[ Cid has been consigned to the desert since his arrival, and before that he'd found himself landlocked in a hole in the ground. There had been days at sea when he thought he'd never want to look at fish again, but now he tries to indulge every time he finds himself in Nocwich.
And besides, the atmosphere sounds as if it'll suit Thancred just fine, if the man is much like he remembers. ]
I'm not the only one, I'd wager. You seem well at ease. [ He pats Thancred on the shoulder, though his gaze soon turns to their surroundings. Wouldn't do to get lost on the way. ]
Oh, that... I've need of some particular materials, and with everything that's going on, they've gotten more difficult to come by. I've been making inquires. [ He glances at Thancred. ] You haven't got any contacts you might recommend, have you?
[ The easy physicality that Cid treats him with doesn't feel off at all. Thancred himself is rather touchy with anyone he considers a friend, something that Urianger had to get used to over time. Even if they didn't have the backbone of their imagined time together, he doubts that this casual nature of Cid's would bother him much. He sends him a smirk as they walk. ]
I wouldn't go so far to say I'm a sailor or the like, but I have been acquainted with my share of port cities.
[ Limsa, Sharlayan, now this. To say nothing of Nott, which apparently is where he's settled for now. It's a bit different given that it's bordering a lake and not the sea, but still.
Materials, Cid says. That's rather vague, and Thancred can't speak much of any contacts until he learns more. Then again, recalling how curious Cid had been to take a look at his gunblade, along with the name he shares with a certain leader of Garlond Ironworks, he can hazard a guess. ]
What sort of materials? Metals and the like?
[ It's a shame he couldn't bring the gunblade with him, but weapons that large are not allowed in Nocwich. They'll have to wait for a Horizon visit for that. ]
A traveler, then. The difference isn't as stark as all that. [ At least, it hadn't been for Cid when he'd first started across the sea, but his memory of that time is hazy and simple. Perhaps he's painting it more generously than he ought to.
Even with how little information Cid has given him, Thancred manages a commendable guess. He still has a sharp wit and a good nose, it seems. Cid nods at him. ] Got it in one, aye. I'm after something that can hold water without corroding and withstand heat -- but it's got to be malleable enough for fine work, too.
Thought I'd start with copper, but alternatives would work just as well. Anything that isn't being eaten up by the looming shadow of this bloody war.
[ Cid gestures as he speaks, frustration only coming through in his tone near the end. The supplies are one thing -- irritating, but easily managed. It's all of the more valuable resources being poured into another senseless, petty war. He shakes his head. ] At any rate, I'm sure you didn't come around to hear the inns and outs of my shopping list. If you haven't got anyone in mind, don't trouble yourself with it.
[ Thancred can't argue Cid's point. He is a traveler, there's no denying that, and while he might not embody it to the same degree as someone like Himeka, he suspects there's a reason that he hadn't strayed far from her in that false future. Not that he wants to assume any of it to be true or accurate, but he's never been one to settle in one spot for long.
In that sense, perhaps it's to be expected that he's left the castle behind him.
When Cid describes the sort of metal that he needs, Thancred takes a moment to consider. Even if Cid tries to give him an out, he's quick to shake his head. It costs him little to share what he knows. ]
I can't say I'm a smith any more than I'm a sailor, but I do know that the people of Nocwich granted access to a special ore to the Summoned some time ago that might suit your needs. It's called braerium.
[ He doesn't know all the specifics of it, but it's something that Cid can look into.
Spotting the tavern that Cid mentioned up ahead, he picks up the pace over the cobbled road toward it. ]
It's a shame that we no longer have access to the Nether. They're quite known for their blacksmithing there.
[ Cid sighs, rubbing his chin. ] Might be worth a shot. I'll look into it.
[ He makes a mental note for himself and squares it away for later. In the end he'll likely have to make do with whatever he can get his hands on, what with this war likely to get worse before it gets any better. He flashes Thancred a wry smile at his mention of the Nether. He'd had the same thought, reading Istredd's notes. ] Can't make things too easy, can we?
[ He gets the door as they arrive at the tavern, holding it for Thancred with a cheeky little flourish. The music coming from inside is lively and cheerful, accompanied by a drunken chorus of voices that make it nearly impossible to make out the words. Soldiers and sailors, they all love a good sing along. ] At any rate, I think we're here to chat about something else. [ He nudges Thancred and nods toward the corner of the tavern. ] Get the table, would you? I'll pick up our drinks. Something tells me we'll have a hard time getting the barmaid's attention.
