[ 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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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. ]
no subject
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?