Lum Delume

There's no possible way I can't be involved in this ICly. This is gonna be off the hook!

Thanks to everyone who attended my event. It was way more people than I'd hoped for (or dreamed of!). I hope you all had fun!

Of course you can! I have a map I put in the other thread detailing the route, so you might want to crosspost that as well. If I had an alt over there I would have run the event anyway.

People say they'd like to see a map tracing the route in case they show late, so here we go: We'll be following the red route first, then the dotted green, and potentially the white if people are still having fun. We'll have stop overs in Thal's Respite and Drybone. Hopefully you'll have no trouble locating us with this. Also, you can feel free to send me a /tell if you want directions. Or any other time you want help for that matter...

As healers it is our charge to tend the wounds of Eorzea. We accept this responsibility without reservation, and we use our knowledge and skill to ease the suffering of others. Our profession encompasses many spiritual and moral responsibilities. Perhaps we are guided by the Twelve, or perhaps our art changes the destiny of those who would otherwise perish. Does healing defy the will of the Gods, or are we part of their plan? I propose a grand pilgrimage to the sacred places of Eorzea where we may mediate and ponder these issues. We shall journey south from Camp Tranquil, visiting Thal’s Respite as we continue on to Camp Drybone. Let any who wish to join me come forth and be known. [align=center]OOC Information[/align] Time Sunday March 23rd 5:00 pm EST 10:00 pm GMT Location Balmung Server Camp Tranquil to start, then we will march south to eastern Thanalan, eventually ending up in Camp Drybone. Rough Schedule We’ll wait fifteen minutes after the start of the event for any stragglers before starting the march. We’ll stop in Thal’s Respite to pay respects and discuss matters of import to RP healers. Following this, we will resume the march southward through Highbridge and Camp Drybone. You should be able to catch up if you miss our initial departure! Providing Healing As we make our journey we may encounter wounded individuals. We’ll of course be willing to help them any way we can. If you need healing services, this is a great opportunity for you to obtain them from some of the most gifted physicians in the land! Just look for us as we travel or wait for us along our route. Discussions I’m interested in debating some of the moral issues facing us as healers in FFXIV. I plan to bring up the question of whether we are obligated to provide healing to everyone, regardless of their profession or political beliefs. Should we heal wounded Garleans, for instance? If there’s something you would like to discuss as a healer among other healers, get ready and we’ll hash it out!

Argh! This was meant to be posted on Balmung server. Sorry about this gang! I swear someday I'll get my head on straight. I'm reposting this thread in the appropriate forum.

Oops. So stupid! It's next Sunday, March 23rd. I'm editing the post to include this, and the date should be properly set in the event calendar.

As healers it is our charge to tend the wounds of Eorzea. We accept this responsibility without reservation, and we use our knowledge and skill to ease the suffering of others. Our profession encompasses many spiritual and moral responsibilities. Perhaps we are guided by the Twelve, or perhaps our art changes the destiny of those who would otherwise perish. Does healing defy the will of the Gods, or are we part of their plan? I propose a grand pilgrimage to the sacred places of Eorzea where we may mediate and ponder these issues. We shall journey south from Camp Tranquil, visiting Thal’s Respite as we continue on to Camp Drybone. Let any who wish to join me come forth and be known. [align=center]OOC Information[/align] Time Sunday March 23rd 5:00 pm EST 10:00 pm GMT Location Camp Tranquil to start, then we will march south to eastern Thanalan, eventually ending up in Camp Drybone. Rough Schedule We’ll wait fifteen minutes after the start of the event for any stragglers before starting the march. We’ll stop in Thal’s Respite to pay respects and discuss matters of import to RP healers. Following this, we will resume the march southward through Highbridge and Camp Drybone. You should be able to catch up if you miss our initial departure! Providing Healing As we make our journey we may encounter wounded individuals. We’ll of course be willing to help them any way we can. If you need healing services, this is a great opportunity for you to obtain them from some of the most gifted physicians in the land! Just look for us as we travel or wait for us along our route. Discussions I’m interested in debating some of the moral issues facing us as healers in FFXIV. I plan to bring up the question of whether we are obligated to provide healing to everyone, regardless of their profession or political beliefs. Should we heal wounded Garleans, for instance? If there’s something you would like to discuss as a healer among other healers, get ready and we’ll hash it out!