[ The barmaid has apparently planted herself quite firmly in another woman's lap, and Cid has no interest in trying to extricate her. Good thing he didn't pick this place for the attentive table service. ]
[ As soon as they enter the pub, Thancred is hit with a wave of nostalgia. A bunch of drunken sailors singing and carrying on like this makes him feel like he's right back in Limsa again, and he watches the carousing with a genuinely fond smile before Cid's nudge snaps him out of it. ]
Right. See you there, then.
[ He snatches up the table before anyone else can beat him to it, and then nods to Cid in thanks when he joins him with two near-to-overflowing mugs of ale in hand. ]
A sight for sore eyes.
[ He reaches out for his mug and takes a testing sip before setting it down. ]
By the way, if you do have any luck with finding the metal that you need, I am still in the market for some ammunition for my weapon. I'm happy to make any sort of deal that suits you, as well.
[ Unlike with Urianger, he doesn't expect Cid to help him out of the goodness of his heart. ]
[ Cid settles across from him, taking a swallow from his own mug. It's better quality ale than one might expect from such an establishment. That's a part of the reason that Cid has taken a liking to the place. It's clearly a local favourite, but the owner isn't particularly fussed about where the coin comes from, so long as no one makes a real nuisance of themselves.
It does feel nostalgically homey, somewhere between the Hideaway and the sailors' taverns he'd frequented in his youth. He'd had a feeling that Thancred would fit right in.
He's not surprised by the question, considering their other conversation. Normally, he wouldn't even entertain the idea, but Thancred is something of an exception, both for their long-standing friendship (of a sort) and the simple fact that his weapon already exists in this world. ]
I'm happy to split the cost of materials, sure, but if you want the ammunition itself, I'd have to take a look at what you're after. Drop it off at my solar when you have the chance, eh? [ Cid leans back, gesturing with his free hand as he speaks. ] I'm neither gunsmith nor mage, but I may be able to find a way to imitate the effect of your bullets without the use of magic...
[ He pauses, raises his eyebrows at Thancred. ] Should I be worried about the timing of this particular request? Not planning to get into trouble again already, are you?
[ Thancred realizes that not all Summoned here are comfortable with providing weapons, or even ammunition for them. However, he'd like to believe that he only uses the cartridges when the situation calls for it, like when they have a monster attack to address or the like.
Granted, Cid doesn't question him, only manages his expectations as far as what he can do. ] I'm happy to bring it by. And to be honest, if you can find a way to empower the cartridges without the use of magic, all the better. I do so hate to be reliant on others.
[ And he still would be even with Cid's help, but someone supplying him the cartridges somehow feels different than having to ask someone like Yennefer or Stephen to imbue them with aether.
At the subsequent question, Thancred offers a quick laugh in response and shakes his head. ] No, no. But they're not easy to come by, and I like the security of knowing that I have a few in the chamber, so to speak. [ He raises an eyebrow at Cid and takes a sip of the shockingly good ale. ]
That aside, I do believe there were a few things about myself and Etheirys that had you curious. By all means, ask away.
[ Cid nods. He understands that well enough, all told. While there's no shame in relying on others, it would be trifling if he had to find aid every time he needed to sharpen his sword.
He flashes Thancred a grin at that laugh. He hadn't truly expected that the man would be seeking out trouble again so soon... but one really never knows. Cid leans back in his chair, drumming his fingers against the side of his mug while he thinks. ]
Actually — here's a question for you: why not learn the necessary magics to imbue the ammunition for yourself? I'm all for avoiding a dependence on magic alone, for reasons I'm sure you know already, but those who hail from Etheirys haven't any such concerns so far as I'm aware.
[ It's true that the denizens of Etheirys need not worry about how manipulating aether will harm them or the world around them, assuming they're doing it properly and responsibly. But Thancred is a special case, and he isn't surprised that Cid's picked up on that. ]
Ah. [ He drags his mug across the table toward him and cradles it between both palms, eyeing the amber liquid within for a few moments. ] Well, that's a more specific issue. I used to be able to cast spells much like anyone else, but a certain incident and the dangerous yet necessary use of a spell scarred my internal aether, meaning that I can no longer cast magic.
[ He pauses for a moment, then glances up to Cid and shrugs. ]
It didn't bother me much, as I had plenty of skilled mages around me to make up for that particular shortcoming, and martial combat was always my preference. Granted, the Singularity has given me some abilities in spite of this, which is a strange little mystery.
