[IC] 🦄 The Paradoxical Emendation - Merged With T.S.

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 31st, 1943 - Say What?

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As Libby walked pass the old oak tree things were getting interesting back over where the carnivale was set up. Siduri nodded slightly towards Gilbert, her chin lowering and raising just a hair. There seemed to be a bit of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. It was rather reminiscent of the way that Evelina would smile from time to time when one of the Paradoxes had learned something. "Age gets to us all eventually," she said as she kept the umbrella over her head and protected her features from the last lights of the setting sun. "What do I wish? Perhaps the more interesting question is what do you need for what I wished to do seems to have been cut short due to the apparent absence of more than one, and in one in particular." Her pink eyes fluttered left and right rapidly, a common trait among albino's.

Turning her head slightly, she took several steps towards James and she gave him a bit of a once over. "Are not all things that come to family as such? Especially when brothers must turn on brothers to protect the greater good. Young arrows and bats cannot protect one the ache of a heart brought about by those that should have never been present. Sometimes an axe can solve a problem but it opens others. Worry not, your ivory brother is safe for now by the waters and in the sand." That was a rather cryptic message to any that didn't know of James past life but to him it should have been rather obvious. If it wasn't, then perhaps he was more animalistic than she had anticipated.

Looking towards Sophia she sighed a bit. "Ah, that is the question is it not? What is exactly going on. I do have much to explain, perhaps something I should have a millennium ago but you do know how parents are. We do wish to allow our children to remain as such for far longer. Retain some form of innocence but alas such things are beyond even my control at this point. I do suspect that beyond even me, there are questions that need to be answered. Such as where is Elissa? Now, that is a question I hope to have answered." Elissa, a name not commonly used in these parts in this day and age for the woman had not gone by such a nomenclature in what felt like an eon but the Emendators would know it as the original name by which Evelina had gone by at the beginning of her consciousness.

The smile had left her features but only to return when Andromeda had spoke, a bit broader then. "Ha, yes. Right you are young one. Anything of a power beyond what humans can understand or comprehend tends to take on this title of god. Even you now in certain circles would be looked at as a goddess. People would worship you in certain eras, give you tribute, and pray for your holy intervention. As far as the Devil is concerned though, I am afraid we were woven from the same strands, even if we were created to be of different.. fabrics? Forgive me, even after so many years English is still a bit of a challenge to find the right phrasing and wording. The back alleyway mugging of other languages only to riffle through their pockets to find loose grammar. It is a bit of a, how do you put it Jonesy?"

"Clusterfuck ma'am," Jonesy pipped in.

"Yes, clusterfuck." There was a slight shrug as Ben came back to the group carrying an old folding chair. He had walked off for a moment to one of the tents to retrieve it. Setting it down, the woman thanked him before having a seat. Her eyes went to Gio and she tilted her head to the side a bit. "I supposed I should start at the beginning. I am part of an ancient line, that started with the one known as the Alpha. You, well you two and those missing, are my.. oh what word to use here? I suspect there is no better one to use than children. Your particular set of abnormalities come from me. Tis why you have a conscious beginning and knowledge far before that." It was obvious she was speaking to Gio and Gil right then and referring to them and the other absent Emendators.

Ben took a pull from his cigarette and plopped down on the ground beside Siduri, crossing his knees slightly and draping his forearms over his knees. Blowing the smoke from between his lips he listened to her and took in what she was saying. It wasn't apparent if he had heard this tale before. Jonesy and Samson tipped their hats and started to walk off towards the tent where the rest of the carnivale was gathered. Seemed this no longer had to do with them so they were off to other things, even if that was only to relax for a bit.

[Natsu]

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Bartholomew Rosecliff

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Location: Near Water
Skills:N/A

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Bart's lips pursed for a moment, disappointed to see that he might be wrong. She did, however, mention that she didn't know why they had come here. Given that, he still had faith that his might be correct, but tucked that suspicion away until he could gather more information. He followed after Libby, and cringed a bit at her story. He'd heard of tar and feathering before, but he'd never though he'd meet somebody that had actually gone through it. He supposed nobody should ever be surprised by the depths of human depravity. As he walked he nodded along quietly, his face a bit paler than it was before.

"He sure sounds it." He agreed with Lib. These people weren't malicious, he was sure of that now. He didn't know if their goals were at all aligned, but he was sure that, whatever they were trying to do, it wasn't out of any malice. "Well, while we're walking," He said, and looked at the sun down, "Is that normal around you guys? I'll admit, it's a bit disconcerting." He asked, gesturing to the sky. He had come to understand that time was firmly in control of Giosue, so if not, he would assume that he was back, and had somehow done this. If it was, that meant that they must have some serious firepower on their side, which would be good to know.

[FantasyChic]

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Faith Masters

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Location: Near Oak Tree (En Route to Carnival)
Skills: N/A

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Faith listened to Libby talk about Ben and share her story. She remembered from history class about tar and feathering. At the time, she was barely concerned, but it was horrible to think that was what people did to each other. And if one looked, history was filled with that. Nazis, the KKK, the Witch Trials. People only needed a small reason to attack and hurt one another. Her time was no different.

