for your exuberance." It's still canon that she helped influence Zed by gatewaying him into anime, after all. "But I suppose it would have happened nonetheless."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Immediately, Noeline has folded her arms. "I will certainly not fault Riese for her wanderlust. I would be a ridiculous hypocrite if I so much as uttered a single word against it. At the same time, I think poor Cetiri is due a heart attack, let /alone/ myself, for the amount of times she has struggled back into camp in need of rest."
The Crimson Noble's huff looks pretty genuine this time - though she evidently lets it go as she studies the loud ninja-demon carefully. When you've spent any amount of time around a certain That Guy, reading between the lines and translating as necessary comes as second nature. "Really," she sighs quietly, feeling some of the energy drain out of her. "I do agree, but at the same time I can hardly begrudge them that, given they've never had the chance previously."
She nods in time with Riesenlied, planting one hand effortlessly on her hip as she poses at the commander's side. "... you /do/ look better. Frankly, you /sound/ better," she adds to clarify her first statement. "As annoying as you can be, I would much rather have this than moping around. We have a surfeit of that, at present."
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
"Hmhmhmhm," Zed folds his arms across his chest, his nose seems to grow three sizes with the sheer amount of RAW CONFIDENCE (read: FOOLISHNESSSSSS) that eminates from his face. "There exists no malaise on this world or any other that can permanently dampen my spirits! Fear not, friends! I am not so easily dissuaded from the path I know to be the righteous one!"
The question, then, is... Which path would that be, again?
Beat.
Zed... Points at Noel, "Yes, that is true. But if she has to stumble home all worn and weary, then it is your duty to provide her a place to rest! A bed to fall into! ARMS TO COMFORT HER!"
this is all devet's fault.
clearly.
"And I know you will not let her down!"
clearly
"Well, anyway," Zed says, hooking his thumbs into his pockets. "I returned the doctor! He seemed to be glad. Aaaaaaaaaaand I might have been challeneged to a duel? I don't know how that'll go, but I'm pretty sure I'll be fine! It'll probably turn out, one way or another. ANYWAY! I..." Camera change. Zed's gaze glimmers with that terribly mischevious light. "Have a plan."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied does look rather contrite to Noeline, saying, "I do apologise... it-- just hurts too much, to leave things be without a word," with a shake of her head. The commander's wings twitch a little bit as they rest by her side.
She looks to Zed, though, and smiles--
smiles--
Her cheeks redden just a little. "... Noeline certainly has done that," she insists, as she glances aside, towards the Crimson Noble (?). "Perhaps more than is fair, as well. But we are working things through..." she says with a lingering sentiment, like they should talk later.
She looks towards Zed once more, and then says, "That's good... but, a duel? I wished to speak to you about the Ebony Wings' statement and whether you wanted to join, but... you had plans already?"
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"... I know," admits Noeline as she looks over towards the other woman, letting out another sigh. She's surprisingly subdued as well, folding her arms as she huffs in a moment of bashful embarrassment at Zed's yelling but otherwise surprisingly unperturbed. "I am not so cruel as to demand you stay behind, nor anything like that. That would make you-- not you," she adds, for once not really sure how to put it.
"But at the same time," she adds as she puffs her cheeks out, "You could at least ensure you have me along for protection's sake."
She pauses as she looks back towards Zed, frowning uncertainly. "A duel? --did you make yourself particularly visible, in the attack? Or--" she clams up for a moment, then sags her head. "Aah... it would be that, wouldn't it? I did see those posters up in Adlehyde today, yes. Somehow, I should have known that would be like a moth to the flame when it came to you."
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
Ah, they're not even getting flustered about it! That's no fun!! But is this what is known as Advanced Yuri? Have the lillies of love finally blossomed between these two steel battle maidens? Ah! Love can bloom on the battlefield! Zed nods his head decisively. "Good, good! That is good. I approve, and I'm certain others do as well!" The fanfiction will proceed apace. This is good, yes indeed.
Zed glances at Noel, then. So, she has an inkling? She has an idea of what it is he means? "Yes," Zed smiles deviously. He grins invincibly. He nods unhesitatingly...! "The Lacour Tournament of Arms! I intend to enter! And to show the world what a true Hyadean warrior looks like!" He rubs at his chin, then. "The question is... I heard they have a tradition, you see? Where competitors are to use weapons made in Lacour. Now, they waived this requirement for this tournament, but I feel... Compelled to honor it. Hmm."
