✪ Finweald The Fox and the Bird

[Siondhe]

Finweald was about what Kyra had come to expect of this world - large enough to be called a settled area, filled with an amalgamation of various stonework and construction which would be common for a medieval period, with small bits of technology standing out that were clearly not from this era. Effects caused by the Starcalled, bending and adjusting the way in which the very world operates. The voice inside her head scowled slightly - it seemed wrong that they, the players, would have such a large impact on a world, somehow. Sure, it made sense to Kyra, but she still found it almost disturbing.

The small bell above the door jingled as Kyra entered the office. It was labelled, based upon the signage above the door, as the local post office - something that she'd been surprised to learn still existed in this world. Even with all the magic and technology, I guess postal services are still a requirement. Even in the real world they still exist. Still, it somehow felt out of place considering everything else she'd seen.

She made her way up to the counter, noticing the emptiness of the shop - if it could be called a shop - before lightly tapping on the counter. She waited a few seconds, before deciding that it might be worth calling out to whomever may be around, rather than waiting the entire day for someone to appear.

Hello? I was hoping to get some help with...something out of the ordinary, actually.

She hadn't come to the locale to send a letter, but rather to get some directions. A house that she had been directed to locate, without any further guidance or insight into where it might be. It still bothered Kyra, at least a little bit, how elusive quests could be in this world. How little detail was provided with the expectations of them being completed. You wanted realism.

Anybody here...?

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

"Ah, just a moment!

A soft voice trilled from the backroom, followed by the arrival of a young beastfolk woman. With such an odd design, it would have been hard to believe she was anything but a player - but who could be sure in the land of Terrasphere?

Bluebird looked at the newcomer for a moment, then smiled and dipped into a brief curtsey. "I'm sorry, it's just me here at the moment. How may I help you?"

Working behind the counter wasn't Bluebird's usual job - she was almost exclusively a deliveryperson. But the postmaster was ill, and there was no one else to take his position and it was such a small office anyway, so volunteering to help seemed like a foregone conclusion. A little stifling, perhaps, to be away from the sky for so long, but she'd endured without the sky for most of her life. She could last a few days.

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra glanced over the individual - obviously a player, from their appearance. Beastfolk, somewhat similar to Kyra, but of a differing variety. Interesting hai-are those wings..? She'd almost made the comment aloud, stopping herself only as she realised the individual had offered assistance to the clearly befuddled customer.

Ah...yeah, I think. Or I hope. Uhm, I'm actually looking for directions, or guidance perhaps? I've recently come to the city, you see, and I'm looking for a local...house...uhm.

She opened up a pocket on her jacket's front, the zipper sliding smoothly with a whisper of a sound, as if well taken care of and maintained. Her hand pawed through the pocket for a few seconds, before pulling out a single piece of paper and revealing it to the other.

Lord Dorus Boulton

This letter is to confirm that the bearer comes with the intent and command of one Adjudicator of the Realm, in relation to your request for an indefinite extension upon the loan owed, taken out three and a half months prior to this dated letter.

At this time, it is noted that the individual named afore in this letter holds an amount owing of one thousand, seventy-five coinage, to be paid immediately upon receipt of this notice.

Please provide the anointed (see bearer) with the appropriate amount owing, effective immediately with their departure. Failure to comply may be met with required further penalisation, as outlined in Section 11(13)(b) of the Initial Agreement.

Thank you;

Adjudicator of the Realm,
Darius Magnolia

She gave the individual behind the counter a moment to read the letter before continuing on with her explanation. She kept her eyes on the counter the entire time, and a nervousness came to her as she shuffled on the spot.

I've been...hired to deliver the letter, and collect any amounts owing. The issue I'm having is...well, I don't really know where this Lord Boulton lives, and the directions I was given were...kind of lacking?

She gave a soft sigh-squeak in frustration. The directions she'd been given essentially pointed her towards Finweald, with a back on the back for good luck. Nothing had actually directed her to the house of the named individual, and the few people she'd asked seemed to be lacking the knowledge of who the individual was. This is what I get for assuming they're famous, or well known...