[ To say nothing of how that scarring must have healed over entirely as he became a god, according to those visions of a supposed future. It makes him wonder if these magic-like abilities he's earned are only the start, which leaves him uneasy. ]
'Scarred your internal aether'? Interesting. [ Cid rubs at his chin, thoughtful. He hadn't realized that such a thing might be possible.
Himeka was nearly certain that Valisthea was related to Etheirys, and Cid is in relative agreement. They share a number of marked similarities, even despite their differences. A part of him wonders if the people of Etheirys are simply capable of channeling aether in a way that the people of Valisthea are not, some subtle physiological difference that makes it less costly for them. ] I haven't got any real proof of the idea, but I suspect that the physical changes wrought by the Singularity's magic are a part of what allows us to channel it, even if there might be some difficulty with doing so normally.
[ He hasn't seen any of these changes himself, but the dream had given him abilities that surpassed even a Dominant's, and for little cost... not to mention what he's seen of the other Summoned and their new abilities. He's tried to keep an open mind about the magics at work in this place but, in truth, it unsettles him. Whether or not that dream was a real vision of the future, the Singularity seems set on turning them into gods.
Cid shakes his head before taking another swallow of his ale. ] Himeka's told me a bit about Etheirys and how she got herself into such an adventurous life. What of yourself? It seems you've gotten your nose into no shortage of trouble, and you haven't slowed down at all.
[ He's curious about the circumstances of this spell that Thancred's mentioned, but he'll hold on to that for the moment. ]
[ It seems that they've both come to the same conclusion, then. The Singularity is physically changing them, altering them in ways that in Thancred's case has lead to the slow healing of his aether. They have some sort of proof of this compliments of that dream, but it's not a reality that he's that thrilled to acknowledge.
Still, it doesn't have to unfold the way it did in those visions. He'll remain steadfast on that point. ]
That seems a fair assumption, given what we know and the visions that the Singularity shared with us. [ He heaves out a sigh and shakes his head. ] That doesn't mean I much like the implications therein.
[ But they've circled back to more of the specifics about Thancred, and he doesn't mind sharing if Cid is truly so curious about him. Granted, it's natural to want to know more about someone who he'd mainly gotten to know through a strange, vivid dream. They can't be certain how much of that was truth and how much was embellishment.
After taking another drink, he launches into an explanation. ]
Himeka and I met when she joined the order I was a member of, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. We were dedicated to protecting the realm whilst also avoiding any direct political ties. Our leaders always believed that it was in neutrality that we would best be able to do our jobs.
[ Which isn't to say that they hadn't become caught up in politics all the same, but still, that was their stance. ]
As for how I joined said order, it was quite literally by chance. I attempted to pickpocket the wrong man — or the right one, I suppose.
[ He flashes a grin. Mayhap this won't be so shocking to Cid. ]
That's the two of us. [ Cid raises his mug a few inches and gives it a weary tap against Thancred's before he takes a drink himself. If nothing else, it's good to know that they're on the same page, even despite the potential upsides that present themselves.
There's sense in ruminating on it in the present moment, however. Without more concrete information, all they can do is speculate.
Thancred carries on, and Cid raises his eyebrows, bemused. A neutral party with that sort of power must have been a delicate balance to maintain, though perhaps the power was a part of it. ]
Your skills must have been impressive even then. [ Cid replies with a laugh. It's a bit tongue-in-cheek, but he doesn't think Thancred will mind. ] You know, 'Scions of the Seventh Dawn' rings a bit ominous. Something tells me you don't take six rest days before you get to the business of saving the world. This mentor of yours — I suppose he had something to do with the name?
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And besides, the atmosphere sounds as if it'll suit Thancred just fine, if the man is much like he remembers. ]
I'm not the only one, I'd wager. You seem well at ease. [ He pats Thancred on the shoulder, though his gaze soon turns to their surroundings. Wouldn't do to get lost on the way. ]
Oh, that... I've need of some particular materials, and with everything that's going on, they've gotten more difficult to come by. I've been making inquires. [ He glances at Thancred. ] You haven't got any contacts you might recommend, have you?
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I wouldn't go so far to say I'm a sailor or the like, but I have been acquainted with my share of port cities.
[ Limsa, Sharlayan, now this. To say nothing of Nott, which apparently is where he's settled for now. It's a bit different given that it's bordering a lake and not the sea, but still.