"WELL ANYWAY! What did you want to ask me about? I do not think these plans are mutually exclusive!"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied places a hand to her cheek, with a very quiet sigh in turn. "... ah, the Lacour Tournament, yes..." she lowers her head. "... I could not keep my promise to King Ardryn. Worse yet, his long-time friend King Justin was slain as a result of the attack. It'd be best if I did not make an appearance anywhere near that arena... it would just be a sore reminder." She bites her lip. "If you do wish to abide by that rule, you could do worse than a Lacour arm. The one time I tried it," she sounds proud, "The sword lasted two battles instead of one before it broke!"
Cetiri pauses, and then says, "That seems like an awfully low standard for you..."
"But-- ah, about the Ebony Wings... you recall the discussion we had prior to Gungnir?" Riesenlied muses. "About fighting those who seek to escalate the means of war. To take away the trafficking and despoiling of our brethren's remains and Dragon Fossils. There are valid targets I've been chasing for a long time, but have not been able to do anything about due to our secrecy."
She shakes her head. "No more. And I'd like you to be a part of that, Zed."
She smiles and gestures with her hand. "What do you say?"
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"... so long as you fight properly," Noeline suggests, for once not immediately balking at the idea of Zed acting out in public. "And, for heaven's sake, do be careful when you're in the ring, hmm? You are likely to be a known figure, and it may be that someone will have a distinctly long-barreled ARM that they are eager and willing to try out in the direction of your head," she huffs softly. "I suppose, if you're serious about this, I can go and canvas the Lacour weaponsmiths for an idea of exactly who looks promising."
She falls silent as Riese makes her comments regarding the Ebony Wings, though, simply folding her arms and glancing askance towards Riesenlied. This is, after all, her show as Commander.
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
"Mmm, well, two battles instead of one is pretty good..." Zed muses, rubbing mildly at his chin. "I mean. Ideally! It'd last longer than that. Because I'm pretty sure a tournament implies that it's going to be several fights. I wonder if they let you replace your sword if it breaks? Hm." He's noticably mum on the subject of King Justin and King Ardryn, and instead seems to be focused more on the... Logistics of how this will work out.
Hopefully Ardryn won't take it out on one of the people responsible for his rescue.
That would be sad. And bad too.
"Well, if Noel finds me a good sword, I'm sure it'll work out great!" Zed says with a thumbs up! "Though! Maybe I should enter without... You know. Revealing that I am who I am? If not just so I can BOLDLY RIP OFF MY MASK at the very end and surprise everyone in the audience!" And then probably get run out of town. Because that's a thing that tends to happen when you reveal you're a HORRIBLE MONSTER MAN.
Beat.
Zed... Turns to Riese. And then shrugs! "Well! I made a promise, right? So I can't exactly back down from it. You have my sword, of course. But ah, will we be bringing any of the newbies along too?"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied places a hand to her cheek with a sigh, looking towards Noeline. "Here I'd be fretting you'd have a thirst to enter the arena yourself... it is admittedly a bit too much heat for us right now, and battling, even not to the death, in the midst of what is likely to be those who harbor animosity towards us is not the wisest of ideas."
She looks to Zed. "A mask would not be the worst of ideas... and it would probably be more respectful to King Ardryn too," she nods.
On the topic of the Ebony Wings, Riesenlied nods as she gestures. "Of the soldiers I've spoken to, outside of those that already follow my command, the rookies are the most receptive to the idea. As I expected, it's the new blood that haven't quite been indoctrined to the idea of conquest that are willing to grow and think. We also will be joined by some other of our allies -- Mister Ambrosius of the Veruni, who I've spoken to; Kalve, of the Method, as you know; and even someone who sympathised with our cause, Miss Tipheria, from Lunar."
She looks heartened by the progress, placing her hands to her chest. "... it is fragile, but it is the kind of union I want to see between races blossom one day."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline first throws an amused smirk towards Riesenlied, tinged with a little in the way of a sympathetic smile. "Well... I can't deny that I'm not curious about it, in the end. But as you say, I would potentially be a rather obvious target, and I wouldn't say I'm quite as good as Zed is when it comes to such things. I'd rather be the sort to watch from the sidelines and ensure nothing goes awry, hm?"