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

"Ah, I see! Let me take a look..." Bluebird reached out to take the offered note with both hands, wings fluttering softly as she skimmed it over.

"Lord Bolton... I cannot say I've heard of such a man, or made any deliveries to or from them. How odd..."

Bluebird frowned, then held the note out to return it. "To be honest... I didn't even know that Finweald had lords! But if so, his estate would likely be in a wealthier neighborhood." She tilted her head, humming softly as she thought. She could feel the frustration thrumming through the woman before her, something that she couldn't easily calm...

"...oh!" Bluebird clapped her hands together with a wide smile. "Just a moment, please!"

She turned, vanishing into the backroom, leaving her customer alone with the sound of shuffling and whistling. A few moments later Bluebird returned, looking a little mussed and carrying a large tome. "Here we are! The postmaster often has to correct or confirm addresses... he may have Lord Bolton's name recorded."

She set the book down on the counter and began to page through, handling the coarse paper with care. "Bolton... Bolton..."

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

She felt a moment of excitement as the attendant disappeared, thinking that perhaps they had remembered the name and individual that Kyra had been looking for, only to watch them return with a tome that put any of Kyra's own books to shame in their size. Her eyes went wide as the attendant pulled open the book, beginning to shuffle through the pages with a determination.

Oh...wow...that's...that's impressive. I mean the collection. The book. There's a lot of names here...

Her head cocked to the side suddenly as she remembered something that the girl had said mere moments before disappearing into the backroom; something that had been curious to Kyra. She decided there was no harm in asking, considering how she was clearly new to the area.

You said there were no lords in Finweald...is there no royalty of any sorts? I've never visited here before, and...well, any advice you could give to a newcomer would be appreciated - it would be horrible if I made an absolute fool of myself in public. Or...well, entertaining, I guess? Maybe not so much for me, but maybe for some others. Still, I'd prefer not to provide an entertaining show for the general public if I can avoid it.

She gave what she hoped was a kind, welcoming smile towards the other, placing her hands in front of her and folding them in what she hoped was an adorable display.

Oh...uhm...and thank you for all the help you're giving me, I truly appreciate it. I'm...not used to people going above and beyond for me, certainly not in some of the other areas I've visited recently. It's nice to...well, it's a nice change, for what it's worth. So thank you, for that.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird paused a moment as she looked through the book. "Well... I suppose there is royalty. But I always thought the lords elsewhere, on their own land." She frowned down at the book, eyes narrowed. "The king himself is a terrible man. He spared a monster, and bought suffering on the people of his kingdom. I imagine many nobles were part of the exodus to safer lands."

She folded her wings against her head as she returned to the book. She ran her finger along the pages, mouthing each name in turn. "Boulton, Boulton... ah, I think I've found it!" Bluebird kept her finger on the name and gestured for her guest to come behind the counter.

Dorus Boulton, it said. An address was handwritten beneath it in neat print. "It does seem to be near the wealthier part of town. It doesn't seem to be far from here."

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra had opened to her mouth at the commentary of the king, before snapping it shut. She'd learnt, in her small time in TerraSphere, that sometimes asking a question immediately wasn't always the best way to handle things. In fact, sometimes not asking the question was the best way to go about it, depending on what it was. Before she'd had any more time than a mere consideration of the topic, the girl behind the counter had found the address itself.

Kyra leaned inwards towards the book, glancing down at it as if to read the address, before realising that it wouldn't help her in any way whatsoever. Calmly and slowly, she pondered the other individual for further guidance, hoping that they'd be able to at least point her in the right direction, for starters.

Ah...not far from here...whereabouts would I head if I was hoping to find the wealthier part of town...?