Materials, Cid says. That's rather vague, and Thancred can't speak much of any contacts until he learns more. Then again, recalling how curious Cid had been to take a look at his gunblade, along with the name he shares with a certain leader of Garlond Ironworks, he can hazard a guess. ]
What sort of materials? Metals and the like?
[ It's a shame he couldn't bring the gunblade with him, but weapons that large are not allowed in Nocwich. They'll have to wait for a Horizon visit for that. ]
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Even with how little information Cid has given him, Thancred manages a commendable guess. He still has a sharp wit and a good nose, it seems. Cid nods at him. ] Got it in one, aye. I'm after something that can hold water without corroding and withstand heat -- but it's got to be malleable enough for fine work, too.
Thought I'd start with copper, but alternatives would work just as well. Anything that isn't being eaten up by the looming shadow of this bloody war.
[ Cid gestures as he speaks, frustration only coming through in his tone near the end. The supplies are one thing -- irritating, but easily managed. It's all of the more valuable resources being poured into another senseless, petty war. He shakes his head. ] At any rate, I'm sure you didn't come around to hear the inns and outs of my shopping list. If you haven't got anyone in mind, don't trouble yourself with it.
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In that sense, perhaps it's to be expected that he's left the castle behind him.
When Cid describes the sort of metal that he needs, Thancred takes a moment to consider. Even if Cid tries to give him an out, he's quick to shake his head. It costs him little to share what he knows. ]
I can't say I'm a smith any more than I'm a sailor, but I do know that the people of Nocwich granted access to a special ore to the Summoned some time ago that might suit your needs. It's called braerium.
[ He doesn't know all the specifics of it, but it's something that Cid can look into.
Spotting the tavern that Cid mentioned up ahead, he picks up the pace over the cobbled road toward it. ]
It's a shame that we no longer have access to the Nether. They're quite known for their blacksmithing there.
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[ He makes a mental note for himself and squares it away for later. In the end he'll likely have to make do with whatever he can get his hands on, what with this war likely to get worse before it gets any better. He flashes Thancred a wry smile at his mention of the Nether. He'd had the same thought, reading Istredd's notes. ] Can't make things too easy, can we?
[ He gets the door as they arrive at the tavern, holding it for Thancred with a cheeky little flourish. The music coming from inside is lively and cheerful, accompanied by a drunken chorus of voices that make it nearly impossible to make out the words. Soldiers and sailors, they all love a good sing along. ] At any rate, I think we're here to chat about something else. [ He nudges Thancred and nods toward the corner of the tavern. ] Get the table, would you? I'll pick up our drinks. Something tells me we'll have a hard time getting the barmaid's attention.
[ The barmaid has apparently planted herself quite firmly in another woman's lap, and Cid has no interest in trying to extricate her. Good thing he didn't pick this place for the attentive table service. ]
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Right. See you there, then.
[ He snatches up the table before anyone else can beat him to it, and then nods to Cid in thanks when he joins him with two near-to-overflowing mugs of ale in hand. ]
A sight for sore eyes.
[ He reaches out for his mug and takes a testing sip before setting it down. ]
By the way, if you do have any luck with finding the metal that you need, I am still in the market for some ammunition for my weapon. I'm happy to make any sort of deal that suits you, as well.
[ Unlike with Urianger, he doesn't expect Cid to help him out of the goodness of his heart. ]
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It does feel nostalgically homey, somewhere between the Hideaway and the sailors' taverns he'd frequented in his youth. He'd had a feeling that Thancred would fit right in.
He's not surprised by the question, considering their other conversation. Normally, he wouldn't even entertain the idea, but Thancred is something of an exception, both for their long-standing friendship (of a sort) and the simple fact that his weapon already exists in this world. ]
I'm happy to split the cost of materials, sure, but if you want the ammunition itself, I'd have to take a look at what you're after. Drop it off at my solar when you have the chance, eh? [ Cid leans back, gesturing with his free hand as he speaks. ] I'm neither gunsmith nor mage, but I may be able to find a way to imitate the effect of your bullets without the use of magic...
[ He pauses, raises his eyebrows at Thancred. ] Should I be worried about the timing of this particular request? Not planning to get into trouble again already, are you?
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Granted, Cid doesn't question him, only manages his expectations as far as what he can do. ] I'm happy to bring it by. And to be honest, if you can find a way to empower the cartridges without the use of magic, all the better. I do so hate to be reliant on others.
[ And he still would be even with Cid's help, but someone supplying him the cartridges somehow feels different than having to ask someone like Yennefer or Stephen to imbue them with aether.