"At the very least, I can look around," Noeline muses to herself. "I suppose it wouldn't be too difficult to present myself as a patron of an entrant, and I have enough in the way of money still as to be able to sponsor appropriately. The sooner the better, I suppose, as I imagine most people will have already gone running to someone or other," she adds with a light sigh, shaking her head.
"In any case, as far as I'm concerned, my advice still holds true. Even if you enter under a fake name - which you certainly should - there will be Drifters there. Many of them will have fought in Adlehyde. As such, you may have to be a little careful. --really, I don't even know why I'm saying this, given your instincts for this sort of thing," she adds with a helpless shrug, her shoulders going up for a moment as she tilts her head.
The Crimson Noble pauses, and then slowly lets out a more quiet sigh, flicking out one of her twintails as Riese explains the fate of the Ebony Wings. "Do not think too poorly of them," she instructs, arms folded again as her voice turns serious. "It is not their fault they have been stuck in Photosphere. It will take time for them to learn the ways of the outside world, to open up to ideas that they haven't been privy to until now. You, I, Riese-- we were all the same way, at one point."
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
"Hmmm, well if Kalve's going along too, then it'll probably turn out well." That's usually how things go, in Zed's experience. Kalve wouldn't just go for something if he didn't think that there was some merit to it, after all. Those other names, though, Zed is... Unfamiliar with, largely. He's mostly interacted with the various Drifters who floated around Adlehyde, after all.
Speaking of which.
"Don't worry. I fully expect that the people I run into will recognize me. The only question will be whether they'll be okay with me doing what I'm doing, or if they'll suddenly go all suspicious-like and ruin the fun for everyone!" Zed harrumphs, crossing then uncrossing and recrossing his arms again. "Well. Maybe I should go talk to the king to let him know ahead of time? Hmmm."
He... Does owe Zed a favor, after a fashion.
Well.
"Hmhmhm, well, anyway. If the kids are coming along, then they'll need someone to make sure they don't all go jumping off a cliff or something." Zed shrugs. "I dunno. Maybe Sedam or Jedan would do a good job of it. Just let me know when you need me to show up, and I'll probably be there. I'll probably be there before you even know when to call me. It'll work out! Probably."
Beat.
"Hmmm," Zed murmurs, rubbing his chin. "Is that really so? I guess my memories of back in the day are pretty fuzzy, heheheh." That's what almost a thousand years of cryosleep will do to a brain, after all.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"... just be rather gentle," Riesenlied advises. "I spoke to him as well... and I cannot imagine he would have taken the news of the death of his oldest friend well." She smiles at Zed to nod, saying, "You wouldn't know it, but you've already rubbed off on some of them, you know. I've heard them say good things about you. 'I want to be more like that Zed fellow... just doing what he thinks is right,' that kind of talk."
She leans a little further against Noeline, as she blinks a few times after a lapse in her standing. "Sedam and Jedan are both assisting in training, as well, but I wholeheartedly believe there's no such thing as too much perspective." She looks at Noeline with a tender smile to say, "... perhaps not so much for me, given where I started -- the Gutter, but I understand what you mean."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
There's a pretty good chance that Noeline doesn't know shit about Zed's past, in fact, and is operating purely on projection and assumption - but she returns Riesenlied's smile either way, allowing the commander to rest as she takes the other woman's weight. "... I suppose that is true - something about the Gutter does tend to invite a little more in the way of perspective, hm? The same could be said here-- it is hard to believe, at times, but many of them are certainly becoming more aware that there is more in the wider world than they ever would have guessed previously."
"Well," she adds to Zed's acceptance of whatever might happen in Lacour, fixing the other demon with an appraising glance. "Even if you're aware of it, it is still my job to state the warning regardless. Knowing the habits of humans, and what they are likely to do in a given situation - that is, in part, my job. As is issuing the odd warning, should it be entirely necessary."