She placed her hands on the counter in front of her, the left folded overtop of the right, and beamed a smile that she hoped would present her innocence in the request she was making, without actually saying aloud. She wasn't sure if the other could leave the shop unattended, but she also knew that if they were to send her out on a wild chase, Kyra would most likely become lost within moments - a situation she knew from experience, unfortunately.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

"Hm... I don't actually deliver much there myself, but..."

Bluebird knew the look on the other's face all too well - it was one that had graced her own face more than a few times in both worlds. The woman wanted help, and Bluebird certainly could provide it, but she also had the office to man. But it had been a quiet day, and the cutoff for drop-offs was swiftly approaching. Bluebird looked between the book and the woman, and smiled.

"If you're willing to wait a little longer, I could guide you there - it would be easier than marking it on a map, I think." Bluebird took an empty slip of paper from behind the counter and copied the address to it, then closed up the book. "I should become familiar with that part of the city, and it would be rude of me to leave a newcomer to struggle on their own."

Her wings fluttered as she picked up the book. "It wouldn't be any more than an hour to wait - then I can close the office for the day, and we can look for this lord together."

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra's face slipped into an expression of relief as the individual offered to guide her to the home she was looking for, thankful not to have to try and navigate a foreign city that held little in the way of a layout that was obvious to Kyra. She was just preparing to provide her thanks in a verbalistic mannerism, when the small wings fluttered, drawing Kyra's eyes towards them.

Wait...are those actual wings? Are you able to fly? That's amazing. I mean, it's...sorry, I've never seen someone with wings before, but...I shouldn't act surprised, I guess? It's rather rude, my apologies...

Her excitement was culled into embarrassment and clear horror at her own outburst as she back peddled on her questions, remembering that in this world it may be far more common than Kyra was used to in her own. She tried to emphasis, in her mind, how rude it would be to question a person's appearance in the real world, horrified that she had done so here, even if it was a magnitude difference from her normality.

I...thank you for your help. Is there anything I can do to assist while we wait? I would hate to be useless in this exchange...I mean I probably can't help with any of the inner workings of the mailing system, or...well, I mean I could maybe do manual labour, or something more trivial if you require assistance with it?

She tried to shift the topic quickly, hoping to leave behind her blunder even as she looked for a way to repay the kindness of the individual before her. She tilted her head suddenly, trying to remember if she'd introduced herself yet or not.

My name is Kyra, by the way...Kyra Varyth. It's a pleasure to meet you.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

"They are true wings! They are not how I fly, but I do fly!"

Kyra's confusion and awkwardness didn't bother Bluebird. In fact, it was a little nostalgic. "And I do not mind you asking me questions. I, too, was new once. If I hadn't asked questions I would still be quite lost." She smiled, wings still fluttering. "You do not need to feel as if you owe me, but if it would ease your heart to assist me, then perhaps there is something you could do to speed the process."

Bluebird gestured for Kyra to follow her through the door to the backroom, a maze of cramped shelves and half-loaded trollies. Bluebird solemnly replaced the book of addresses back where it belonged, then spun back towards Kyra with her hands clasped behind her back. "The postmaster and I usually work together to sort the mail for tomorrow's deliveries. But I am on my own today and have fallen behind."

She pointed out a few wheeled baskets holding miscellaneous letters, and then a collection of boxes, each labelled with a neighborhood name. "Much of it is complete, but if we work together we could have the rest of the mail filed by tomorrow! All you must do is match the addresses on the letters with the addresses on the boxes."

Bluebird's smile was soft and genuine. In her mind it was a simple task - but even if Kyra struggled, it wasn't a serious one. "And do not worry too much about mistakes - I've already sorted the urgent mail. The rest can afford a delay."

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra followed, almost dutifully, through the door to the backroom as the attendant began explaining about the outstanding work that was required to be completed. Her eyes lingered over the boxes and baskets, deciding that it likely looked more intimidating than it actually was. She gave a curt nod before moving towards one of them, pawing through a few of the letters to get a sense of how they read, before glancing up at the other individual with a small smile.