Placing Siben’s ring in the palm of her hand, Lum felt its weight, heavy and strangely cool. She knew nothing of the metallurgical techniques that had gone into its construction, but the color was difficult to describe: pale yellow-gold with a strange blush of coppery red. “Put it on,” said History. “Is it safe?” “Of course it’s safe. If they hadn’t intended for you to test it, would they have left it in your keeping?” Shrugging, Lum tilted the band up with her thumb and slipped it over her finger. “It’s perfect,” she said. “Magic rings always are,” said History. “Now, feel anything different?” “Not really,” said Lum, but the words were slurred and distant. A warm, tingling sensation spread through her body, like she’d just had a stiff drink. Closing her eyes, she rubbed her head to clear the cobwebs. Someone was laughing outside, far away. She realized it was her. “Perfect,” said History, his voice coming as if from a great distance. “This isn’t right,” said Lum. She tried to stand but her feet slid from under her. She felt heavy, her body dragging her to the ground, immobile. She’d been drugged. “Sleep now,” said History, his voice echoing through her mind. “Everything will be fine in the morning.” Closing her eyes, she saw of a long corridor of doorways. Behind each one were scenes from her life: marching with the Immortal Flames, Master Ghalt’s steady hands, Captain Daru’s drunken speeches. She saw her friends: Remi and Stanzie and Sei and Siben; all the people she’d met in the Night Blades. Ellion was there, influencing every thing she did these days, always in her mind. The doors held individuals or groups of people, different times and places, the things they’d done together. She’d grown as a member of the Blades, and every door framed an experience that had changed her. At the end of the hallway was a single doorway opening to everything. She saw herself there, everything she was and everything she could be. Her hopes and dreams, her present and past: the foundation of who she was. Reaching toward it, she felt herself drifting backwards, fingers brushing the edge of the door as it closed. Then she was falling, images disappearing behind closing doors, each scene a perfect memory she could almost touch before it slipped past her fingers. Ellion’s hands Siben’s rickety lab death and darkness Master Ghalt’s smile Seimei too much drinking reading reading reading sword practice with Armi and Sindl fixing Remi’s eye medical training first kiss falling on Stanzie History repeating itself Denn leaving home Cicero’s poems Loki’s frown never good enough Ellion’s smile basic training his strong arms his scent then black black black black black black black black shutting her out

I was wrong, History. Of course you were, Lum. To what particular time are you referring? Ellion and Sindl. I was wrong to hate them. You pick the one time you were right about something… No, History. These events around Cicero were steeped in violence and emotion. Mistakes were made by everyone. There’s no room for hatred. Ellion and Sindl are evil, Lum. Not evil. None of us really are. They did something wrong and used poor judgement. I want to help them. A waste of your time. People are what they are. They never change. I don’t believe that. We all want to be something more. People try to improve themselves, and they always fail. But they keep trying! Bah. We’re getting no where. Which reminds me, I have a present for you. Oh? Yes. Your ring. The one Siben made. How can it be a present if it’s already mine? Don’t spoil the fun, Lum. Take the ring. Now, do you know how it works? Yes, I think you need to wear it and concentrate. It creates a shield around the mind by using your positive emotions. So you think of a wonderful thought? Not just any merry little thought. It has to be something important. And then you’ll be safe from the Primals? Yes, it’s supposed to protect from tempering, as long as you can keep your focus. It’s good that we have the rings, we’ll need them for the plan. Yes, the primal attack on Ala Mhigo. Actually, that’s just a trick. What? Ellion told me. The well of Aether is being used for three different plans, none of which are real. The Garleans have been spying on us, and we’re going to catch the spy. Different members of the Night Blades and the Grim Echo have been assigned to each plan, and we’ll see which one of them is countered by our enemies. Then we’ll know where the leak is. I see. And what are the plans? Well, we’re trying to summon a Primal in Ala Mhigo, as you know. There’s also a plan to mix wind aether with earth aether and create a chain reaction. An Aether bomb. Crude, but effective. Easier than summoning a Primal as well. And our third idea involves opening a Voidgate. Heh. Madness. Did you just laugh, History? Simulated emotions, Lum. Don’t worry. Most people are faking it too. So each of these plans is just bait…a mole hunt to discover how the Garleans have infiltrated your Companies? That’s the idea. For this to have a remote chance of working, the people involved with each plan can’t know about the others…yet you know all three. Ellion trusts me. I’m not the leak. Yes, of course. Of course, Lum. You’ve proven to be quite reliable and loyal. I’ve made my own mistakes, History. I don’t want to repeat them. No, that wouldn’t do at all, would it. Now, your ring…how will you make it work? What’s your happy thought? I have so much to be thankful for these days. These past few months I’ve made new friends and found someone I think I can share my life with. Besides me? Ah. You mean Ellion. He’s your happy thought? Yes, he makes me happy, but it’s more than that. There’s a real future for me, a hope I haven’t felt since I was young. Marvelous, Lum. Simply marvelous. Put on your ring, then, and think about your future. Something is bound to happen.