She did, however, get the information she needed. Ben was definitely a figure she wanted to know more about. He seemed too good and too good things were usually that. With the sun coming down at an alarming rate, she turned to walk back towards the carnival. "I appreciate you talking to us Libby. You have been a great help. If you need anything from us, just ask." She would let Bart get his last question out, but she wanted to make it to the setup to talk to Ben or Management before tonight's events.

[Sigil]

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Gilbert Summers

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Location: Ville au Camp (Carnival)
Skills: N/A

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Speaking in riddles. Figures. If this was indeed that same woman who had been pushing or pulling him in some direction or another, off and on, since before he knew what he was, then she probably already has the answers to the questions that she asked. It was meetings like this that built and fed into the ancient story concept of the young hero, questing for immortality, the Grail, the Philosopher's Stone, whatever spiritual ideal or mythical artifact lay within human imagination - and the unknown guide baiting the path or testing their resolve. It might have even started with Gilbert himself, all those thousands of years ago. Or even earlier, for all he knew. Gilbert had considered himself a product of the civilization of humanity as much as anything else. Who knew what lay in the broad expanse of time before concepts of community and trade were established? When wars were small affairs over resources for survival and not structured belief? Before written language, agriculture, or mathematics beyond finger-counting?

Still, it was a momentous event that Siduri would be there. The times that her voice issued through the visages of many a young lady throughout the millennia, it signified change. Or direction. For a moment, Gilbert wondered if some version of Siduri was laying in a pond somewhere in what would become England, distributing swords as a basis of government. It seemed like something that she might do, what with her highly cryptic and indirectly meddlesome nature, not unlike what the Emendators had been training the Paradoxes under their care to accomplish. It would stand to reason that she would appear here, rare as it was, with the absence of the other Emendators.

But speaking of the other Emendators, did she appear to the others in her own way over the span of their lifetimes? Or was it just him, as he might have been the only one who undertook what would become archetyped as a "Hero's Quest"? Ignoring, of course, that he was probably the guy the archetype was based upon, and the fact that as a "hero", he engaged in the slaughter of men by the thousands upon thousands got pushed to the wayside by the colorful retelling of history.

The explanation that she was actually the origin of he and those like him should have struck Gilbert with greater impact than it did. A holdover of doubt, perhaps? It was hard to say. Maybe it was that Gil had made peace with who or whatever he was a long time ago, and the telling of his true origins made little difference to him. Gilbert was who he was. His identity was linked to his thoughts, his feelings, and his actions. Should he give respect to his originator? With certainty. Should he take a knee and worship at her feet? Call her Mother? Gilbert would no sooner have others do that before him as he would prostrate himself before someone else in that manner. Maybe he was prideful. Or he was shamed by his actions of his original lifetime, where he was considered something like a god.

Gilbert waited until she had made her rounds with those who had made comment, and voiced his own observations. "Two of our number are lost to us, as well you know. One is fallen. The other, Elissa - she has asked that we do not try to follow. I do not know that this is a wise course of action. Why I am what I am... my curiosity is secondary. I wish to know more, truly. I wish my brothers and sisters to be whole again moreso." Speaking metaphorically, of course. He stopped to smile, a expression disarmingly at odds with his words just previous, "Although I must admit, that is perhaps the most accurate and colorful description for the formation of the English language to which I have been exposed. Bravo."

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James Grady

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Location: Ville au Camp (Carnival)
Skills: N/A

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Okay, so maybe making a smartassed comment with a mouthful of sandwich in front of the beings of immense power wasn't the smartest thing that James had ever done. Not by a long shot. But hey, it was his first time meeting a deity, he could use a little slack cut his way. Except that it really wasn't the first time he met a deity. Technically, a couple of the Emendators were already worshiped, or at least they were, once upon a time. It wasn't everyday that you woke up and had a light snack with a god. Okay, unless you were him. Depending upon the needs of the day, he could very well have crumpets & tea with Gilgamesh and Loki. Pondering it objectively, that would make for one hell of a soap opera.

The choice of words used to address James was highly unusual. That much was obvious by anyone listening. It even too him a second or two to understand what she was trying to say. He was mostly a straight shooter so far as discussion went, preferring that others likewise shoot straight with him. However, he supposed that just a hint of speaking in code might be necessary considering that it referenced some very personal stuff, including him, well, murdering a guy. The "ivory brother" by water and sand also struck a chord with him, and brought a smile to his face. "O Cap'n, my Cap'n? That's some goodness to hear. Thank you." Remembering something similar in intent to manners but not quite execution, James unapologetically pulled his secondary spare ham and cheese sandwich out of the front pocket of his overalls and offered it to Siduri with a naively hopeful expression. "You want you a sammich, Miss Lady?" he inquired, nodding all the while.

[Nallore]

Sophia Harris

Location: Ville au Camp, Carnival Setup.
Skills: N/A

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Sophia looked at Siduri as she started to address some of the others, starting with James as she looked over towards him for a few seconds, she wasn't sure what happened in his past whether it was before or after she had died. Then Siduri addressed her directly turning her full attention to the very pale woman standing before her, she of course was really curious and wanted to get some answers. But she also knew that they would also have to maybe look for answers on their own. And maybe the Emendators before her wouldn't know the answers either as well.

Then Siduri said next was surprising to her she always thought that the Emendators were the oldest ones here but the pale woman in front seemed to be way older and wondered if she had all of the Emendator's abilities as well. "We aren't really sure where to start looking for her even if she said we shouldn't look for her." Sophia said, as she watched as Ben went over and grabbed a chair for Siduri and watched Samson and Jonesy both walking off. She looked over towards James when he offered Siduri a sandwich as well, she wasn't sure if Siduri would accept it or not either.