Well...I can't promise I'll be as quick as you are at it, but I'll see what I can do to help, at least. And I'll try to keep the errors to a minimum. Would hate to cause you more work in the long run.

She turned back to the letters before her, beginning the task with the slow and careful movements of someone who was entirely unfamiliar with the process, but determined to do something right. She eyes ran over letters quickly, memorising the address before glancing over the numerous boxes that signified their final destinations. Moments would pass as she looked around for the right area, finally dropping a letter into a box and returning to the begin the process again.

This is...you do this every day? That's...honestly amazing.

She didn't look up as she spoke, trying to focus on continuing the work alongside starting a bit of conversation. She'd begun to move a bit faster over the last few moments, but she was definitely nowhere near the speed an experienced member would be able to maintain.

Is this what you do in the real world...?

Kyra hadn't received any confirmation the other person was a player - however from the conversation thus far, she had a feeling. She decided broaching the topic naturally would be the best way to bring it up, hoping that her guess was right.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird hummed softly as the two of them went to work, weaving just enough harmonic magic into the melody to make the work easier. She glanced over at Kyra occasionally to nod in approval before going back to her work.

"...oh! You gave me your name, but I did not give you mine. You may call be Bluebird!"

She smiled apologetically, then returned to her work, occasionally flitting to a higher shelf with a whistle. It was a bit of showing off, but after Kyra had asked about her flying, how could she resist?

"I have a different job in the other world," she said, pulling another letter from the swiftly shrinking pile. "And this is not always my job in this world. In truth, I'm an explorer, and spend much of my time in the wilds!"

She briefly reached around her neck to tug at a red whistle, then smiled. "But when I return here to check in, I always spend some time to aid the Landers that remain. Things have been difficult for them." There was a moment of darkness behind her eyes, but she blinked it away. Another package went into its proper place, and she glanced back at what remained.

"You are a swift learner! I'm sure we'll have this done shortly."

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra glanced over as the girl - Bluebird, she'd named herself - explained her normal activities in this world. She stopped as the other mentioned being an explorer, pulling out a whistle of similar shape, although different colouring, than one she'd seen before. She gave a gasp of excitement at the sight of it, her task forgotten for the moment.

Oh! I've seen one of those whistles before! On a...I guess you could call them a friend! They helped me locate a temple once, quite the adventure, actually...so, it's a sign of some sort of adventuring group? Like a guild? I had assumed that it was just...something they carried for safety, or appearance...I hadn't realised there's more of them. Does it serve any actual purpose?

The questions had rattled off almost immediately, Kyra's excitement taking hold as she turned away from the mail sorting in order to sate her curiosity. She paused only when Bluebird mentioned how well things were going, and that they would likely be done shortly.

Oh...thank you!

She was a bit sheepish in her reply, turning back to the mail and beginning to sort it again, but continuing her conversation with only a small amount of pause and interruption. Her ears continued to twitch in embarrassment as she tried to focus on both the sorting, and the conversation - a task she normally had no issue with in the real world, but one she found immensely harder considering she'd never done the work before.

So...do you...get out exploring a lot? This world seems...to have a great number of places to explore. At least, I've found a number of...interesting? I guess you could say interesting...spots. Some of them definitely safer than others, but all of them...interesting. In some way or another!

She thought over the various areas she'd found already; the dangers that some had presented, the fear she'd felt, as well as the more pleasant areas that had brought about feelings of joy and excitement. She couldn't help but smile at the experiences, realising how lucky she'd been to experience them.

It's a wonderful world...isn't it?

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird nodded eagerly. "They are the mark of the Explorers League! The color and material are a sign of your accomplishments within it. I acquired the stone used to make this myself - it is roughly crafted, but it is unique to me." Her wings fluttered with her excitement as she explained.

"I earned the right to make the red whistle after an expedition to the north - there is a great jungle known as the Tangleweaves, which was infested with ferocious insects." Her tone shifted to something more serious as she brought up the tale. Many had suffered and died, then, when she was still new to this world. "It was a difficult expedition. But we learned much from it."