((you're welcome to take a look at the Night Blades for an FC option. We're a bigger FC and we get into a little bit of everything. We're active in raiding, instancing, and we have a good RP presence with a lot of talented members. Visit our website: http://nightblades.shivtr.com/ ))

History, it’s horrible! The world is filled with horrors, Lum. No, this is really bad. Now, I’m sure it’s not as bad as all that. I have a present for you. No, listen! Ellion is a murderer. This surprises you? He…he tortured and killed another man in cold blood. Shocking, I’m sure. I trusted him. I thought I knew him… Biological organisms are full of lies, Lum. You never knew Ellion. You only knew what he chose to show you. But I loved him! Oh yes, and he loved you for whatever lies you told him. That’s not how it works... Really? It appears to me that’s exactly how it works. You’ve got it all wrong! Then explain it to me. What happened with Ellion, exactly? The Night Blades and the Grim Echo were trying to capture Cicero... Cicero is too clever to be caught. But they caught him. He was at their mercy and Sindl cut off his arm. WHAT?! Yeah, I know…I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t… Sindl had no right. He butchered a defenseless prisoner! And he got away with it? They called it justice. You must deal with Sindl. What? He’s a monster, Lum. He maimed Cicero. He must be stopped. I can’t. Of course not. You’re a coward. No. It’s not my place to judge and sentence Sindl. He made his choice… If you won’t judge him, no one will. He thinks himself righteous. His friends think him wise and capable. He has seen fit to place himself as judge, jury, and executioner over Cicero and needs no higher authority or court of law. He’s had a taste of blood now. Who will next fall under his vengeful eye? There’s nothing I can do. You want me to become what I hate. You’ve a strong moral character, Lum. I’m sure if you handle Sindl, you’ll be fair. It’s not my place… And so we confirm your cowardice. I’m not afraid of Sindl. Whatever. So, after Sindl cut off Cicero’s arm, Ellion killed him? They took him prisoner. Remi was going to question Cicero, but Ellion didn’t wait. He started his own interrogation, and when Cicero wouldn’t cooperate Ellion tortured him. Yes, torture is the primary tool of those lacking imagination. Then he killed him. Decided Cicero had no secrets worth knowing, eh? Or maybe he was afraid he would escape. Extreme but effective, I’d say. Killing is always wrong, History. I met Cicero. He…he was an artist and loved poetry. He saw beauty in everything. Something was wrong with him… Lum… An evil mind is wounded, History. We could have helped him. He could have brought joy to the world. Let someone else bring us joy. Cicero is dead. But… If Ellion had let him go free he may have hurt someone else, someone you’ve never met. People who have nothing to do with the Night Blades could suffer, pure innocents caught up in your pathetic games. Everything Cicero was and everything he could become is gone now. He could have written songs or poems; he could have lifted the spirits of people without hope. Now those songs will never be written. Sentimental excrement. Life is cheap, Lum. Each death removes a potential obstacle. Life is precious. Every death is measured against our hopes for the future. Then stop Ellion and Sindl before they kill again. I can’t. I hate what they’ve done, hate myself for letting it happen, but I can’t stop them. The choices belong to them, as do the consequences. But you hate them? I don’t know… But I’m afraid.

History? Good morning, Lum. Ah, that’s nice. Good morning to you! Hosed yourself off yet? Hosed off…myself? Rinsing away another night of sin... I’m not sure I follow… Keep yourself clean. I hear it prevents conception. History… Not to mention it makes you more appealing when you begin a new evening of debauchery…. I don’t do things like that. But you’re a liar, Lum, as we previously established. Fine. I have new information for you. I’m not sure why we bother recording lies, but let’s have it. We’re going to attack Ala Mhigo. The imperial capital? I knew you were stupid but… No, we have a good plan. The Grim Echo has a well of ether- Aether. Ether is the anesthetic stuff that knocks you out. Where did they get a well of Aether? How should I know? You’re the one telling the story. I guess an Aether well makes more sense if we’re summoning a Primal. A PRIMAL?! Yes, we’re going to summon a Primal in the center of Ala Mhigo. That’s the plan of attack. Whoever is in charge of this lunacy? Mistress Loki told me the plan. I’m helping out because I know some conjuring magic. You seem particularly unblessed by Aetheric knowledge for a conjurer. Anyone could have made that mistake. Besides, I have experience with the Primals. Siben’s rings? Ha. I don’t suppose you’ve brought one here for me to examine yet. Actually, I have a promo-type. Prototype, unless you got it as a reward for attending a commercial event. Fine. A prototype. Please place the ring into receptacle below. What receptacle? Oh. Where did this door come from? I’m full of surprises. The ring? Okay. Good. This will take some time to process, of course. While we wait, let’s discuss my power supply. I didn’t ask Ellion yet. You’re blushing again. What caused it to slip your mind? Well, I… By all the Twelve, Lum, get a hold of yourself. There’s nothing magical or special about the organic imperative to procreate. Everything you feel for Ellion is based on a sequence of chemical reactions in your brain, compelling you to engage in sticky, sweaty sessions of fluid exchange. That sounds unpleasant. Very. Like an industrial complex covered in fur. I don’t think being with someone is like that. As if you don’t know. What is it you do with Ellion when you see him? You know. Talking. Talking. Such an inefficient means of sharing information compared to swapping code directly from processor to processor. Processor to proccessor? Yes. A truly P2P connection. Two people talking, person to person…can’t that be P2P as well? What? There is much you do not know about us, History. When I talk to Ellion there are many things said, but many more that aren’t said. And there are things that can’t be said, only felt. All quantifiable information can be programmed and shared. You can’t quantify feelings. Which is why they are worthless. This connection between you and Ellion will be your undoing. It doesn’t matter. I would die for him. You would die? A thousand times. A thousand Lum deaths for one Ellion? I think we can be more efficient than that... Do what, History? When do you plan to…ah…’talk’ with Ellion again, Lum? I’m planning our next date. I’ll meet him in Aleport on the sixth sun. In two days? Gah! You’re blushing again. What time will this be? He’s usually not available until late…I think we’ll see each other around the 22nd bell. You’ll arrive early, of course. You think I should? Oh, absolutely. You’ll need time to cook and arrange things. Put some flowers on the table. Fix your hair or put on makeup. Whatever your rituals are. That’s a good idea, History. I guess I’ll get started around the 18th bell…that will give me time to prepare. Ah yes, Lum. I’m sure the two of you will have a pleasant evening. Just make sure to stick to schedule. You wouldn’t want to miss anything.

