we'll take the world back from the heart-attacked

[sageprincess]

Who: Zelda and anyone who has been investigating the cult or is interested in learning about their activities.
When: December 21
Where: The Temple of Metis
What: Zelda holds a council to discuss the cult and get everyone on the same page regarding them and other related incidents.
Warnings: Cults generally aren't pleasant things. Please mark any threads with relevant warnings.

[The message goes out two days prior.

it has come to my attention that several among our number have been pursuing their own investigations regarding the organization responsible for the forest incident and their activities. as such, i would like to propose a gathering to share and discuss our findings as well as subsequent courses of action and, if necessary, potential defensive measures to ward against future strikes against us. to this end, the temple of metis will be open to all willing to participate in this sharing of information in two days time, with formal discussion beginning after noon. as the bbs is not the most secure vector for distributing information, i would ask all recipients of this message to please pass it along to any interested parties that i myself might not be aware of. thank you for your time, zelda, princess of hyrule p.s.; chikusa, i will have a new hat for you if you extend our deal to this meeting.

In summary, come to Metis Temple in two days for an asskicking if you wanna talk shit about cultists. Tell your friends.]

[The day comes and the dumb puzzle door that usually bars outsider entry into the temple's underground complex has mercifully been left open. Luminescent crystals light the way as visitors descend a stone spiral staircase that eventually opens up to the temple's main living area. A large dining table is the central focus and many chairs surround it, including some that were clearly brought from other spaces to accommodate a large group. Some couches off to the side have also been turned away from the fireplace that banishes winter's chill in order to provide further seating for those in attendance. A beanie sits unclaimed on one of the chairs. For refreshment, a kettle of tea is available in the kitchen, as well as a plate of festive sugar cookies. Store-bought, unfortunately for those who are picky about those kinds of things, because any attempts made by the temple's current residents to cook are met with utter and complete disaster.

Speaking of festive, the entirety of the temple's interior is currently covered in glitter, tinsel, and mistletoe. Dear Amaterasu, there is so much mistletoe, and you likely aren't leaving here without finding glitter still stuck to your person hours later. Zelda would really prefer if you would not point any of this out. Minako is just very... enthusiastic about the season, that's all. Be thankful she couldn't get a tree down here.

At a certain point in time, Zelda will formally call the meeting to begin, but until then everyone is free to mix and mingle at their leisure. Just... please don't ruin her house, okay.]

_{(ooc; so this is a free-for-all meeting to discuss various aspects of the metaplot! anyone and everyone is invited; you can just say your character learned about it from word of mouth if they don't know zelda that well or at all. and if you've got any other questions, you can reach me via pm or at jamizoid!)}

Comments

[boneofsword]

[Archer does follow. He notices how hesitant Caster is with his hood and has a suspicion why he does. If Ginia feels that guilty of breaking a promise things can get problematic.]

Perhaps you should visit her. [he suggests, for now refraining from escalating the situation. If Ginia knows she stung Caster she may feel guilty for doing so and the results may be worse.]

I think it's that guy who messed up. A healthy dose of paranoia is fine, but he's seriously overdoing it.

[unlucky7]

I was going to visit her sooner.

[Who would have thought getting stabbed by a spider-lady-ayakashi loans itself poorly toward social visit deep in the forest? Ginia rubs the back of her neck, her mood smoothing out, but still uncertain.]

Caster, will you go back with me? If she knows you too, maybe it'll be easier apologizing to her.

[futhark]

Sure, I'm game for that. She liked Archer's riceballs, maybe we can convince him for a full bento experience.

[ He nudges Archer's side with his elbow, riiight under the ribs. Albeit the playfulness is a little forced here, to keep the morale up ]

We come in peace and bring gifts as an offering. [ Ha ha ha, that was supposed to be a joke. But he's serious suddenly. ] What else could we get out of her though?

[boneofsword]

[Elbow in the ribs is a daily ocurrence and can be ignored.]

Making her notice all the different opportunities is worth trying. From what Ginia said she has no idea about how things really are, and could use a friendly soul or two.

[Even if Votelli is a goddess she's been brainwashed for long enough.]

I will make a bento box for her, and you can take the dogs along.

[unlucky7]

Maybe only Regal. She's the calmest.

[Pal is a good, friendly boy, but that energy may be too much for Votelli. There's still no denying her abilities are quite powerful and could be a good liar. As much as Ginia wants to believe the best in Votelli, best to have one guard dog along.]

We're done here then?

[futhark]

That was the point of this meeting, sharing information. And it's not like you are the only one she had run into.

[ It's at least six different people now. Who knows how many others who haven't visited this meeting. ]

I think, she could use help. But I also think, she is capable of keeping herself safe. [ If she really is the one who controlled the forest as it was implied, then hell yeah, she is capable ]

Archer, you're going too? [ She doesn't know him, so it's a risk he would be considered someone scary. On the other bribing with food is good way. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer considers the idea cautiously.]

I think both of you will be enough. [he says after a moment with a light shrug.] Better to not overdo it at the beginning.

[He's aware that his usual scowl doesn't look very kind or inviting.]

[unlucky7]

We'll let you know how it goes.

[Assuming Votelli will still speak to them. It's clear Gojyo was leaving, but whether it was to cool off or warn Votelli she isn't sure. Best to plan for the worst and assume Votelli was told first.

Dammit, she should have found a way around the promise. No point dwelling on that now.]

Anything else we need to discuss or are we done?

[futhark]

[ Caster ponders on that a little. No, shouldn't bring that up around Archer. Shouldn't bring that up, unless he's absolutely sure. ]

You did the right thing. [ That's what he stresses before looking around and shrugging. ] I think it's over. But if you need me to step in somewhere I'd like to know.

[ It's their findings, their investigations, even if for some reason Archer makes a point how he is the god responsible for investigating it. He's not, these two are doing all the work ]

[boneofsword]

That will do. [Archer nods. He trusts them to do the right thing. Gojyo is the main danger to both Votelli and himself.]

I still have some facts to share. [that reminds him. He tries to catch Ginia's eyes. It haven't been easy but she did an admirable work.] Good job, Ginia.

[unlucky7]

[Their support and reassurance is always appreciated. Ginia shifts on her feet, mood settling. One moment at a time. There's a meeting ahead of them, who knows what else will happen. Maybe another fight will overshadow this one.

She gives a light smile and steps in, stealing a quick peck on the lips from both of them.]

Both of you are great. Thank you.