DUNGEON - BELLMARE ENCLAVE (BELLMARE MOUNTAINS, PT 2)

[phantasmods]

The shadows are starting to grow very long as you crest his particular ridge - it's not night yet, but it will be soon. In the shadows of the afternoon, with a tall mountain already blocking the sun, lies a snow-covered valley that is different from the ones you've come across thus far in your investigation.

This valley is home to a town, and unlike all the settlements you've seen so far - Incendia, the Telovia mining town, and the manor - it's very much active. There are actual people in the streets, visible from above, going through their days on snow-free streets, bundled up against the cold.

Those of you who asked were told of the handful of people who didn't go into the slumber of stasis as the Fissure conditions of the world grew worse and worse, instead isolating themselves and trying to continue living their lives as they could. Now, it seems, you've found exactly such a group.

Welcome to the Bellmare Enclave, and enjoy your stay.

[[OOC: Welcome to part 2 of the dungeon! For the most part, interaction with the town's NPCs can be handwaved as described on the main information post. Worth noting are the following major things: The Bellmare Enclave isn't expecting visitors, though the people are generally friendly to the new arrivals. They don't know about the time dilation effect of their Fissure - to them, it's only been about eighteen years since the Slumber Plan was put in place and they withdrew from the world. And finally, by a similar token, they have no idea how far the Fissures outside of their own have grown - while it's not uncommon for them to find odd objects from time to time, they'll assume that the characters are just arrivals from other places within their own world, rather than outsiders, until told otherwise.]]

Comments

[founderinglight]

Why wouldn't it be?

[motherfucking_ghost]

Because it sounds dumb?

...You don't think it sounds dumb?

[founderinglight]

It might perhaps seem a little childish, but I don't give a damn. It's useful, and that outweighs any concerns I might have over seeming childish for using it.

[Ardyn isn't the only twin too old to give a damn about his image.]

[motherfucking_ghost]

You wouldn't be the one using it if we're talking about my anger issues. You'd think I wouldn't have any after ripping anger out of my head, but here we are.

[founderinglight]

...Do you think I don't get pissed off at you from time to time?

['you don't have to use it but I'm gonna']

[motherfucking_ghost]

Yeah but like...you're better about it. I figured this was for me, the one who thinks anger gradient sounds fake? But uh.

...I mean we could...develop...that. If you...really want to. For ease of communication?

[founderinglight]

I think it'd be helpful for both of us.

[motherfucking_ghost]

...Okay. After we get out of Fragment Mountain. Uh. Ardyn could help, maybe. Or maybe if we do it ourselves, we'll hate each other less?

And yes, I know I said hate, you're gonna have to just deal with the fact that I say that word casually and don't always literally mean hate the way you do.

[founderinglight]

Just as long as you know that I only ever mean it seriously.

[They have had worse talks, on the whole.]

Either is fine with me.

[motherfucking_ghost]

[Aside from catte, this is probably the best talk they've ever had.]

...Okay. This is weird. I guess this is what Ardyn wants, though? But it feels weird.

[founderinglight]

Lots of new things do.

... Even if you're only trying for him, I'm glad.

[motherfucking_ghost]

I'm sure not trying for you, that's for sure.

...I actually suggested to him we could try and start from scratch, but that'd be even dumber, really.

[founderinglight]

Could still start from a box mix rather than giving up on the concept of cake.

[...Izunia that's another one that doesn't make much sense to people outside your head.]

...That is to say, that while starting from nothing might not be possible, we can still at least try to clear the slate of what's happened so far. Bygones bygone and so forth.

[motherfucking_ghost]

...Right. Sure. We can...try that.

I'm still using my free hit someday.

[founderinglight]

I don't know why you feel the need to keep saying that.

[motherfucking_ghost]

Just in case you think I'm gonna just not someday.

[founderinglight]

I tend to assume the status of the whole thing is unchanged unless you tell me otherwise.

[motherfucking_ghost]

Okay. Good. Cuz it's not gonna change 'til I actually do the hit.

[founderinglight]

Yes, yes, it's a sword still hanging over my head.

[But he sounds a little amused, rather than dismissive.]

[motherfucking_ghost]

Oh, whatever. Have fun with your nonexistent song siblings.

[founderinglight]

I wish. I doubt I'll get more than that vision, too-brief as it is.

[Did you honestly think for a moment that Izunia would in fact deny a goofy younger brother who may or may not exist as Family.]

[motherfucking_ghost]

You get what sarcasm is, right? Like, you can detect it? You--

No, I'm not fighting about this, I'm leaving, bye.

[founderinglight]

[Bye, Church. He's not going to explain his refusal to acknowledge your sarcasm if you're leaving.

Wave.]