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
"Ahhh, don't worry, don't worry. I'll be perfectly gentle! First I'll send a letter." Written in such a way that suggests either the arrival of a guest or AN ASSASSIN IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT. "Then I'll meet him someplace private--" by SNEAKING INTO HIS BEDCHAMBERS IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT-- "--and calm and quiet-like let him know who I am and tell him that I'll be competing in the tournament!" AND THUS THE BLACKMAIL WILL BE COMPLETE.
"It'll be fine! You'll see."
Zed is all smiles.
Nothing could possibly go wrong.
except for everything
"Welllllll, ahhhh, are you sure they weren't being all sarcastic about it?" Zed scratches his head at Riese's insistance that he somehow, impossibly, has Fans. "I mean, that's how it usually goes, buuuuuuuuuuut I guess maybe it might be possible, hmmm."
Beat. Chinrub. Beat^2.
"Well! I'll leave making sure I don't get stabbed in the back to you then, Noel~" She's good at her job, after all! "Maybe we can sneak some of the newbies into the audience or something. Or get Kalve to record the tournament? Hmmm."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied laughs and says, "Believe me, I do know when someone is being sarcastic..." ... do you, Riese? "... but I do genuinely believe you're leaving a mark with your actions amidst our youngest troops. Have confidence in yourself -- are you not the Grim Reaper's-- um," she hesitates. "Was it... Friend?"
She tilts her head with a smile between the two. "I'll wait to hear the good news... and yes, that is a good idea -- I imagine Devet would be happy to come and cheer you on, even."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline tilts her head, frowning to herself. "... at the very least, Devet is the least likely to rouse undue attention or suspicion, besides myself," she decides slowly... are you quite sure you don't deserve suspicion most of the time, Noeline? She smirks a moment later, though, having perhaps divined something about the nature of one relationship around the base. "I'm sure she'd be the most likely to want to come along and watch, as well. My, to be young again, hm?" she nudges Riese in the side absently.
"Whether the idea of competing is a good one or not-- personally, I believe it remains to be seen. As an impulse, however, I'm more than willing to indulge it and the reasoning behind it," she adds with a lazy shrug. "So long, of course, that you do not lead any pursuers back here. But we'll take that side of things as they come, I suppose."
There is a pause, and then Noeline raises her eyebrows. "... should I ask what state the Professor was in when you left him?"
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
Zed scrunches his eyebrows. Devet coming to watch? And Noeline would help her to fit in...?
...
......
Zed imagines a Devet festooned with frills and lace and teetering on shoes that she has no idea how to balance in.
He decides that this is approximately the safest she could possibly be out in the Real World and nods approvingly. "Yes. This sounds like a good plan. I, the GRIM REAPER'S PEN PAL--" Riese gets a POINTED STARE. HOW DARE YOU FORGET. GOSH. "--Am A-OK with it. Let's make it happen. Yes."
"And, ah. Well. He was in one piece, I think!" Zed considers, tapping his chin. "After the slideshow, we talked for a little while, and I think I learned a few interesting things from him. Then I brought him to Ida, and she took him from there. He was able to run around and stuff when I left him, so he's probably okay!"
Physically, anyway.
Mentally... Maybe not so much.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"Penpal, penpal!" Riesenlied springs back just a little, correcting herself. "Do try to not overwhelm her, though, and... let's... try to not repeat another incident like with Odjn," she sighs. "That Shepherd has been quite busy and hard to track down... oh, I really do hope she's all right..."
She nods at him to say, "I understand your intent, but... you do know what I mean when I say that we must show them through our actions, not just through force. And if they wish to know of our culture, through a more neutral, peaceful forum later... then I would be all for it. But I do think, given the last attack on Adlehyde, that will be quite a ways away yet..."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"I have sent him some messages, at least," Noeline responds to Riese with a flick of her hair. "He is-- difficult to track down, it's true, but I have no doubt that he's bustling around and keeping Odin safe all at once. I dare say that the little dragon is just fine - that Shepherd was the sort to take good care of people, as far as I could tell."
"And-- well, do not be too discouraged," she says to the air around them both. "Did you not just get done informing Zed of our new allies? Not to mention-- both he and yourself have come clean, and yet you still have friends amongst them. It is at least a start, wouldn't you say?" she reminds Riese, her eyebrows raised.
