Saleh

[It's another New Feather cycle, and Saleh is hard at work as per usual. Things have been pretty calm for him lately, which is a rather welcome change. He still misses Ewan, but his duty gives him a good distraction from his own troubles. And by helping others, he also helps himself.]

Another New Feather cycle is upon us, it seems. For those who have newly arrived, I am sorry to say that we cannot return to our worlds by our own means. However, I will do what I can to help you get acquainted and somewhat comfortable. I can be found frequently in the forest, so if you are lost, I would gladly guide you to the village.

Meanwhile, the New Feather stations need to be restocked, so I shall see to that.

[Saleh can be found anywhere between the Welcome Center and the New Feather stations located at several points in the forest. When leaving the Welcome Center, he is carrying larger sacks than normal – sacks with clothing, food, and medical supplies. He will be happy to help out any newbies, or just as willing to chat with old companions or even strangers.]

[A few months back, Saleh and Ewan had made a decision to take a journey throughout the enclosure, to explore the terrains, and train themselves in survival. Now that he's heard some disturbing news, he's even more ready to take that trip. However, that was still a few weeks away, and he knows he'd better stick to the original plan. However, now would be a good time to start preparing, gathering supplies, and settling any affairs with their comrades in the village before they leave, because they'll expect to be gone for some time, perhaps a week or two. So Saleh picks up his journal and makes an open announcement.]

In just a few short weeks...on June 1st, to be precise, Ewan and I will be leaving on a journey to explore the enclosure. We'll expect to be gone for a few weeks, at least. So if anyone has any business with either of us, it's best to take care of it before we leave.

[Action]

[Saleh will spend some time sulking in his room before going out for his usual errands. Catch him at the grocery shop or the item shop, or anywhere in between.]


[OOC: Feel free to ask for either Saleh or Ewan in your tags. ♥]

[Well, this is certainly a nice change of scenery. Saleh glances out his window at the snow, but he can't tell if it's the natural weather, or another experiment happening, such as on Halloween. Perhaps some of the residents have been working on the decorations.]

[As he leaves the window, he spots the little elf sitting nicely on his mostly empty bookshelf. Now he knows that wasn't here before. The way it's staring at him is quite unsettling. Cautiously, he approaches the little creature to get a closer look at it. The elf greets him cheerfully, explaining its purpose. It then gives its first request, to give a gift to all of his friends. Saleh remains silent as he considers the idea.]

All of my friends...? Hmm...I suppose I should, come to think of it.

( Cut for length... )

[So Saleh goes to the shop obtains many dragon figurines. The following characters are definitely on his list: Kain Highwind, Rydia Highwind, Eleytheria, Silver (gameverse), Isaac, Zevran, and Leonhardt. However, he does pick up extras in case he missed anyone. So if your character has spoken to and gets along decently with Saleh but isn't on the list, he'll still have a gift for them.]

[It's another day in the forest when Saleh runs into an odd creature. A tall, chubby dragon-like creature. Yellow, standing on hind legs, small teal wings...could this be...?]

[After fumbling with his journal for a bit, Saleh manages to activate the video function. The camera focuses on himself briefly before he turns it to focus on the Dragonite.]

Does anyone...recognize this? Is this...a Pokémon?

[For those who actually run into him, Saleh will be standing his ground, quite a bit on edge. At least this creature doesn't seem as volatile as the Charizard...]

Hmm...it's been a while since I've had my clothes mended.

[He's been meaning to do so anyway, but the recent battle has cemented it now that there's a nice little rip on the front of his cape and shirt. Overall, the fabric has become worn, and the colors were getting dull. So he'll head on to the clothing shop to find something to wear in the meantime. There are certainly a lot of interesting clothes from different worlds here, so Saleh will spend quite a bit of time pulling out different garments and feeling the different fabrics. He pulls out some denim jeans...they look pretty tight. A tuxedo? Interesting, but it doesn't seem very comfortable either. So he continues to rummage through the different clothes.]

Ah...another New Feather cycle already? Has Luceti ever been this crowded before? I'll be in the forest if there are any who need assistance.

[And true to his word, Saleh will indeed be patrolling the forest, occasionally making his way through the village to restock on supplies for the New Feather stations.]

[First, Saleh has a small, random inquiry.]

I have been curious of something as of late. Are there any citizens who have natural wings in their own world? Were your wings altered when you were brought into this world?

[Action]

[Since another New Feather Cycle is upon them, Saleh is once again attending to his duty in the forest. He visits the Welcome Center to pick up supplies, then carries them out to the New Feather stations. Once he replenishes the station, he'll tidy it up a bit, straighten out the sheets on the bed, and fold an extra blanket on top of it. When that's done, he'll pick up a sack with an extra blanket to take out into the forest in case he meets a freezing newcomer.]

[After what feels like an eternity, Saleh finally awakens. His body feels like a deadweight, as he finds it incredibly difficult to move. Looking around, he manages to make out the entrance to the tunnels nearby. Does this mean it's over?]

[Slowly, he reaches into his robes and pulls out his journal, letting it fall open beside him. He takes a moment to gather what little strength he has to call out to the network.]

I...I need help...at the tunnels... Rydia...anyone... please...

[Hopefully that should do it. With that done, Saleh lets himself fall limp on the ground. As he waits, he attempts to take in the sights and sounds of the forest around him. His eyes are difficult to keep open, though, so he closes them softly, just taking in the sounds.]