[Dragoknighte]

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Giosue Zino

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Location: Carnival Set Up
Skills: N/A

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Gio wasn't entirely sure how to feel about all this. Although he didn't have too many reasons (well he could invent them if he'd set his mind to it, but that would be bad faith) to doubt the veracity of her claims, he didn't believe her either. It wasn't so much the incredulity elicited by wild assertions, they were standing in the middle of a time loop at that very moment; in a scant few decades there would be people on the moon; a lot of things seem crazy until they actually happen. But her slipperiness definitely had her as the type that you can't trust what they say at face value. "Oh, here I am to give you all the answers you seek"? It screamed of hidden agendas to him.

Still, Gilbert seemed to trust her, and that certainly counted for something. A thought passed through his subconscious. Perhaps I should have indulged in some of that whiskey. It certainly would have made this much less of a headache.

"As well, would there happen to be any more of us wandering around that we should know of?" Immediately after asking the question he realized he had yet to introduce himself. "Ah, my apologies. I go by Giosue these days, although I have a feeling you already know me by some other moniker." The answer to his question he had a feeling would be pertinent to the actions they would need to take in the near future. Part of him was betting that the five (six? if Ben counted) of them were the totality of the Emendators, considering she had expected Drem and Evelina to be present, but who knew really? Even the confirmed possibility of there being more of them around would be a great relief, hurting as they were with their numbers nearly halved.

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 31st, 1943 - A Lesson In Family History

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Libby looked up towards the sky and shook her head. "Naw, ain't seen that one b'fore but somethang I learned over the years, ain't nothing ever normal so even the abnormal ain't nutin' to be surprised by," she said as she continued to look at the sky now that it had gotten darker. "Didn't know she could do that but shit, doubt I'll ever know what all Management can do." Shrugging a bit to herself she looked over towards Faith and smile a bit. "Hell sure thang girl, happy too, nice to talk to someone other than Carnie folk, we all got the same stories these days, gets real boring if you know what I'm talking about." Hitting the grounds she spotted the main group but stopped and looked back to Bart and Faith. "I'm gonna head to the tent to get my drink and dance on, feel free to come join us later if ya want," she said as she spun around and started to head towards the main tent where the Carnie folk were with a bit of a wave back to them as she went.

Siduri cast a glance towards Libby as she walked towards the main tent before turning her attention back to Gilbert. "Oh my dear, not fallen... Resheph is anything but fallen. He is merely... human now," she said and shrugged a bit as she picked a bit of lint from her dress and let it fall like snow from her fingers to the ground. Then a look of understanding came to her features. "Oh my, you don't know do you? How silly of me. Emendators do not die out right, you are simply given a mortal life, one of which you loved most during your eon of existence. He will live and then yes die eventually but for now he is anything but fallen young one. He is simply on the seas where he wanted to be most," she explained a bit but it probably was not enough detail for those that were there but hopefully it was enough for now.

While James seemed happy to hear the news, Siduri looked at him oddly as manifested a sandwich and offered it too her. There was a tug at the corner of her lips as she reached out and took it. "Oh, well thank you. Few things are more classic than a ham and cheese, the invention of the sandwich was probably one of man's greater contributions to this world though I will admit I am more partial to peanut butter and strawberry jelly," she said before taking a bite of the sandwich and chewing gently.

Glancing over towards Sophia, she lowered the sandwich and sighed. "At this point, she is no where," Siduri said rather vaguely before scrunching up her lips. "Do forgive me, it is rather hard to keep straight what I do and do not need to explain."

"She means that your woman is in limbo right now deciding which way to go," Ben piped in before taking a long drag from his cigarette.

"Yes, Limbo, or as some refer to it as purgatory. I am still trying to figure out just how she was able to breach the barrier but I do suspect it has to do with her ability to create them," she said motioning towards the Paradoxes. "I worry about which path she will take for as we know there are things out there that even our are afraid of, understandably. One never likes seeing the black sheep of a family."

Ben looked over towards Gio and then back towards Siduri. "You people never speak straight do you?"

"When one has spent centuries not even hearing their own voice in their head because of being alone we sometimes forget how to," she said before turning her attention to Gio. "Yes, and no... Oh where to start. You five were created from my consciousness. Each of you taking on certain traits and abilities. Not related persay as your bloodlines come from humans but everything else about you comes from the Alpha through me. There were others though as well before you. Four from me and 2 from another. Those four were birthed, not brought into consciousness, with certain abilities, but nothing as strong as yours and they were well cursed or blessed, depending on how you look at it, with more mortal lives but with the abilities to reproduce. Out of each generation one was given the powers of the Avatari, while the others were not. They had their own ways but were a tad... insane. Ben here is the last Creature of Light. The Prince to line of the Alpha, my creator. The Creatures of Dark are also around but I believe you call them Destruere."

Ben shook her his slightly. "Basically, her mother created her and another. Each could give birth for a time and created the lines of light and dark. We ain't totally powerful like you folk and we can die normally but we can have kids. Then she found a way to pass on more of her through consciousness and chose you five. Like adopted kids given a hell of an inheritance. Each generation of my line had kids. Passing down some powers to the next generation to 1 in that generation. I'm just the latest and the last apparently, that is unless I get some girl knocked up," Ben said rather frankly as he picked at the nail bedding of his thumb.

