this is gospel

[scourgingstars]

Who: Ardyn, Jaune, a new companion, and otherwise open.
What: [muffled chocobo theme in the distance]
When: The 26th and onward, I can count.
Where: Islet #4, Storyteller's temple, and a wildcard!
Warnings: None apart from blanket XV spoilers, will update if necessary

[a; islet 4 shack 1]
[By the time Ardyn got back to the islets with Jaune in tow, his immediate rage at the situation had calmed into the usual undercurrent of fury he always felt. Gods were the same no matter where you went, even if this one had rightfully called out the Astrals as hilariously incompetent. Something would have to be done here as with Eos; that little white nightmare had made things personal as far as Ardyn was concerned, and he couldn't let that stand.]

So, we'll want to begin by experimenting with that sigil. Leaving it in various places, perhaps having it drawn on our hands in some measure, see if that produces any notable results.

[First things first; upon walking in he snapped his fingers to light the usual small fire only for nothing to happen. He frowned at his hand before holding it out; had he actually run out of fire magic? No--that wasn't it, the power just wasn't responding. Thunder next, then Blizzard; he tried both for the same lack of results. Held out his hand for the Blade of the Mystic...nothing.]

Side-effects indeed, you smartmouthed little-

[Whatever complaint he was about to lapse into under his breath was interrupted by the sound of sudden cracking from a corner of the barely-repaired shelter, followed rather swiftly by a telltale kweh that changed Ardyn's tune rather quickly.]

...My, isn't that late.

[b; storyteller's temple]
[Eventually, Ardyn's usual habit of wandering near sunset found him back around the Storyteller's temple; observing it as if he was examining for anything out of the ordinary or perhaps hoping to see a glaring weak point.]

[Perhaps breaking up the slightly menacing illusion was the softball-sized black bird sitting in the hood of his scarf like she nested there.]

[c; wildcard]
[anything else! Ardyn usually spends the brightest part of the day at home, coming out closer to sunset/night/early morning now with his round bird-shaped companion either in his scarf or following behind him.]

Comments

[scourgingstars]

...That's exactly what gods do, Terra my dear. The sooner all of you understand our host is no benevolent force, the sooner we can work to determine what's to be done about him.

[esper_magic]

[ Well she's never had experience with a God, Ardyn! ]

But he's a God. I don't think there is anything that can be done about a God. Don't they have all the power?

[ Was it a good idea to deal with him anyway? What if there was something bigger and even worse than the Storyteller out there - the one actually responsible for bringing them here for whatever reason. ]

... maybe someone can just explain that he shouldn't just do as he likes...? [ She's the most hesitant about that though. Someone who holds all the guards.. probably wouldn't negotiate with his pawns. ]

[scourgingstars]

Oh, you may yet be surprised what power mortals hold. But, if you're so determined to resolve things peacefully then by all means make the attempt.

[esper_magic]

Me?? [ Whoah, she didn't expect that. As much as she would LIKE things to be peaceful... she took a step back, wrapping her arms around herself. ]

I ... don't think I'd be very good at that. Talking. [ Not to mention probably after this a good 80% of the population on the islet would be perfectly fine with stringing Storyteller up. ]

Do you really think there's something anyone could do about him? I'd... really rather not things to get violent. Is that really that bad...?

[scourgingstars]

Admirable as the commitment to pacifism is, I do fear that's simply not the way the world works.

[esper_magic]

... [ ... that... actually might be true. ] You...may be right. People do seem to have more of a desire for power and conquering, than peace.

So... what would you suggest we do? [ It was important that they protect themselves and the Storyteller either couldn't or wouldn't do so. If he couldn't, then it was up to them. If he wouldn't.. then it was even more left up to them. ]

[scourgingstars]

I suggest we exercise the tendency mortals are stubbornly known for; survival. Blindly trusting the Storyteller will do us no favors, that much is clear. I should say cultivating a healthy amount of skepticism and suspicion is a good place to begin. If perhaps those sigils still hold the power to ward him, utilizing such a method ourselves could be a worthwhile option.

[esper_magic]

[ Survival huh? She doesn't like being suspicious of people, honestly but Ardyn does make a good point. Though as he mentions the sigils, she glances at the temple again. ]

Do you think there's anything in there? Perhaps hidden? [ It's probably unlikely - why would he hide something in plain sight so to speak - in his own temple? ]

[scourgingstars]

It's a very real possibility. I should think he has quite a few secrets we've no inkling of, and what better place to conceal them if not presumably close to himself?

[esper_magic]

That wouldn't be too obvious? [ She eyed the temple again. ]

... I imagine a lot of people are angry with him after this. [ And they had every reason to be. She glanced at Ardyn. ]

Were you... hurt by the things in there?

[scourgingstars]

Sometimes, the most obvious answer is worth exploring. Better that than allow it to be left overlooked.

[He shrugged, laughing under his breath.]

I've had worse.

[esper_magic]

[ ... she can't argue the truthiness of that. But does she really wanna be cursed by a God if she pokes around the temple? ]

I ...see. I'm sorry. [ She shook her head. ]

If we had moved a little faster to find and destroy the sigils, I'm sure...nothing bad would have happened to anyone inside. [ Unfortunately it had been trickier to find those things than she liked. ]

[scourgingstars]

Even so, sending every last one of us was, to say the least, a bit impolite.

[esper_magic]

[ Impolite was putting it mildly. ]

Yes, it is. I thought it was simply because he doesn't know the.. [ She paused, considering the word. ] ...etiquette? ... when dealing with erm... mortals, but...

Well, I am in the same position, as he is, in a way... and I wouldn't force people into a dangerous situation like those caverns, without even considering their choices in the matter. [ Like Ignis, who couldn't even SEE. She was most worried about him. ]

[scourgingstars]

Oftentimes the divine simply do not comprehend the plights of mere mortals, or just find them not worth consideration. Rather like humans and insects, in that manner.

[esper_magic]

That ... does seem to be the case. [ Frankly the whole situation was starting to leave her feeling vaguely unsettled. She motions over towards the temple. ]

I ... could have a look around later, if you like? See if I can find anything about the sigils, or the Storyteller.. If I find anything interesting, I can come show you. [ Because why not help someone out. He has a baby to look after now! ]

[scourgingstars]

That would be too kind of you, my dear. I'd certainly love the help.

[esper_magic]

[ She smiles a little, nodding once. ]

I don't know how much help I'll be, but you've been really kind to me since we met, so I don't mind. And besides, you shouldn't have to look into a thing like this alone.