She slotted one last letter away, and looked into the empty container. "Ah, it looks like we're done!" She stepped back with a smile, then tilted her head.

"I explore when I can - it is the mandate of the Explorers to explore the furthest reaches of this world and to see what no other has seen. It is dangerous work, but the things you see are truly worth it."

Her smile was bright and genuine. "This is indeed a wonderful world. I'm glad you see that, too."

And then she turned towards the door, beckoning Kyra. "I'm going to finish closing up the shop, and then I can help you find what you're looking for!"

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra glanced at the whistle around Bluebird's neck in surprise upon hearing that the player had made the whistle; an endeavour that would seem ordinary in any other game. Kyra had learnt, however, that normal game endeavours were not usually the case within TerraSphere.

You did such a good job on it...and it's truly wonderful that you've put so much effort into exploring. I'm...only just getting started myself.

She cocked her head as the other continued explaining their mandates and effort placed into exploring the world, a sudden thought coming to Kyra as she listened.

So...can anyone become an explorer? Or do you have to meet certain qualifications? Do you need a specialised set of skills...? Or a...err...portfolio, or something? To show that you're capable as an explorer, that is. Or is it simply like a guild where anyone can join, and you just have to prove your achievements?

She followed the other as the final letters were sorted and the declaration was made that they were almost finished for the day, waiting patiently as Bluebird went about completing the closing process that was clearly well engrained in them. It only made Kyra more impressed with how well the player handled this world, and made her wonder if she'd one day be similar - capable, efficient, and clearly well-versed in this world's behaviours and actions.

I'm ready whenever you are...

She stood off towards the front of the shop, waiting by the entryway, determined to stay out of the way while the other went about their duties. She'd managed to help in the sorting room, but Kyra had no doubts that it would be faster, and more appropriate, for Bluebird to handle whatever final processes were required to close the shop - a process that they were clearly comfortable doing without any help, or hindrances.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

"We all start somewhere! I'm sure you'll learn in time. Bluebird smiled, looking for the logbook. "You've already begun to provide aid to the Landers. That alone shows your willingness to learn this world's ways."

The process of closing up was much quicker than sorting, fortunately. All it took was her name and a short summary of her day, followed by a gentle blow on the page to make sure the ink was dry. "After Vintergard, things have been... confusing. But I'm sure the League is still welcoming new souls. Perhaps, when you're done, I can take you to the Embertorch and you can ask them?

Bluebird closed the log book, then flitted over to the door to flip the little sign from "open" to "closed" before opening it. "Everything here is done! Shall we be off then?" She couldn't hide her excitement - after been pent up inside all day she was eager for a chance to stretch her legs.

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra's head tilted at the mention of something called the Embertorch, but she let Bluebird finish closing the shop before deciding to voice her question. She nodded as the other guided them out onto the street, waiting for the door to be closed and everything settled before speaking up.

What's...the Embertorch? Is that some sort of ceremony, or a guild? Or like a special council?

Bluebird had also mentioned the League, and something about the effect that Vintergard had on the actions of the groups mentioned. Kyra found herself only having more and more questions the more she pondered on the commentary from her new-found guide, realising slowly that she would only get answers by asking, and waiting for any sort of clarification given. At least she seems patient with me, that's always a good start...

And...well, I guess I should also ask who the League are, and what happened in Vintergard? It seems like there's a lot that I don't know about this world still. Although, I guess that shouldn't be a huge surprise...but it seems like a lot has happened. Is this...related to the mecha invasion that occurred?

She suddenly remember the first time she'd arrived in TerraSphere, and when another had given her a synopsis of the Important Things She Should Know, which included a brief description of the events leading up to the on-coming mecha-war that had scarred the world. Kyra realised that she should've pressed for more details at the time, but she'd been so overwhelmed that the thought had been lost to her. Determined not to miss out this time, she focused her attention on Bluebird, hoping to get the important answers she needed.

Is Vintergard where...the mother ship landed?