[Morose]

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Andromeda Aldrich

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Location: Ville au Camp - Carnivale Set Up
Skills: N/A

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Hearing that she had been there for a purpose - something that was being put on hold - made Andromeda more and more curious. Yes, the answers she could provide to their current situation were enticing - but knowing that something else had brought this deity here... It made Andromeda's brain buzz with the possibilities. Her mind had a bit of a flair for the dramatic at times, conjuring up this image of them joining forces with the carnival in order to fight demonic entities such as the Destruere. The veiled message was sufficiently veiled for Andromeda, keeping her from understanding it. If anything, arrows and bats made her think of DC comics characters - Green Arrow and Batman.

She really doubted that the deity was here to tell them about the welfare of DC shows and movies.

Then there was the mention of Elissa - Andromeda had a feeling that she had to be someone this deity would expect to be here. Either an Elder Paradox or an Emendator, then. Or maybe it was a mispronunciation of Alicia? At any rate, it made her mind race once more, trying to recall any and all aliases mentioned in Ville au Camp - or that name specifically - but it didn't come to mind. She was clueless and craving more answers still.

As Siduri called her out specifically, Andromeda snapped to attention with razor focus. She couldn't help but blush slightly as Siduri mentioned that some cultures would worship her as a goddess. Yes, Andromeda was prideful but she had pride where it was warranted. To have spent a lifetime looking for the strange and unusual, only to become it, and to have that pointed out to her... Blushing was about the only physical response her body was able to decide on.

Gilbert then revealed that Elissa had to be Eve - Nancy hadn't made any sort of comment like that as far as she was aware and she doubted that Nancy would have phrased it so eloquently. The Emendator struck her more as the type to say Up Yours! as she exited. She continued to listen carefully to Siduri's question, before she had a burning question.

"...You said that Eve can choose a path... Is one of those path becoming the Destruere? Becoming a Creature of Dark?" Andromeda asked simply.

[Sigil]

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Gilbert Summers

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Location: Ville au Camp (Carnival)
Skills: N/A

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Oh, that was just intriguing as all hell. If this woman, Siduri, was both honest and correct about the fate of The Glasses, then it was a touch settling. Also a little disturbing in its own way. The remainder of the explanation meant that the ma was truly lost to them. Not that it was a horrible way to end an existence, even one as ancient and knowledge-wealthy as that of an Emendator. It would be doubly merciful if they were allowed to forget everything which came before it. Gilbert had always had difficulty actually connecting with individuals who weren't as immortal (for lack of a better term) as himself beyond the superficial. It came with having awareness that spanned may times longer than empires had flourished. What might that be like? To live, to age, to die - to see what comes after, if anything at all. It sounded so normal.

Then again, what of his fellows? The other Emendators and Paradoxes? Without Drem, they could not see the danger that threatened them all. No Dice meant no new Paradoxes, thusly making it impossible to restore their numbers. What would they do without another part of the team? Without the Watch to maintain the Loop or allow for their movement? Without him to guide, strategize, and equip? Without Nancy to map the probabilities and... and... and mess with people's heads in new and gruesome ways? They had a purpose together, as well as a common enemy. They were the line between the Destruere and humanity, such as they could help.

Gilbert felt alone with his thoughts, regardless of the number of people around him. It wasn't until a horrifying but oddly believable concept was brought up by Andromeda that he drifted back to the here and now. "If that is correct, then that means we all have the potential to turn. I find that disturbing." It was a measured response, diplomatic in execution and thoughtful in speech. Turning to the lady of the hour (who was holding one of James's sandwiches for some reason, a question for later), he queried, "So where do you advise we go from here?"

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James Grady

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Location: Ville au Camp (Carnival)
Skills: N/A

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James was highly surprised that the extremely Caucasian lady actually took him up on the offer for a sandwich. It wasn't that far of a stretch for him as he was actually carrying three a that time; the half eaten one, his "backup sandwich" in case the first one didn't do it for him, and of course the "auxiliary backup sandwich" that he had stuffed into his overalls. The down to earth nature of her response, even as she was very, very cryptic to everyone else put him at ease. He too was a fan of the PB&J, and strawberry was a damned good choice out of the basic flavors of jelly and/or jam that were readily available for someone of his economic standing from his childhood. He merely nodded an affirmation to the woman. There was more to say on the matter, or at least he had more he wanted to say, but the conversation was already moving away from sandwich talk and into things that seemed to be more important.

As questions and observations were raised from other Paradoxes and the Emendators present, he turned to Sophia and whispered to her, "That coded message? Ash an' 'em got where they needed to go, I think. There's a lot more, but I ain't thinkin' that I'm supposed to know all the details. Life what we left behind, an' stuff. Don't know if it's allowed." Not that he didn't actually want to know more. The news also had a lot to do with the nature of his death; what happened just before, and the reason he was outside of Newnan's walls. He still hadn't divulged the nature of his passing like he had indicated he would earlier. Something just always seemed to come up the second that James was ready to talk. In the grand scheme of things, fate conspired to prevent his tale from being told, if only for right then.

