to all;

[righteously]

Okay, look. We need to talk.

What the hell is going on around here? That whole 'make the summoned run around like trained jackasses' thing? Not kosher.

Before I say anything else, I'll be the first to admit, I didn't let the bug loose. It was a bad call, somebody got hurt, and I'm sorry. I really am. If I could go back knowing what it did, I'd have let it out in a heartbeat.

But that's the thing, isn't it? I mean, seriously. Let's break this whole thing down.

Those douchebags running the Free Cities (or Thorne, or Solvunn) drag us in from wherever we were, without asking, against our will.

A highly reclusive nation decides to let us come hang out for a Disney vacation in their deeply secretive community as a gesture of good faith.

At a time when Summoned from all three factions coincidentally happen to be hanging out in the same reclusive ass place, something mysterious and terrible happens. I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, am shocked it didn't go as planned.

Instead of sending guards, the Free Cities sends us freaking couriers with the most useless note in the history of the goddamn planet telling us to release a device we know nothing about, without telling us what it does, just that we need to be real friggin sketchy about it.

When not everybody obeys without question like good little soldiers, one of our own gets hurt, and they shake the shame finger at us like it's our own fault? Are you kidding me?

First of all, if they can send couriers they can send their own friggin guards to handle crap like this. Or, hell, have the damn couriers release the things, they have hands, they could've prepped the packages their own damn selves instead of foisting it off onto the people who didn't even ask to be here in the first place.

Second of all, even if they COULDN'T, how about they slap in a goddamn paragraph or two on what the thing is? If everything's all hunky dory, and all that little bitch does is provide a protective shield, who CARES if a note that was gonna SELF-DESTRUCT ANYWAY gets read over somebody's shoulder?

This whole thing reeks of grooming us to start following orders without full intel. Surely nothing will come of that. Except, oh wait, Libertas just got friggin' bombed. The continent's going to war, and we're getting played.

And here's the other thing: I'm pretty sure Free Cities kids weren't the only ones running around doing sketchy crap during the happy fun werewolf party. Thorne, Solvunn, you two wanna weigh in here? Bueller? Anyone?

( threadjacking is highly encouraged, so long as whoever you're jumping in with is cool with it! hit me at paingravy if you need me! )

Comments

[nadine_he_loves]

A year ago in Thorne, that's not far off from how it was. I'm only talking about Thorne, the Free Cities keep track of us but it doesn't limit where we can go and what we can do. And I don't know anything about Solvunn, I haven't heard anything terrible.

But Thorne was pretty clear about what they expected. Which was for us to do what they want and not ask questions. It just bit them in the ass and a bunch of us escaped. They might be being more subtle about it these days, but they've always summoned us to use us.

[carmesi]

While I have also heard horrible things from Thorne, I know some of the Summoned there. They may play the game and act like they agree, but they are not ones to get manipulated by some self-absorbed queen. I trust them not to.

In the end, we still have our own choices that we can make.

This war has been brewing for a long time now. It just so happens that we were here when someone pulled the trigger.

[nadine_he_loves]

No, I'm not worried about anyone falling for whatever she's selling. I'm worried about what danger Thorne might put people in. They're good at putting out a false sense of security.

And I'm worried about how far the hostilities might go.

But most of us here in Cadens are trying to focus on organizing relief efforts, and helping the refugees that have come into the city.

[carmesi]

What can you do from where you are, anyway? As much as you and I know about these criticisms, those in Thorne are likely also aware of them. There are powerful and wise Summoned there. I trust them.

[ew, don't fucking tell stephen she said this]

I spent my childhood and early adult years in a war zone. Those relief efforts are the most important for the innocent civilians. Things are likely to escalate, but I wouldn't doubt The Free Cities will implement safety measures in their other cities, now that they know what could be expected.

Don't forget to keep yourself well and safe. You cannot help those in need if you are running on empty.

[nadine_he_loves]

I can worry. And vent. And no, neither of those things do much, but we all have our ways of coping.

And I know. I lived through the end of my world, I'm not a stranger to disaster. It's a big part of why I'm studying to become a doctor. To be able to help when it's needed.

[carmesi]

Then your expertise will be incredibly valuable even if you aren't a doctor yet. Don't travel alone if you can.

I can't do much from Solvunn, but if the opportunity arises, I will see how I can help. What is your name?

[nadine_he_loves]

Thank you. I try not to.

I'm Nadine Cross. Actually...since you're in Solvunn, there might be something you could do for me, at least. I know a kid there, Carl? If you could maybe just make sure he's doing okay...

[carmesi]

Julie's friend. I'm Wanda.

And don't worry, we'll make sure Carl is alright. He's staying with a good family, but I'll check in on him.

[nadine_he_loves]

Yeah, I'm Julie's friend. We come from the same world. It's...nice to sort of meet you?

Thank you. I appreciate it.