Arcana-talk time [A day or two into the new liminal]

[professorwolf]

We're still assuming that the liminal space before a Jaunt represents the Arcana competing in it, yes? I know someone's mentioned this earlier, but it definitely needs to be highlighted-- I think it's pretty obvious this time that the contest will be between Chariot and Tower. The giant wooden horse running through a thunderstorm really couldn't be more blatant. For once.

[He's not great at understanding symbolism, but damn if this wasn't an easy one.]

So if that's right, it'll be a contest of motion and persistence, versus dramatic change and catastrophe. I think it's easy enough to decide who we want to support, in this case. We'll just have to find ways to make sure we see what sort of conditions make for a win for each ideal.

Any ideas for what to look for and how to keep things from devolving into a catastrophe? Those seem to happen a lot when we're around, unfortunately.

Comments

[rustyhonesty]

It's a thought, but... I wasn't marked by her back then. I got my mark back in January, when I was Orion.

[willyousee]

Mm. Inconsistent timing. In a way, I am glad. I do not like to think she would be so cruel. Still. I think you as likely as anyone else to do well in such an arena, provided you are not hampered by ill advice.

[rustyhonesty]

Everything I did back them was out of my own jurisdiction. Any advice I was given was used horribly, meaning all the faults are mine alone.

The previous Jaunt went well with so many of my friends by my side... yet I still somehow managed to get lost in the Pogworld by myself. I just don't want to take a risk that something like that will upset the balance.

[willyousee]

........ [Must not fall back into the whose fault is it really argument. Even though he really wants to take it upon himself. ]

An element of luck is also involved, you realize. A door opened at the wrong time. A magical ability in play you were unaware of. A word which bears a different connotation. A wrong turn in a chase.

[rustyhonesty]

[It would definitely be an argue that would last a while with each blaming themselves, so let's not.]

Of course I'm aware of that. It doesn't make it any better, since I have bad luck most of the time luck's involved.

[willyousee]

...My apologies. I simply [wish to make you see it wasn't your fault ] think that, should the next Jaunt involve the fall of the city of Troy, as seems partly implied, it would be a very good place to have your assistance. A walled city surrounded by a superior force laying seige to it in an era of monsters, heroes and gods?

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean goes quiet for a long time, thinking about how to reply to that before he does.]

Just because I know how people feel in a situation like that doesn't mean I'd be much help.

[willyousee]

[Mental sad sigh. ]

I think you underestimate yourself. But I have not the ability to render you an infiltrator regardless, so I suppose 'tis a moot point from me. I apologize.

[rustyhonesty]

Are you sure you're just not overestimating me?

It's alright. Though I'm... also sorry. For a lot of things.

[willyousee]

No, my friend. I am not overestimating you. Of that I am certain. [Soft as his voice is, it holds firm determination. He has never been good at hiding emotion over the Network – he believes what he says.]

[He switches to a private, protected line.]

Jean... Listen to me. Whatever you have done against me, I forgive you. I bear no grudge nor ill will. You are forgiven. Lay down the burden and let it pass.

private, protected

[rustyhonesty]

[There's nothing he can think of to say to the first, but he does switch over to the protected line next.]

If it would be that easy, I'd be struggling less.

Thank you, though. It means a lot to hear that.

private, protected

[willyousee]

It is never that easy, I fear. But at least you should know that you have one less person to fear recriminations from. Should you ever need a simple escape, you know where my room is. Even if you wish to sit in silence. It will always be open to you.

private, protected

[rustyhonesty]

I think the biggest obstacle for forgiveness is me, rather than anyone else.

I'll keep that in mind. Likely this will pass in time. It's just this time of the year, I think.

private, protected

[willyousee]

...If my own experiences are at all similar to yours, it is always forgiving yourself which is the hardest step. I wish I knew of some way to make it easier.

private, protected

[rustyhonesty]

I wish I knew as well... but it'll be alright. Eventually.

private, protected

[willyousee]

Just.. You're not alone. Even with yourself.

[The sensation of a warm hand lying over his crosses the Network fleetingly. ]

private, protected

[rustyhonesty]

[There's a non-negative sigh at the feeling, even if Alcuin can't hear it.]

I'll... try to remember that.