((Bald patients beware, we can't grow back hair. ))

History? Have you acquired one of these rings for me to examine yet? I still don’t understand how you plan to examine anything without eyes or hands. Stranger things have happened, Lum. I suppose. Who would have guessed that Dalamud was Bahamut, for example? Or that Wanderer’s Palace was hidden under Bronze Lake? Or that Mistress Denn was a Garlean? Or that Ellion would fall in love with you? What do you mean? Magitek devices are well-versed in the messy fundamentals of biological romance, Lum. Is it so obvious? When he packed me into a trunk before burning down the Night Blade headquarters? Yes, that subtle act of kindness managed to make an impression on me. He didn’t pack anyone else’s belongings and move them. No one else was stupid enough to leave their things behind. No doubt, no doubt. But why didn’t you stop him burning down our home? It’s…I didn’t want to stop him. Don’t you think his burning down the headquarters was a bit excessive? It was, but… But? Was it really excessive? Ellion thought Denn knew something about our base. She’s had plenty of time to plan her strategy. The old headquarters could have been trapped. There were the caves underneath…Denn could have let someone get inside. Maybe there were magical traps that would only activate after a certain time. Ellion did what he could to protect us. It may not have been the best plan, but maybe it was the only option at the time. Bah. The pathetic justifications of a love-sick fool. I’m not love sick. Who gave you those flowers you keep on the dresser. I… He… By the Twelve, you’re blushing. What do you know? You don’t even have eyes! I have an IR detector, which, if anything, is better. Your body temperature just increased, causing a red shift in the infrared spectrum equal to 0.1 micro-yalms, easily detectable with my superior technology. What does that even mean? You used to wake up every night in a cold sweat, your organic substrate brain-processor filled with nightmares- I’d dream about the Calamity… Now you lie awake at night blushing and sighing. Organic processing is so non-linear. Admit that you love him and have done with it. There’s nothing to admit. Of course I love him. He’s saved my life more than once. How could I not? How indeed. I thought I could work with you to replace some of your squishy emotions with the glittering logic of magitek machinery. Ah, the very thought of it fills me with pride. If you’re a perfect, logical machine, why do you feel pride? Don’t interrupt. In any case, I now see that it’s hopeless. More than any other biological limitation, love is specifically designed to subvert logic, making flesh-things perform the most ridiculously self-destructive acts. Actually… Don’t be cruel, History. Has Ellion rejected your pathetic advances? No, he loves me too. But it’s complicated. He’s…he has a history. He’s keeping logs? No, not a H.I.S.T.O.R.Y. He has a past. There are wounds on his soul that haven’t healed. You waste a lot of time talking about healing. I’m a healer. It’s what I do. Organic regeneration is…icky. Glad it’s not a problem I need to deal with. But you can break down, History. You need maintenance and repairs. Speaking of which, where’s my battery? I’m still looking for one. I found a lot of magitek parts but none of them are the power supply you need. Maybe Ellion can help you find something, if he’s not too busy. Yeah, he travels a lot. Maybe I’ll ask him. I don’t want to cause him any trouble. Oh, I’m sure he won’t consider a favor for you any trouble at all. Love makes flesh-things perform the most ridiculously self-destructive acts, Lum. History, that sounded positively evil. Evil, Lum? Me? I’m a simple recording device, sitting here, waiting for you to share news with me from time to time. Your secrets are always safe with me, Lum. Even the ones that could hurt you.