At the subsequent question, Thancred offers a quick laugh in response and shakes his head. ] No, no. But they're not easy to come by, and I like the security of knowing that I have a few in the chamber, so to speak. [ He raises an eyebrow at Cid and takes a sip of the shockingly good ale. ]
That aside, I do believe there were a few things about myself and Etheirys that had you curious. By all means, ask away.
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He flashes Thancred a grin at that laugh. He hadn't truly expected that the man would be seeking out trouble again so soon... but one really never knows. Cid leans back in his chair, drumming his fingers against the side of his mug while he thinks. ]
Actually — here's a question for you: why not learn the necessary magics to imbue the ammunition for yourself? I'm all for avoiding a dependence on magic alone, for reasons I'm sure you know already, but those who hail from Etheirys haven't any such concerns so far as I'm aware.
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Ah. [ He drags his mug across the table toward him and cradles it between both palms, eyeing the amber liquid within for a few moments. ] Well, that's a more specific issue. I used to be able to cast spells much like anyone else, but a certain incident and the dangerous yet necessary use of a spell scarred my internal aether, meaning that I can no longer cast magic.
[ He pauses for a moment, then glances up to Cid and shrugs. ]
It didn't bother me much, as I had plenty of skilled mages around me to make up for that particular shortcoming, and martial combat was always my preference. Granted, the Singularity has given me some abilities in spite of this, which is a strange little mystery.
[ To say nothing of how that scarring must have healed over entirely as he became a god, according to those visions of a supposed future. It makes him wonder if these magic-like abilities he's earned are only the start, which leaves him uneasy. ]
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Himeka was nearly certain that Valisthea was related to Etheirys, and Cid is in relative agreement. They share a number of marked similarities, even despite their differences. A part of him wonders if the people of Etheirys are simply capable of channeling aether in a way that the people of Valisthea are not, some subtle physiological difference that makes it less costly for them. ] I haven't got any real proof of the idea, but I suspect that the physical changes wrought by the Singularity's magic are a part of what allows us to channel it, even if there might be some difficulty with doing so normally.
[ He hasn't seen any of these changes himself, but the dream had given him abilities that surpassed even a Dominant's, and for little cost... not to mention what he's seen of the other Summoned and their new abilities. He's tried to keep an open mind about the magics at work in this place but, in truth, it unsettles him. Whether or not that dream was a real vision of the future, the Singularity seems set on turning them into gods.
Cid shakes his head before taking another swallow of his ale. ] Himeka's told me a bit about Etheirys and how she got herself into such an adventurous life. What of yourself? It seems you've gotten your nose into no shortage of trouble, and you haven't slowed down at all.
[ He's curious about the circumstances of this spell that Thancred's mentioned, but he'll hold on to that for the moment. ]
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Still, it doesn't have to unfold the way it did in those visions. He'll remain steadfast on that point. ]
That seems a fair assumption, given what we know and the visions that the Singularity shared with us. [ He heaves out a sigh and shakes his head. ] That doesn't mean I much like the implications therein.
[ But they've circled back to more of the specifics about Thancred, and he doesn't mind sharing if Cid is truly so curious about him. Granted, it's natural to want to know more about someone who he'd mainly gotten to know through a strange, vivid dream. They can't be certain how much of that was truth and how much was embellishment.
After taking another drink, he launches into an explanation. ]
Himeka and I met when she joined the order I was a member of, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. We were dedicated to protecting the realm whilst also avoiding any direct political ties. Our leaders always believed that it was in neutrality that we would best be able to do our jobs.
[ Which isn't to say that they hadn't become caught up in politics all the same, but still, that was their stance. ]
As for how I joined said order, it was quite literally by chance. I attempted to pickpocket the wrong man — or the right one, I suppose.
[ He flashes a grin. Mayhap this won't be so shocking to Cid. ]
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There's sense in ruminating on it in the present moment, however. Without more concrete information, all they can do is speculate.
Thancred carries on, and Cid raises his eyebrows, bemused. A neutral party with that sort of power must have been a delicate balance to maintain, though perhaps the power was a part of it. ]
Your skills must have been impressive even then. [ Cid replies with a laugh. It's a bit tongue-in-cheek, but he doesn't think Thancred will mind. ] You know, 'Scions of the Seventh Dawn' rings a bit ominous. Something tells me you don't take six rest days before you get to the business of saving the world. This mentor of yours — I suppose he had something to do with the name?