She held a serious look on her face as she asked her question, not thinking about how odd it sounded out of context.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

"My apologies, I must be confusing you so much!"

Bluebird remembered the address of the man they were looking for, but she knew it'd be longer to find it than usual. She was used to a bird's-eye view of the city, but Kyra couldn't fly, and Bluebird couldn't carry her. But it did give her time to consider the proper way to answer the woman's many questions. The right story, to make the truth clear...

"You're correct. Vintergard is the great ruin to the west, where the Dragonship looms... and the origin of the cursed machines that terrorized this place."

She had been there only a moment. When the others had marched in, she stayed behind to protect the city and its people.

"It was ruled by the mother of those machines, and when She called, they answered - and Finweald burned by their hand. The Embertorch - the headquarters of the Explorers' League - was one of their targets, and was left in ruins. It has been rebuilt, but many do not wish to return to this place, not after the kingdom's betrayal."

Bluebird kept her voice low. Many had left the city, but some still remained. They were the ones who walked with their heads high, drunk on the belief they had made the right choice.

"...for at the final moment, the king and his army chose not to slay the Mother of Machines, but instead put Her into a deep slumber. And none can know for sure how long she will sleep."

Her voice carried an undertone of angerbetrayalfear, the emotion she had felt echoed by so many fleeing Landers, now weaving through her story with the aid of magic. It was not true manipulation, not as far as she was concerned - it was simply a way to add strength to her words.

"It is a difficult time to be Starcalled in this world, now. But many of us did not agree, and work even now to heal the wounds Astorea left in this land."

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra followed along in silence, listening to her guide explain the histories of events, and making mental notes. She'd heard, from some others and through her own encounters, that there had been some dividing factor which had left players - Starcalled - less than welcome in some areas of the world. Enough so that there were tensions high enough to lead to violence in some cases, although it was far from a common occurrence - or at least not common enough for Kyra to have come across any of those situations.

Even after the other had completed their story, some of which had made sense to Kyra, but other parts of which had gone well over her head, she found herself mulling it over in silence. Considering the entire situation. Division...between Starcalled and Lander. Between Starcalled and Starcalled...

I'm assuming you're one of the ones who disagrees with...the path that the king? There's a king...? The king took in leaving the...Mother of Machines...alive?

There was no judgement in her voice, in fact she held no judgement one way or the other. Her question, although possibly hostile in appearance, was simply a manner of stating something aloud while she continued to piece everything together, to attempt to understand the sort of world she had recently dropped into; blind and without guidance on what was happening and where her place in it all was.

Does...do the Landers know that not all Starcalled were involved in the...events? Is there any way of them knowing, or is it simply a...a grouping, a discrimination against all?

The world seemed young to Kyra, as she considered it all. While the real world was no different - discrimination and segregation were still a thing, even if it had gotten better than some historical areas - somehow the world of TerraSphere seemed almost infantile in their actions; as if a blanket statement made them lesser. Oh, kettle, meet pot.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird nodded. "I was not there for the final battle - there were too many here in Finweald who needed aid." A melancholy look crossed her face. If she had gone... could she have changed things? Spread the word against such a cursed plan?

She didn't know. She might never know.

"The people of this world... even if they understood, it would not matter. Astorea claims itself the 'nation of the Starcalled', and thus we are all tained by its actions."

There was a soft melody behind her words - not for Siondhe, but for the people they passed. Ignore our words, it sang, a spell to make the attention of the crowd slide off them. After all, expressing such inflammatory opinions was dangerous for the both of them.

"The nation of Falderen has declared itself a haven for the people of this world in return. Many have already left to shelter within their borders. If we cannot find your target, then it is likely he joined that exodus."

Was this the right way? As caught up in the conversation as she was, she'd let instinct guide her footsteps. Certainly they seemed to be in a finer neighborhood now. It was cleaner, and the guards wore finer garb. "What was their name again? Perhaps one of the guards can help us find his estate."

@Siondhe​