∴ 001 ∴ Voice ∴ Open ∴

[as_you_command]

Who is on this channel? [ The device was meant for communicating with others, that much was obvious. It would likely not allow him to communicate with any potential rescuers. The question, now, was: who would answer this stern call, the voice calm despite the man it belongs to being very much uprooted? Guilford's panic was stowed away, as he needed

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[Audio] that guy above totally knew it was here

[a_la_turk]

It is regrettable, but I'm afraid all that Thanatos has told you thus far is true. The place in which you've found yourself is a prison in that we are limited to the village, Demeleier, and the surrounding area. Attempts to escape to an area beyond them or more ideally to our proper places of abode has proved impossible.

[ An appropriate pause follows, short and quick, yet polite. ]

My name is Valeria. Like yourself and others you will surely communicate with on the network, I was brought here against my will. I presently head the Watch, an organization made up of similar individuals that dedicates itself to the safety of the community here.

[+TEXT] I believe you'll find the following text to be very helpful, mister...?

[as_you_command]

[ The greeting might have seemed verbose, but that information is exactly what he was looking for. Even if it was hard to swallow. There is a long silence as he skims the text he was given, and any longer of a pause and it might have seemed rude.

But just when it seemed like he might have ignored her, altogether... ] This is a lot to take in, Valeria. I thank you for forwarding me this document.

[ Now that he has finished skimming, he takes a deeper interest in the text. But then he realizes he was being rude, and not offering up anything in return, so it was time to fix that. ] My name is Guilford. If this is accurate, I am to believe this all is the work of... fairies? [ Trying not to sound disbelieving, but that was rather hard to fathom. ] The only fae I have ever encountered were in works of classic literature.

[a_la_turk]

Although I wish we could have met under better circumstances, it is a pleasure to meet you nonetheless, Mr. Guilford.

Of course, the same could be said of myself. I understand it's difficult to believe, but I have no doubt the reality of the claim will make itself apparent to you soon. These beings are not what most would consider the stereotypical faery, I'm afraid. Benevolent action from them is rare and it is generally best to exercise caution, something I'm sure you gathered from reading the document.

[ She pauses, albeit briefly. ]

There's also no need to thank me. I'm happy to do what I can for those here, so please, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me. I will answer to the best of my ability.

[as_you_command]

[ Guilford appreciated the prefix, being quite used to people (still) putting "sir" or "Lord" where it no longer rightfully belonged. ] This place has no doubt created many such awkward meetings. It is good to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstances, Miss Valeria.

[ He pauses to sigh a moment, after she further expounds upon the behaviors of the fae and offers her advice. The frustration, however, was not aimed at her. ] It would do me little good to ignore such warnings, when the evidence to the contrary is ever-mounting.

[ Taking note of the modesty, and saying no more to that end. However,... ] Tell me, then... this document suggests methods of protecting ourselves from these beings, but no way to combat them. [ His tone betrayed the unsung question: was that an oversight, or is there no way to fight them? ]

[a_la_turk]

[ And Valeria heard it, read it as easily as she might the manuscript upon a well-known page. Given Schneizel's prompt response to this man, she is far from surprised at his apparent sharpness and more than willing to provide the elaboration he seeks. ]

Of the two wards we've found, iron, which is in short supply, can be used as an effective weapon against some of the fae, but not all of them. As such, we cannot be sure which fae it will work against until an opportunity to test the theory presents itself and with nothing to fall back upon should iron fail, we find ourselves at a grievous disadvantage.

We are constantly on the defense; however, there are individuals who are working toward the discovery of means to combat the fae, however. Each encounter also gives us greater insight into our foes.

[ She pauses. ]

I understand that this likely wasn't the response you were hoping for, but I hope you find it helpful nonetheless.

[as_you_command]

[ As she speaks, his expression shifts subtly between varied degrees of understanding and disappointment. He was likely surprisingly calm about all this, but there was something about discussing strategy about -- what he believed to be -- a clear "enemy" that brought back old habits of dealing with such a situation. ]

It does no good to underestimate one's enemy, and you have alleviated that part of my concern. It is... disconcerting to not have a clear picture of their capabilities or weaknesses, but I am relieved that this has not discouraged others from their investigations.

[ A short sigh. ] Miss Valeria, am I to presume from your statements, that there have been violent encounters with the other inhabitants of this place; those who are not of other worlds?

[a_la_turk]

There have.

[ She offers him a firm nod with that statement. There is no cause to conceal well-known fact in this place, not where it concerns the residents and their safety. That this man has remained so calm, so composed throughout he course of their discussion is impressive and has not escaped her notice. ]

It is from these encounters that we have been able to garner some of our best knowledge; though, the acquisition of such has always come at a price.

[as_you_command]

Intel rarely comes without a cost.

[ Knowing precisely how dangerous this place could be was foremost on his mind. After all, if not for the reassurances of others, he would have thought himself and those he knew were in far graver peril than a simple kidnapping plot.

The tension in his jaw disappears, and he looks away from the device, unintentionally hiding the concern that begins to show as his eyes scan the tops of distant buildings. ]

Have there been-- [ Casualties? ] --losses?

[a_la_turk]

Regerettably, yes. They occurred before my arrival in Demeleier.

[ And although it did not happen on her watch, that there have been losses is something that weighs upon her mind and reminds her of the responsibility currently at rest upon her shoulders. Her tone remains serious, unfaltering as she speaks. ]

Schneizel would be more intimate with the circumstances surrounding them should you wish to inquire, Mr. Guilford.

[as_you_command]

I see. [ He isn't comforted by this fact, but he isn't surprised either. ]

I shall request details from him at a later time. I am afraid my arrival here has many other... complications that I must first see to. [ Long story short, he has to get his things sorted out before he can worry about others. At least he's honest about it? ] I do, however, appreciate the forewarning, Miss Valeria.

[a_la_turk]

You are very welcome, Mr. Guilford.

[ She offers him a cordial smile, one that reveals itself through her voice. ]

Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.