Then James heard the word "Destruere" from both Siduri and Andromeda, and found within himself massive, inner reserves of Shutting The Hell Up that he knew he could harness, if only he had proper motivation to do so.

[FantasyChic]

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Faith Masters

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Location: Near Oak Tree (En Route to Carnival) -> Carnival Grounds
Skills: N/A

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Faith kept up with Libby as Bart lagged a bit behind. She assumed he was probably deep in thought as she had her own too. She waved Libby off as she went to go do her thing and she was just in time to find the others nearby. She had missed a chunk of the conversation, but Ben was there and he was who she wanted to speak to. As she walked over to them, she caught his message about...whatever it was. Andromeda picked up the slack though and she knew they were talking about Eve. And Eve becoming a Destruere? No that was not likely.

But even Gil looks to be thinking things over. She made her way over as the others finished. "As I just had a nice walk to clear my head and am much calmer now, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation. Or rather, the last bit of it. Is it possible to be brought up to speed since I am getting a bit irked to be running around without a clue as to what's going on?" She eyed Gil mainly, but she would allow the circus folk to speak if they wished. She didn't much care if they had to repeat, she had not gained any insight into this mess and it seems the others did. She was miffed.

[Natsu]

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Bartholomew Rosecliff

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Location: Near Water -> -> Carnival Grounds
Skills:N/A

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As they rounded off their conversation, Bart just smiled pleasantly at Lib, and said, "Yeah, Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions." It was disconcerting that the setting of the sun in this manor was unheard of, but that fact that Lib seemed to not think it out of the question that Management could of done this informed him of the power that these people held. Whatever they were, they were strong, perhaps even stronger than the Emendators. He didn't like the possibilities that fact enumerated, or the position it put all of them in. At least, he felt, he'd have useful things to report back to The Hat; he'd probably want to hear all of this. That, was, at least, what Bart believed.

As they neared the group, with who he assumed to be Management out in the open, he caught the tail end of their conversation, and didn't like one bit of what he was hearing. It sounded like shit was getting real, and the things that were being said weren't good for them at all. He thought of speaking and getting clarification, but it seemed Faith had taken the opportunity to do that already. He simply nodded, hoping that there was some component they were missing that made what they were saying sound worse than it actually was. He placed himself next to Faith, knowing that, whatever was happening, barraging the group with questions would do the exact opposite of help. He did take a moment to look at Gio though, curious how he'd react to the presence of Faith and himself, after his visit to Golgotha.

[Nallore]

Sophia Harris

Location: Ville au Camp, Carnival Setup.
Skills: N/A

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Sophia turned to look back at Siduri when she addressed her again, mentioning Eve being in limbo, or purgatory whatever you would prefer to actually call it. She looked towards Gio for a moment, wondering if he could get there opening time portals and to various places within the timeline and what not. But Sophia wasn't to sure what his limits were when it came to his power, or the other Emendators either, as she rubbed her arm a little bit. Then she brought up Drem as well, he wasn't dead which was pretty surprising, and simply just living a normal life like they did before they all died. "So, theoretically we could try and get him back if we find him in the timeline he chose?"

And Andromeda mentioning Eve maybe making a choice to maybe go Destruere which sounded pretty disturbing to her but she didn't think Eve would actually be able to do that. But then again anyone was capable of making their own choices, to be good or evil, she decided to not think to much on it right now. There was a lot of information going on in her head right now, which was all a little bit to confusing to her as well. She turned her attention towards James as he came up and whispered to her, mentioning their home before they both died, though she was the one to die before James did. "Maybe? I don't know, and we cant really go back one of the rules." Sophia said, shrugging a little bit.

Sophia watched as Libby came in through the little camp, along with Bart and Faith as well giving the two of them a friendly smile, she wondered where the two of them had ran off to. "Welcome back, you two." Sophia said, she could tell that Faith was annoyed as well and rubbed the back of her neck slightly. "Eve is in Purgatory, or limbo whichever you want to call it. And I guess Drem, is a live and well somewhere to living a mortal life." Sophia said, looking towards Siduri for a moment as well.

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 31st, 1943 - Continuing

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There were a lot of questioning coming towards Management right then but it wasn't anything that Siduri wasn't expecting. Not that she knew what they were going to ask but she was dropping a lot of information on the group, especially the Emendators, right then. Perhaps it was something she should have done centuries ago but she hadn't. She had her own reasons to why she hadn't and there was nothing really to do to change it now. She listened, letting the questions come but not answering as of yet. So many were talking she was ensuring that her speaking would not cut another off. And then two more joined the so called family reunion. She started with the woman who had just come over. "If someone else wishes to later then so be it but I will not repeat myself," she said as she sat there. It was far too much to over and it seemed that she was not sympathetic to someone who just came over being irked. If she worried about such things then she would be worried constantly.

Turning her attention to Andromeda, who had been the first to raise a question over all the information she had given Siduri perked a brow. "You have a knack about you do you not? Yes, she could. Though most are birthed, the Creatures of Dark can evolve from light if a situation presents itself. Her ability over death I fear may have contributed to it. You see, for each one of you she creates, she looses a small part of herself. Perhaps there is little left, or even none at this point." That was a bit of a bomb to drop on the group.

