[network] @bluestar; Join SnowClan? [open]

[dousedflame]

Hello, everyone... I have a few things to say, that might be important to everyone here.

[She's sharing a video, so... everyone will be able to see that the speaker is a scrawny and slightly unkempt Russian blue cat, who is currently not wearing her jacket - which means that the long and deep scar running across her shoulders is plainly visible. She also has a torn ear and slightly crumpled whiskers in case there were any doubts that she's not your average pampered house cat.]

It's been almost a moon now, I think, since the idea of SnowClan came to me. Since then, the one I was hoping to be my deputy has died, and we are still waiting for him to return, but the idea has blossomed while he was away. Originally, I had planned to hide away from you Twolegs... but it's become clear to me that we have a common goal, and that is staying alive.

I intend to claim a territory in one part of the Twolegplace - I'm not sure what part yet, but it will be small by Twoleg standards. Just a few nests to move between to avoid the mind-sickness. There will be no tax for moving through SnowClan territory, and no need for guard accompaniment - not yet, at least. I only ask that you're respectful of those you meet there, and take nothing without asking me first.

Those who would like to join SnowClan are free to, as long as the existing members accept you. I only ask that you accept my leadership, and the duty to keep your clanmates safe - I will handle teaching each new member our customs, until they're comfortable to teach others. I do not want to impose on those who don't wish to be part of this; I only want to offer refuge for those who need it. Warm nests, stores of food, and clanmates who will protect you from any danger we face here.

I do have to mention, though, that Doctor House is not allowed in or near SnowClan territory. I trust that he's kind enough to respect that, but I am willing to organize a patrol to keep him out if I have to.

[Judging by her tone, no, she doesn't trust him to respect it. There's a very real threat in her voice, her tone turning icy as she speaks about him.]

Comments

[sleight_of_fate]

Yeah. It seemed to be.

I said I was from California, and you gave me my tablet back.

[He coughs. Okay, that's enough context?]

I've been wondering why, all this time. Never had the nerve to ask why, but... That's it, then? Like a guardian thing?

[fifty]

Yeah, it's like--you're my citizen. [He's never been good at explaining this, and it's even more awkward like this.] I exist 'cause of you guys.

[sleight_of_fate]

[Rhys considers for a moment, turning that over with what he knows. Simple, not simple. There's a few lines of logic he could follow, here.

And good voice is completely mellow, comfortable as he talks. Classy, he has no animosity toward America, just thoughtful curiosity.]

Feel free to tell me if I'm being rude. Are you physical where you're from? Or a spirit?

[fifty]

Physical! I look like I do here, just at home I can't die or anything. Well, not like people, die, I mean, I guess. [America's tone relaxes as Rhys's does.]

[sleight_of_fate]

Huh.

[Well, the answer is pretty clear in Rhys's mind, at least by his world's rules.

America is a Power. A deity of sorts, though not in the sense of worship and punishment. He's the spirit of a place that's developed enough power to become its own creature.

Much respect, dude.]

That...is pretty cool. In my world, that happens sometimes. Old places, places with lots of energy, they develop their own spirits, or guardians. Not all of them have the strength to become physical, but a few do.

[He grins, shaking his head.]

Definitely makes a lot of sense now. Thanks for the explanation.

[fifty]

[America has perked up considerably, given that reaction.] Awesome! Usually it's way harder to explain here. There are people like me where you're from? I knew we couldn't be the only ones out of all these universes!

[sleight_of_fate]

There's some pretty strange things where I'm from. No offense, I mean.

But there's amazing stuff, too. Everything has a spirit, if you're aware of it, and faith and belief have a lot of power. Magic is like water: it can be directed, it gathers in places, becomes rivers and wells or even lakes.

[Okay, he's rambling but it's good rambling.]

But, uh, yeah. It makes sense to me. I get it, though, I have a hard time explaining things from my world, too.

[fifty]

Don't worry about it, strange is like the least offensive thing I've been called here. [HANDWAVING IT OFF honestly even the more offensive things he doesn't really care about that much] It's really weird explaining it 'cause it's like, normal in my world? Like, every nation has someone like me, and even some places that aren't nations. It's like explaining grass!

[sleight_of_fate]

I definitely get that. I mean, magic is everywhere in my world, if you're clued into it. Some of us take it for granted. But try to explain it here, and I get some pretty strange looks.

So it's nice to talk with someone who's kinda familiar. Even if it was a kind of messed-up way to find out about it.

[There's no hostility in his voice, just gentle regret. He really would have liked to meet America under better circumstances, but it's done with.]

[fifty]

Well... [It's obvious America has some regrets, too, to put it mildly, but he's already gotten some momentum on ignoring it with Rhys's help, so he's not going to let this little bump in the road stop him.] We can just pretend I told you just 'cause you're cool.

[sleight_of_fate]

[That gets a definite grin out of him. The past has sucked, but they really can't help what the town has done to either of them, the way Rhys sees it: possession and control is a very real and awful thing in his world, and that makes it far easier for him to forgive.]

Likewise, and I appreciate it. For what it's worth, I think it's the best kind of magic...place magic, like...old woods, the ocean, that kind of stuff? That's always where I've felt the best. Felt most like home. So I think that's important stuff.

[He's getting a little weird, but he feels that sort of power pretty intensely as an empath. Sorry. At least it's a good sort of thing.]