[audio] @kingofwei HERE WE GO

[pure_havoc]

[he sounds tired. They probably all do, after all of that.]

My friends...

I'm sure I don't need to state the obvious, but we are just now seeing the full extent of this disaster. If you have not yet looked to see the bluff where the lighthouse used to be, take a moment and behold. This is hardly the first time the ferry hasn't come, but everything else....well. It is a tragedy on all sides.

First, I would like those who can to check in. Who is still here, and are you all alright? Now that we have a moment to breathe, report in if you can. We must take stock of who is genuinely missing, versus those who are just too busy to use the Grandmaster's alert system.

Second, can we have reports on what is destroyed and what still stands? I have spent my energy moving torches and redirecting water around the Bonfire. It is mostly safe, as far as I can tell, but Master Rastus is missing entirely. What of the village and the downtown on the other sides of the river? How do they fare? Has anyone been able to reach the Keeper, Dr. Solis, or anyone else with the network?

[a pause, a deep breath. Rosinante, buddy, this is on you]

Now is the time we need leadership, more than any other. We can discuss and debate the options later but for the moment, I would like for all of you to trust me and allow me to take charge. Temporarily, if nothing else. I have led my kingdom through war and disaster on a similar level before, I will do everything in my power to lead us out of this and to recovery and reorder, swiftly and carefully. I have been asked by some to step up, and so I shall. If you will let me. If there are no objections, simply ask me for a direction and I will point you toward a need that your skills can meet. What we need first is to take stock of what we have and what is missing: people, supplies, and shelter. From there, we will move forward one step at a time.

If you will not have me, then feel free to say so and I will not waste my time. Meanwhile, I will be moving torches back to the Bonfire Square until I drop from fatigue.

Comments

[callada]

And she was always so careful not to tell us where to come and find her. Still, she's survived all this time, she must be still out there somewhere. A bunch of rain can't be a bigger problem for her than world eaters.

[pure_havoc]

You would think, but I feel like that isn't a safe assumption. After all, a strong man can survive twenty fraught battles and die at home cutting his finger while cooking.

[in his time that's probably more true than poetic exaggeration]

That said, I will not write her off, or anyone, so long as we still have the capability to search on foot. These tablets are not the only means of contact.

[callada]

[It's an entirely fair point, and it isn't as though he's just assuming she's fine because she always has been, but - well. It seems likely, and that she hasn't reached out for her own reasons, perhaps.]

Right. I'll be out there looking.

[pure_havoc]

Thank you. Stay in touch.

[callada]

[Honestly it's just like a couple hours later when]

Found Xayah. She was out cold in the woods. I don't think anything's broken, though. Bringing her back to The Invincible right now. If you could have someone get a bed ready, I'd appreciate it.

[pure_havoc]

[well then, proof that they have to look out for each other, if people are unconscious and can't answer the phone]

If I can't find someone to do so before you return, use my room. The door is open.