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
"Hmmm, I'm sure Odjn is fine," Zed reassures this moping Riesenlied. "If she were in danger, she would probably send up the Zed Signal or something! Sorey is a good person, though. He is probably feeding her plenty of hearty milk." Zed does not know if dragons and milk get along. He does not realize that Sorey probably eats things other than dairy products. Such is the world of Zed.
Beat.
"Well uh," Zed scratches his head and casts Riese a befuddled look. "I mean, isn't... fighting... our culture? Like, a major part of it? I figure we can show them that while we figure out other things that are Hyadean." Like, apparently, ~HAUTE COUTURE FASHION~
That may just be Noeline though.
"I kind of hope I run into Claude though. We didn't exactly leave on the best terms last time. I kind of exploded part of him and knocked him off a wall. But I didn't really have much choice!" It was that or be exploded himself! HARD LIFE CHOICES.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
SOMEWHERE
Odjn comically swims through an oversized cake and wiggles her stubby little leg and tail as she exclaims, "Mmmmmm oh god red velvet it's so guuuuuuuhd why do I feel like I'm forgetting something oh well I'm sure it's not important-- OM"
HERE
"It's true," Riesenlied nods at Zed. "But... consider. Where did that start from? A thousand years ago, our ancestors fought and lost a war... and the survivors have borne the scars of that battle. And unfortunately... that hatred, that enmity that our ancestors -- and the surviving Quarter Knights -- hold has, through time, perpetuated down the ranks. I've... seen it, myself. Even four hundred years ago, there are facets of the Photosphere that did not used to be arsenals, or arenas; slowly, our culture is becoming more and more singular in focus."
There is a pause.
"Self-improvement and discipline is good, of course. But such a thing goes for more than just martial skill, wouldn't you think? Awareness, maturity, knowledge... there are many ways in which one can develop, and fight. I am where you see me now not due to my sword skills alone, after all."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"... I cannot speak all that much as to the Hyadean history as a whole - certainly not to the degree Riese can," Noeline comments quietly from where she's still propping Riese up, an arm having slipped gently around her. "But I can say that, from the perspective of someone who deliberately made themselves an outsider for a great length of time, it does feel as if something has been somewhat forgotten along the way. I suppose that might be why I am so insistent on having my freedom... perhaps?" she hums thoughtfully, as if she's never particularly considered it before.
Not that the introspection lasts all that long, as she shrugs. "Well, in any case. Your skills, such as they are, will likely be needed - and I do not mean your ability to get yourself in trouble, or out of it, so much as your irreverency."
<Pose Tracker> Zed has posed.
"Hmn," Zed murmurs, scratching thoughtfully at one cheek. "Well. There are people we could ask, but, like..." They're the Quarter Knights. "That might not be the best idea. They'd probably be like 'WHY ARE YOU YAMMERING ABOUT THAT, YOU NERD. BATTLE IS ALL IMPORTANT.' Or something."
That might just be Berserk specifically.
"Well, anyway. We have what we have, right? It's not like we can just deny the present. If we do, then we're basically doing the same thing that the geezers are! So while you guys figure out some new culture we can really own, I'll be doing the other thing. I'm sure between the two of you, you'll figure something out! Unless you want me to appropriate some stuff too! I'd be down."
Manga.
Manga all the way down.
...
"Uhhh. My... Irreverency?" Zed gives Noeline a look. Explain!?
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"There is more than just circumstance," Riesenlied nods, "There's fact. Facts that are, up until now, so carefully hidden underneath the lands of Filgaia. In our digs, we've already uncovered hints towards that history that we embraced before... and," she doesn't seem deterred, "Even if there is nothing, we can always create more." She nods in turn, saying, "Culture doesn't just come from one or two people -- it's what everyone appropriates, absorbs, perpetuates. Of course your input is welcome, Zed."
She pauses, and then shakes her head and chuckles as Cetiri lashes her tail lazily back and forth, padding along back onto view. "The tests for the Golem core are finished, Riesenlied, Noeline. Let us review what it has unveiled."
Riesenlied nods and says, "Coming, Cetiri. And thank you."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
At Cetiri's call, Noeline dances back a couple of steps - then leans forward as she does so, grinning lightly at Zed with her hands at her waist. "Well. I won't tell you to be /too/ careful, but at least keep your mind a little sharper, hm? There's still work to be done in the time ahead, after all."