to: everyone

[assembles]

Hey there, everyone. My name is Steve Rogers and I'm one of the people most recently summoned to the Free Cities. I'm also a good friend of Sam Wilson's — we've worked together for a number of years. I know he's made quite the name for himself here.

I've only been here for a little over a month, but in that time I've noticed a sudden increase in military activity within Cadens. There's increased drills and training exercises, equipment moving in and out, that kind of thing. I went by Fort Wilbridge and tried to ask some questions, but all they really had to say was that they were acting out of an abundance of caution. Almost like they're expecting something.

It seems suspicious, so I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a change in how the factions are behaving, whether it's something I haven't picked up on in Cadens or something going on in Thorne or Solvunn. I figure it might be a good idea to compare notes so we won't be completely blindsided if something else is coming our way.

That's all I've got for now, but it's nice to meet you all. In a manner of speaking, anyway.

Comments

[cointosser]

Well, that's very nice to know. I'm more invested in the artistic side of things, but it's still under my purview to be wary of military movements.

Jaskier, Master Bard, creator of Red, at your service. I'm sure you've heard of me.

[Which isn't totally a humblebrag (there's nothing humble about it.) There are only a few select Summoned that have the influence he does in the Free Cities. And Red sometimes pecks people who come in to check on Sam. Just to remind everyone who's in charge.]

I imagine it is a response to both our local warmonger and the events at the Summit. Have you heard about it?

[falcony]

IVE ACTUALLY BEEN MEANING TO ASK ON THAT
HAS THERE BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THAT SIDE OF THE CITY?
MORE GUARDS, MORE RESTRICTIONS, ANYTHING LIKE THAT?

[ also jaskier deserves to brag every day about red, always. ]

[cointosser]

Let me say that this is not the first time artistic response to certain social movements has been... how would you put it kindly.... muted?

Worry not, Sam. I have some plans to stir the pot. We'll make butter out of this milk yet.

[This is what happens when a medieval poet tries to mix contemporary sayings with medieval vernacular.]

[falcony]

YOU DO REALIZE THAT BY TELLING ME NOT TO WORRY, I AM WORRYING EVEN MORE
DO I GET TO KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING, AT LEAST?

[cointosser]

Need I remind you that this is not the first Continent-shattering war I've lived through? Though, willing, it doesn't come to that on this plane as well.

[Ignoring that he's now living through it on another, separate sphere. That does not erase the year of work he'd put in as the Sandpiper.]

Have I ever kept something from you before? Of course you'll know, Sam. We are trusted confidants. And you may enjoy it as long as you have the right appreciation for the arts.

[assembles]

[ Well, that's quite the introduction. "I'm sure you've heard of me" sounds a whole lot like "you know who I am," but Steve won't jump to making any direct comparisons to Tony just yet. ]

I think I've heard your name around, yeah. And I've met Red. [ It would be hard not to, when the bird's been hanging out at Sam's bedside almost constantly. Once Red realized that Steve meant no harm, he did seem to calm down, so there's that. ] You made him? With magic?

Sam's caught me up as best he can, but I'd appreciate any detail you can add. Local warmonger?

[cointosser]

It may be humorous to hear I was as surprised as your writing sounds that such a thing is possible. Magic is a new skill for me, as far as our normal skill sets are concerned.

I'm sure you've heard of him, too. He works nearly as hard as me to make a name for himself. [Is it possible to portray sarcasm through writing? Jaskier is trying.] A discussion I would be happy to continue face to face. I'm afraid we've had our disagreements in the past. And the present. And surely the future. We work on opposite ends of the war and art spectrum.

[assembles]

So you learned how to do that kind of magic here? How long have you been in Abraxas?

[ While Steve does have a guess, this is all making him very curious. And he can understand why this is not a conversation made for such a public venue. ]

I'm open to that, I'm due to stretch my legs. Where and when would be a good time to meet? With your busy schedule.

[cointosser]

I did! Very well, too, I like to think. It's been four seasons, so... nearly a full year, I believe.

Oh, perfect. There's a tavern near the market by the name of The Kraken. Look for the man in the hat. I won't be hard to spot. I'm free now, if you've the time.

[assembles]

[ He's been here about as long as Sam, then. This is someone Steve shouldn't pass up the chance to chat with in person. Besides, Sam's got people lining up to check on him now, so it won't be a problem if Steve steps away. ]

Sure, I can come over now.

I'll be there soon.