Understanding Gilberts want to know what to do next she looked over to him. "Well when one does not know which direction to do, there is only one thing to do. Start back at the beginning." That was a bit vague. Did she mean start back when Evelina started to be more testy and become more moody? When she left? When she came into consciousness? Or something else. "Sometimes a beginning is merely an end to something else. Think, where do you believe would be prudent to start? Ben just sat there, smoking his cigarette as he sat on the ground, flicking the ashes away ever so often.

There was a bit of a nod towards James as he spoke. She wouldn't give him more and it was good that he didn't ask of it. He seemed, in his own way to understand more than he let onto. It seemed that Sophia had some questions of her own and was willing to give a brief catch up. Siduri waited and then looked to the girl. "No child, that is not something I would recommend. That is something he chose, that other Emendators will chose come their own time. A chance to live a normal life. One they wished for during their consciousness. He would not know this family if you were to attempt it. He would not be able to understand. Do let him be, he has found a peace we should not darken."

[Dragoknighte]

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Giosue Zino

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Location: Carnival Set Up
Skills: N/A

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It was difficult for Gio to connect to the feelings of those who surrounded him. Of course there was the obvious differences in physiology that created the vast differences in worldview, but it was more than simple immortality that created the divide. He was just simply bad at reading people, empathizing with them and so forth. He wasn't some unfeeling machine or psychopath, but he was far from the compassionate, motherly figure those like Evelina or Alicia could be (at times). This facet of his personality only amplified further the alienation a perspective thousands of years old would carry with it.

But right here, right now, he had something of an epiphany. Gio felt like he might know what it was like to be a new Paradox. He might not have died, but perhaps dying would have lessened the shock of this all. It could potentially create some line of demarcation from the time when you believed you knew how the world work and to the uncertain present of being an unknown quantity. Still, it was a lot to take in, and he was certain that most of it wouldn't end up truly sinking in until he'd had some time to stew over it.

What gave him grounding in the conversation now was back to the beginning. The reference to time and its regularity created backing to his thoughts, in the way the instrumentals of a song gave the vocalist a canvas upon which to sing. There was no way that the beginning for anyone of her antiquity would be so recent as a few months ago. She likely saw the threads of fate in action well before any of them would have noticed. Perhaps the beginning of the Emendators teaming up to take down the Destruere.

"Or perhaps if I may hazard a guess," Giosue spoke, continuing his train of thought suddenly into speech. "We need to return to the beginning of the problem. Of when the Destruere first began to appear and wreak havoc." Normally, Gio liked to think through his ideas much further than he had here, but he was off his game as it was, and getting some more ideas out in the works where it could be built upon was more important than attempting to refine out the best possible solution when they weren't entirely certain was the problem actually was.

[Sigil]

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Gilbert Summers

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Location: Ville au Camp (Carnival)
Skills: N/A

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Gilbert returned Faith's gaze and resisted the urge to facepalm. Instead, he took on a more mentor-ish stance and politely informed her in low tones, so as not to disrupt the ongoing conversation, "Then you will have to be irked for the time being, Faith. What is being discussed here is ongoing. One of us will brief you later." It was quite possible that she did not know that she was speaking with something akin to a deity. If Siduri was to be believed, the closest thing to a god that she would likely ever meet, if such entities existed. It was bad enough that James offered her a sandwich, of all things, that he pulled out of a pocket (though in his defense, she actually seemed to look at the offer favorably), but brazen forwardness of that nature was impolite even in front of more mundane guests while in conference. Gilbert's own actions earlier in the day, brash and direct in nature, had within them the motivation of the defense of his people. It was granted that he was biased. It was also granted that he was, in contrast to his general nature, rather embarrassed at the most recent of events.

Also a rather odd point that he noticed about himself: Gilbert felt the tiniest bit envious of Drem, upon learning that he might have the opportunity to live a whole, mortal life away from that which he used to be. Gilbert had been self-aware for longer than any of them, and he had often wondered about the totality of an actual mortal life. Gil had accepted what he was, certain that there was no altering the fabric of his existence. Learning that an actual death was possible, resulting in a true life, was even possible was a game changer. But given what was happening right now, that seemed selfish. People needed him. Paradoxes needed him. They were already half-blind without the abilities of The Glasses at their disposal. No, if offered the chance flat out, he would have to refuse.

The advice to start back at the beginning did resonate with him. Coming from this woman, it brought back memories of what he thought was his mortal life, millennia ago. The enigmatic voice of Siduri always seemed to find its way to him during times of epic, quest-worthy events, ever nudging but never telling outright. It actually pissed him off a little. He wasn't a child. This wasn't even his first lifetime. And the benefits of wisdom gained from his exceptionally long life aided him in his many adventures. This wasn't supposed to be about realizing himself and his ability to effect change in the world, nor was this supposed to be a "power and responsibility" talk. He knew about that. He had those talks with other people. But if Siduri spoke in the manner that she did, there was likely a reason for it. Gio took her words to mean the beginning of the Destruere problem in total. Gilbert didn't believe that it was the answer, though he could very well be wrong. Besides, how does one see where it started when the entities themselves have the ability to innately jump timelines? There would have to be knowledge present that he did not think they possessed.