[Saleh starts his day by going to the Barracks, working on the mastery of his magic. He easily casts Elfire on the dummy, burning it to a crisp. And then he pulls out his Divine tome and extends his arm to cast the spell...but nothing happens. Startled, he tries again, but still no result. He then glances down at the incantation in the pages, and he could feel it. The deep understanding of the spell is lost. Guess who just discovered his death penalty.]

[Putting his tome away, he brings out his staff and releases its magic briefly. He sighs with relief; at least he can still heal. He takes a break from his training and picks up his journal.]

[Written]

Great Dragon...it seems I can no longer wield light-based magic. I can only assume that this is the penalty I have suffered for my recent death.

I had believed that I would give my life for my duty, to protect Lady Myrrh without hesitation. But my death these weeks past has made me rethink this. I gave my life to save Rydia without a second thought, an admittedly reckless move on my part. I just couldn't let her die. That was my only thought.

In my own world, I would not have the opportunity to reflect upon this. If anything, this makes me fear death even more. Soldiers would give their lives to protect their country, their families, their honor. I had felt the same. However, if I do lose my life, I can no longer fulfill my duty. It is a sacrifice that cannot be undone. And if this leads to failure, then the sacrifice would be for naught.

I realize that sometimes sacrifices must be made, but a life is too precious. One must think more carefully about making that ultimate sacrifice.

Great Dragon, I am so torn. Does this make me a coward?

[Backdated to the afternoon.]

Most of the new arrivals should be settled in by now. I still wish to journey into the mountains again, but I would expect another experiment to happen again soon. So the beginning of the next month would be a more suitable time. Perhaps I could use a vacation...

If there are any new arrivals still in the forest who need assistance, contact me, and I can lead you to the village.

[And Saleh will patrol the forest, occasionally shooting a longing glance in the direction of the mountains...]

...It's been a whole year since I've arrived in Luceti. And still no closer to finding a way back to our own worlds.

Great Dragon, I only pray that Lady Myrrh is still safe.

[Saleh will spend the day restocking on his supplies at the grocery shop, and the head to the Battle Dome for some training. Feel free to bump into him at either destination or somewhere in between.]

[In light of the upcoming draft, Saleh will once again turn to the Great Dragon. He sits on the border between the village and the forest with his head bowed and his journal in his lap. Little does he know that his journal is currently broadcasting.]

Such dire circumstances and short notice…but I will not turn away. I will have my allies: Kain, Rydia, Ceodore…Jack…

Still, I would ask for your guidance, Great Dragon, for we shall fight on the morrow.

[He falls silent, taking in his surroundings via Valega, but the journal continues to record.]

Nearly six months have passed since I was brought here. I wonder what has become of Magvel in that time. Prince Ephraim was here when I arrived, but he was from the future. He said it was a good future, so has the crisis passed by now? Was I there when the crisis passed?

If people are brought here from different time points, how does that affect the time in our own worlds? Is it possible for us to be here and to be in their own worlds at the same time? Is it possible to know?

[He doesn't really expect it to be possible, but he would appreciate any input.]

[If anyone wishes to chat with him in person, he'll be sitting in front of the fountain in the plaza, letting the outdoor nature caress his senses. He takes in the sound of the fountain, and feels the cold air around him. He's used to the cold after living in the mountains throughout his life, and his cape keeps him warm enough.]

[Written]

There have been quite a few new arrivals in Luceti in the past week. I would keep watch for them, as well as those returned from their kidnappings. I almost wish I could see someone from my own world, but this is not the place for them to be. To wish them here would be selfish.

This last experiment has given me a new resolve. We have faced trying hardships in the past month alone, so it is doubtless that there will be more hardships ahead. May we grow stronger and wiser from it all. We are here to help one another, and together we will persevere.

[/Written]

[Action]

[Today the sage can be found sitting by the lake, enjoying the peace and quiet, something he hasn't seen in Luceti for a while. Feel free to join him.]

...

[It's been a while since he's done this, so Saleh can be found in the forest just far enough from the village for it to be obstructed from view by the trees, once again meditating with his Valega. However, this time feels different. While taking in the sights and sounds of nature's creation, he could feel some different emotions stirring. Feelings of eagerness and kindness weren't exactly new for him, but these feelings didn't seem to originate from his heart. It soon dawned on him that there was a spirit connecting with him.]

Nala...such impeccable timing, to hear your voice...

[After being mallynapped, and hearing of these disturbances within the village, connecting with the healing spirit is like a breath of fresh air that calms his mind and soul.]

[He's too busy immersing himself in his surroundings to notice that his journal was broadcasting his sentiment.]

I am interested in learning more about these Filial spirits. How do they communicate? Is there a danger in adding their magic to our own?

[There has to be, as Saleh already knows that using too much magic can be dangerous.]

[Now the sage is taking the time to explore the forest, mapping the locations of the New Feather stations for future reference.]

[This is totally unfiltered, because Saleh hasn't learned how to filter yet.]

Luceti…a world entirely separate from Magvel. Unbelievable. I still don't understand how I wound up here.

It's been three days. I haven't eaten at all since I've been here. I should find the village soon, as this hunger is beginning to take its toll.

[With the weather finally cleared, Saleh has finally come down from the mountains and is now dragging himself through the forest due west as directed by Ephraim. Climbing down the mountain is an exhausting feat, even for one who lives in the mountains. Between that and the hunger, Saleh's strength is almost depleted. Luckily, he spots a river nearby and makes a beeline for it. He falls to his knees, dropping the journal on the ground beside him, opening it. And then he gathers the water into his hands and drinks it eagerly. He'll repeat the drinking from his hands, catching his breath in between.]

[Are there any New Feather stations nearby? Will anyone help out a hungry New Feather?]