@everyone

[restingstitchface]

Aurelius once wrote, "If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."

My fundamental concern about this wisdom is that it fails to spot the physical root of trauma. People who cannot snap out of their distress also deserve compassion and treatment.

My apologies for the intrusion. Locals informed me about the recent chaos and I found myself concerned and a little hesitant about reaching out. Back home I treat those who approach me for support with their mental health. I had excellent resources there but here I can offer nothing but a listening ear.

I understand some of you might be feeling exposed, stressed and intimidated. To you I offer my own wisdom. If you worry about what lies ahead, you will be the only one who suffers in the end.

To all else, kind regards for listening.

Oh. Reading, isn’t it? This system is entirely new to me. What a brave new world this place is.

Comments

[vecna]

I wasn’t asking which faction you feel aligned to. I’m asking after a location. It’s hard to seek treatment if someone doesn’t even know where to go, Doctor.

[restingstitchface]

Free Cities.

Dare I ask why you enquire? You sound rather skeptical of a listening ear.

[vecna]

Do I? That’s not my intention. I actually am curious, talk of cats aside.

Though that would mean a Horizon visit for me, specifically.

[restingstitchface]

Then I am afraid I shall have to disappoint you. I am quite the new arrival, you see. First I actually need to get into the Horizon.

I am working on it, I assure you.

[vecna]

That is disappointing.

But I’m patient, and it’s not my place to rush you. Has anyone told you what to expect?

[restingstitchface]

They are doing that right now, yes. The Horizon sounds like a place everyone wants to go.

Curiosity, indeed.

[vecna]

It’s a place where you can carve out a little home away from home for yourself. Most people are drawn in by the idea, never mind the ability to meet others beyond faction lines.

[restingstitchface]

In a secretive place hidden from our hosts, no doubt. Not that I am criticising those daring enough to cross those lines.

[vecna]

If you want to help every Summoned who needs it, and not just the ones in the Free Cities, you’ll be one of those daring ones, too.

But everyone indulges. Faraway connections are difficult to ignore.

[Well, unless your name is Henry Creel.]

[restingstitchface]

Well, most enjoy a jolly vacation now and then.

[Variable. He means variable. SCIENCE!]

[vecna]

That, maybe. And it’s such a malleable place. It bends to the mind’s will, generally. You’d probably find it fascinating, Doctor.

[restingstitchface]

True. I can only investigate and explore and learn as I always do. Learning is how we become independent, after all.

[vecna]

”Independence” is an interesting concept given the situation we all share, but that’s a different discussion entirely.

I’m curious [ha] to see what you come up with.

[restingstitchface]

All in good time. Then I guess we'll learn whether your curiosity is satisfied, won't we?

[Ha. Jokes.]

[vecna]

[Jokes, they’ve got them.]

Yes. Just let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll swing by. Unless you need any further information beforehand?

[restingstitchface]

Not at all. Better to ask one's questions at the right time, right? I'll be in touch.

[vecna]

Talk to you soon then, Doctor Crane. :)

[restingstitchface]

[Oh my god, is that an emote? Stop it. He's had quite enough. GOODBYE.]

[vecna]

[ :)))) you’re welcome ]