Instead, Gilbert gave thoughts to Eve. When did she begin acting oddly? When did The Dice begin to lose herself? Where was the beginning of her end? If he could save her, he would. Without Evelina, they were much the worse for it. "It is a path to take, Giosue." Gil began diplomatically, giving credit to the idea despite his initial doubt. "It might bear fruit, it we know where to look for that beginning. For me, I would take the path that leads to Evelina. Starting with the last training session she took our latest group of Paradoxes upon, as myself and Andromeda were preparing to do prior to the arrival of our guests. If that yields nothing, we try another of her pivotal events."

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James Grady

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Location: Ville au Camp (Carnival)
Skills: Court Etiquette

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James was still caught up in the thrall of being very quiet and listening to those around him. As much as he had learned and grown in his time as a Paradox, he knew full well that he was in the presence of some heavy, heavy stuff to which he had very little to contribute. He did break his silence for a second or two when the uber-albino demigoddess gave Andromeda what he assumed was a kudo, giving her a little elbow nudge and a quiet, "Hmm, check out the big brain on Andy! You go, girl."

He did note the rise in tension after the arrival of Faith an the short detour that the conversation took as a result. It was not the most positive influence on what he observed was, until a few minutes ago, undecided morale. James was not a formal man. If only these people knew the exact lack of formality to which he was accustomed in his previous life, they would be absolutely amazed at what he had learned during his tenure as a Paradox. Most of this learning came from a fellow Paradox, the darkly intense Belladonna. The lady hammered much into his skull in the form of language, diplomacy, close fighting, and most importantly, etiquette of days long past. It was exactly this that he decided needed to be flexed, hopefully to save the situation from getting any more tense and cover for the unintended mistake of his associate, Faith.

James cleared his throat and stepped forward the moment that there was a break in conversation long enough to speak without interrupting anyone. He removed his hat and bandanna from his head and bowed it slightly, making eye contact with Siduri and returning his gaze lower, as a subordinate might in another era. "Lady Siduri, honored guests of the Destrehan Plantation," he began, his accent still present but reserved to properly enunciate every syllable he intended to speak, "I speak on behalf of my friend and sister Paradox, Miss Masters, who was not privy of the first part of our talk, as well as to illuminate the grievous breach in etiquette we all stand within right now. I apologize. We have been neglectful in showing you and your entourage proper respect on this day."

Keeping his gaze lowered and head bare, he calmly continued. "If it pleases the Lady, there is still some light in the sky. I would humbly suggest that we take our meeting into the Main House, where you can sit comfortably away from the sun. I further offer my service to get us all refreshment, understanding that it will likely not be up to the standards that you deserve."

He took a knee and finished with a trace more of his south Georgia flair, "I'm at yo' service, ma'am." Inwardly, James was pleased with himself. Also inwardly, James felt like his soul had been temporary hijacked by Shakespeare.

[Morose]

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Andromeda Aldrich

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Location: Ville au Camp - Carnivale Set Up
Skills: N/A

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Andromeda still had more questions about limbo and Eve's fate, even though Gilbert was seemingly read to move on conversation wise. James and Sophia were whispering with each other, which Andromeda figured had to do something with their common timeline. It was a bit isolating at times, being from a timeline all of its own. Faith, Sophia, and James all were from the same one - even Alicia from what she understood had had some time spent there. Faith seemed to be very irritated and annoyed, and while Andromeda could sort of understand that, she knew that acting prickly with near-immortal(?) deities wasn't going to get her anywhere. Sophia was sweet enough to fill Faith in, something that Andromeda had been about to do. She was a seeker of knowledge in a ways - and although the expression was more pretentious than she would have liked, she wasn't going to keep Faith in the dark.

She couldn't help but feel a bit of pride as Siduri praised her - like a high school student being praised by a college professor. However, the confirmation of her question did not bode well for Eve. As Siduri mentioned that Eve lost a piece of herself with each one of them they made, Andromeda grimaced a bit but it made sense. Nothing could be created or destroyed, only changed - so there was a balance to that statement that she could understand. For them to live, Eve had to fade. She blushed slightly as James elbowed her with praise.

Andromeda then raised an eyebrow at James' stiff speech. It wasn't something she would have ever imagined coming out of his mouth. But as an albino herself, she nodded a bit at his idea of getting out of the sun. "I'm sorry, but I do have one more question... I know you didn't come here to help us understand what happened to Evelina... So why did you come here?" she asked, her voice soft as to be polite. After everything she had seen in her life, she didn't believe in coincidence. Maybe understanding why Siduri was here would help them with Evelina. Or maybe it would alert them to some other situation.

[FantasyChic]

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Faith Masters

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Location: Carnival Grounds
Skills: Diplomacy

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While she was thankful to Sophia for answering her question, it was overshadowed by the fact she was chastised like a small child. Again! The figure she hadn’t met before seemed important and, based on what she overheard, and the questions asked, seemed to be someone the Emendators looked up to. She did not mean to sound like a bratty kid, but what would you call being gifted with powers, being tasked with what seems like an important job, be trained by an arrangement of weird, but seemingly powerful individuals who critiqued her in the hopes of wanting her to do better, only to have the one she looked up to the most vanish, among others, and being left in the dark when information is being freely exchanged. To her, that’s betrayal. To her, that feels like favoring others above the rest. If that were the case, she would have words.

But she was not stupid by any stretch. She knew it was not the time to address it with Gilbert then and there. She had asked and received an answer, albeit one that only sought to produce more questions. Instead, she took a calming breath. “You are right. We can talk about it later. I did not mean to sound brash. I do feel Andromeda’s question is worth an answer though as I am curious myself.” She would let the rest hang there. She was angry, but she would not be rude to someone who commanded power. If only she knew what the deal was.

