welcome to goldvale . intro post #1

[powergamer]

It begins with a flash of blinding light.

No matter what they’re doing, the light is so stunning that they pause to shield their eyes. Logically, it seems like such a bright light would hurt their eyes, and yet somehow, it’s not painful at all. It’s strange, but stranger still, a moment later, the ground underneath them is gone. They’re falling, and it feels like they’re falling for a long time as their eyes adjust after that light.

Yet, it’s not long at all—they’re only falling five feet or so. But as they, and others, appear in the air, there’s a shriek of alarm.

“Beryl—Go!!”

A man’s voice shouts after the scream, and as their eyes adjust, they’ll see two blurry figures, the woman running away while the man briefly stands his ground with a dagger raised before he takes advantage of the confusion to flee as well and cover her. You, and all of the other disoriented strangers, have been left alone. There might be a few bruises from the fall, but otherwise, there are no new injuries. It’s a strange lobby, but nothing about it seems helpful to reveal where you are. Following the two figures is fruitless too, since the door at the end of that hallway is sealed shut with magic—no one will be able to pass through.

So, just where are you?

JUMP TO
arrival . announcement . into the city
DISTRICTS
ironwall . tinwick . steelmount
nickelhollow . platmoor . silverbourne

Comments

[compassions]

[The fact that there were guilds here intrigued Estelle to no end. Of course, she had to wonder if they were connected with the Union, but given that announcement, it was clear to her she's no longer on Terca Lumireis. Still, she can't help but be excited by the fanatical nature of everything here -- speaking with the people, the castle that they were stuck in, everything about it! Honestly, she would swear she was in her own world if it weren't for the different people here who honestly have no idea what she's talking on about.

But she spots the boy and can't help but approach him with her usual smile. With her hands behind her back, she tilts her head as she greets him.]

Hello! Are you not from this place either?

[Well, Estelle had observed him and figured out as much, but it's rude to just plain state that, right?]

[derpiest]

[compassionate? check.
not physically intimidating? check.
nice? check.

DING DING DING this is someone where alarm bells don't immediately go off. rion looks ... well, up at her, because she's still taller than he is, but he doesn't seem too panicked or alarmed. just curious.

he nods. hopefully she understands that to mean "yes, i am also not from this place". apologetically, he points to his throat, and then shakes his head.]

[compassions]

[She watches him, waiting for him to speak only to get the nod in return. Is he shy? Well, in a place like this, she can imagine why one would rather be reserved. However, when she notices him pointing towards his throat and shaking his head, she can put two and two together.

He can't speak.

At least that's what she assumes. After all, he doesn't appear to be choking.

Still to ensure she did guess right, she does ask:]

Are you... mute?

[derpiest]

[another nod. yep! you got it right. he's even smiling a little bit - she seems really nice, and it's putting him at ease, especially with how awkward he normally is around strangers.

he looks apologetic, though, like he knows it must be a pain.]

[compassions]

[She studies his face, his expression, trying to get as much as she can out of that. After all, one's facial expression can speak more than words can. She sees the smile, and can't help but smile wider herself, but she can note that apologetic look.

Like he's sorry for his condition. Like it bothers her.

Stepping closer to him, she tries to be reassuring.]

If I may ask, how do you communicate? I'm sure there must be some way, then maybe we can hold a conversation!

[derpiest]

[and he mimes writing down something on his hand. he'd much prefer to write over anything else, but he hasn't... found anything with which he can write.

he's not even going to hold out hope that she knows sign language, because that's a fool's errand 99% of the time.]

[compassions]

Writing, yes? Perhaps we'll have to find a pen and paper, then.

[Or she could patiently wait as he drew letters in the air, but somehow she felt that wouldn't be successful.]

[derpiest]

[a hopeful look at her. it would make things a lot easier... even though, as it turns out, he'll have to learn how to use a quill. but yes, it would make things a lot easier!!]