[audio] @kingofwei; open

[pure_havoc]

[there's a bit of a pause before the calm, mellifluous voice begins - he doesn't know the etiquette here. Oh well here goes.]

This is Cao Pi, styled Zihuan, Lord of Wei. I have spoken to few of you here, as of yet, but I hope you will indulge me for a moment. I feel this is important, given the extensive list of casualties in the bulletin yesterday.

Even with the guidance of the experienced residents and a valuable goal, things did not go so well. A number of problems have surfaced, exposing us for the weak and inexperienced fools we are in this land of the dead. Things must change, not the least of which is organization. I have...what you may call some experience in that realm. [dryly with a touch of sarcasm. Yo I'm an emperor in some timelines I got your organization right here] I would like to suggest to the community at large that we gather to discuss our options going forward. Not using this technology, no...I feel that seeing one another face to face goes much further toward fostering community and building trust in one another.

If I understand things right, the next ferry should arrive in a few days. I offer this idea: the day after, everyone keen on sharing ideas for how to prepare ourselves for future disasters should meet in the town hall, so as to include any newcomers. It is not, I am sorry to say, a party. This is a time to unite and share our thoughts and our skills so that we do not end up with another round of chaos like the attacks which ended the party and took so many of those who went out into the forest. Many of you are capable and strong; we cannot afford to sit around and idly muse on possible ways to protect the town and each other in private any longer. For better or worse we are a town unto ourselves, and we must work together.

Then, when the crescent moon rises on the second day of the month, let us meet in the town hall. What say you?

[he leaves the floor open to discuss his idea. If anyone texts him he'll text back but man talking at people is so much easier for a third century dude. Also, he likes to hear himself talk if this post is any indication]

Comments

[pure_havoc]

You have my deepest sympathies. That is...unfortunate.

[the quiet tone of his voice is entirely sincere. Having to find such a thing and perform the burial is never not awful.]

There have been far too many, even given the recent incidents and threats. I know some have returned but that is no guarantee, it's not something we should fall back on. I would rather prevent the loss in the first place.

[equinoctials]

[ That's what stings, the sincerity. He doesn't doubt that he means what he says, but the sympathy only hurts. ]

Spare your breath. Sympathy won't bring them back.

[ Riku struggles to maintain a balance between the light in him and his darkness, and right now, it's the latter speaking. He needs something to focus on that isn't his grief, because that's what starts a reset. Stalling, be it from infighting or mourning what can't come back. ]

I'll see what I can add to the log book.

[pure_havoc]

[don't look at him, he's pretty acquainted with the dark side. But Cao Pi is also an authority who knows talent when he sees it, like right now.]

You are right, of course. We should remember, but more than that we should move forward.

You seem capable in a number of matters. I look forward to seeing your contributions, and how they affect this town for the better.

[equinoctials]

[ He's diplomatic, Riku recognizes. Far more of a people person than Riku is, and truthfully, he's not sure what to make of the compliment. Riku feels... kind of embarrassed.

The King was good at that too, of identifying and validating the contributions of others and inspiring them to do more of the things that he found helpful. Leaders manipulate, but good leaders do so in a benign fashion for the betterment of all.

The difference between Cao Pi and the King is this: Riku and the King were friends, and he has no such illusions about this being a friendly overture. This is a man gathering resources. He can respect that. ]

Interested to see what you do with us.

[pure_havoc]

[he is indeed, but only time will tell whether any of his friendliness is sincere or merely another tool being used to sway people into action]

If all I can do is keep others alive, then that should be enough.

[equinoctials]

[ ...He doesn't skip a beat, does he? The man called himself a lord and he's starting to see that might be more than a title he's born into. He knows the right things to say. Even Riku's feeling a little convinced, if conflicted.

There's always this part of him that pessimistically expects an ulterior motive from men with power and influence, that begins on a suspicious foot with figures of authority.

He'd grown into someone who trusted less readily than Sora, and Kairi... she would've wanted this to be a place where people worked together. ]

I'll settle for returning light to this world.

[ He sounds a little cocky, as if just staying alive is the greater challenge versus addressing the core problem - the perpetual night. ]

[pure_havoc]

[an impressed little noise] You aim high. It won't be easy, but I'm starting to get the feeling you're not interested in 'easy.'

[eeeeeeexcellent]