[Nallore]

Sophia Harris

Location: Ville au Camp, Carnival Setup.
Skills: N/A

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Sophia turned her attention back over towards Siduri when she answered her question and nodded a little bit towards her, if she could have a semblance of a normal life she would of course take it. She had died in her previous time in a zombie apocalypse, and now waking up here as well to have a second chance at life that was anything but normal as well. She simply nodded towards her as Sophia rubbed her arms a little bit as Gio spoke up. Sophia wasn't sure how long the Destruere were even around, maybe just as old or even older than the other Emendators as well as Siduri for all she knew. She of course would be willing to help out however she could if they asked for her assistance as well, she looked at Gilbert.

She didn't really like the way that Gilbert had spoken to Faith, she had a right to know what had been going on in the first place as well, but she wasn't willing to cause a scene in front of everyone right now either. As James spoke noticing his voice changed somewhat to sound at least somewhat proper and suggested going inside of the main house to talk further was probably a pretty good idea. Seeing Siduri's skin condition it must be pretty uncomfortable out there as well, and Andromeda's question was pretty valid as well. Sophia wasn't sure what the other carnies were like, aside from the group of racist and sexist ones from earlier. "I could help as well, and it would be better for some privacy as well to." Sophia suggested.

[Natsu]

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Bartholomew Rosecliff

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Location: Carnival Grounds
Skills:N/A

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Tapping his fingers against his side, Bartholomew pursed his lips. None of this was any good at all. Eve was stuck in Limbo, potentially about to become a Destruere, her ability to make Paradoxes was hallowing her out, and the only way to solve this problem involved going back to where Faith and he fucked things up. Why couldn't surprises ever be pleasant? Rubbing his temples, he looked at James, surprised at the eloquence he's displayed. He'd never thought him much of a speaker, but color him impressed. He did think he laid it on a little thick though, seeing as the Hat could summon literally whatever refreshments their guests may want. Exhaling, he nodded at Andromeda's question. The only reason he could think of for her sudden appearance would be that things are seriously messed up.

He liked the idea of getting inside, if only to break up this information dump and give them all a chance to process what they've just been told. He rubbed the back of his head, and looked around at the residents of the Plantation. One thing did concern him, maybe it was his misunderstanding of things, but the course of actions sounded dangerous. "I'm sure I'm out of my depth here, but I've read a good deal of science fiction," He said, and cleared his throat, "and wouldn't going back and interfering with Eve's most pivotal events cause some kind of butterfly effect? Interfering with our own timeline and all that jazz?" Doing that sort of thing sounded like it would consequences, and being aware of them before getting into any course of action would probably be a good idea.

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 31st, 1943 - A Lesson In Life

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Rocking on his rear-end, Ben draped his arms over his knees and listening. Mostly just staring at the ground but somewhere in the middle of everything that was being said he cast a sideways glance towards Siduri and and seemed to smirk. From her came a bit of a nod before she began addressing the group once again. "Would you want to alter a time line such as that? For they have been as long as you have. To alter their history could very well eradicate your own and all subsequent. Is that a risk you are willing to take?" the woman asked in passing as she sat there.

Quirking a brow she tilted her head to the side towards Gilbert and then to James. "No need for a public lashing, the child merely was expressing her own, and one cannot expect her to be aware of ancient ways or even classic ones. Tis no failing on hers but on her teachers. Sometimes is best to teach and correct in private unless ones wishes the same treatment in return," Siduri quipped towards the two men who had spoken of Faith. She gave the woman a bit of a wink, it was reminiscent of how Evelina would wink when she was diplomatically correcting a situation but obviously taking a side in a discussion. Brushing past it she nodded though. "Yes, within the walls would be preferred, do show me your home if you wish."

On that note, Ben stood up and brushed off the grass and dirt from his rear before taking the umbrella from Siduri and holding it over her head before taking her hand as she stood. Looking at Andromeda she motioned towards the house. "Very right you are. I came to speak with, not of, her. And that matter was of Niburi, the point of transition." Walking slowly but steadily as Ben kept the last rays of the days light from touching her skin with the umbrella. "How do your people put it? Oh yes, end of times." It was rather matter of fact when she spoke. As if she had just said there would be rain tomorrow.

Siduri continued on her way with Ben at her side. There was a glance towards Bart and she stopped. "For someone who professes to be out of his depth you do jump in with both feet first do you not? But I would wager, depth or not, that you would be correct. Yet," she began before she continued walking and speaking at the same time. "Perhaps it is not yours to seek that which does not wish to be found? Is ones own curiosity breaching forth and crossing a line? To force ones owns want in the seeking of answers despite her insistence that you do not? Is that care? Or is that petty selfishness under the guise concern? Humans are such complex creatures. Though I could be simply thinking from a different time. It has been known to happen."

Glancing towards the woman who was irked earlier. "Though if you all truly wish to seek her, I believe that she," Siduri said as she motioned towards Faith, "would be able to rather quickly." There was a turn of her head and a glance towards the house as a brow quirked. "Apparently, one has chosen to no longer deal with a second life." Shrugging she looked over towards the Emendators that were present. "Some are just not strong enough to deal with more when it is given to them.