Above all, truth matters.

I suppose now is as good a time as any to talk about the weather. I realize that it's rather awful now, but how was it during the summer? I remember there being reports of acid rain. Has that happened recently? And what about the conditions in Dissimulo? There are - or were, at least - things growing there, yes? Has anyone attempted to transplant crops to Discedo?

If those in Dissimulo are in need of it, I can continue to provide conjured food and drink. Although I do hope everyone is making use of the fertile ground here. I doubt the scientists would've given us all of these gardening materials if they didn't intend for us to use them.

[He looks at the screen, and frowns a bit wryly.]

Actually, I suppose it's difficult to put any faith in the scientists' actions. But this opportunity has risen, nonetheless. It would be foolish to waste it, particularly if we manage to clear an underground path back to Discedo.

[He makes a move as though to finish the broadcast, then pauses.]

...two days in the middle of this month are blank in my memory. This has happened to us before - and yet, this time seems...different. I feel as though something positive happened.

[He looks thoughtful, and seems to invite your opinion if you'd like to share it. He has been acting rather more cheerful than usual...he gives a shake of his head and turns off the feed.]

If you wish to continue being fed, I will require more assistance at the soup kitchen. I have only two assistants, and there are over a hundred residents. You need not have experience to help, simply time. Or perhaps I should make it mandatory.

[...]

Luke, Amu. I intend to teach you both how to fight and defend yourselves against attackers. We will begin next week.

[There's silence for a few moments before he speaks again, his voice sharp and dangerous.]

Megumi. You may surrender yourself to me now, or you may cower in a corner while I scour the city for you. In either case, I'm certain that we'll be meeting soon.

[A little nastily; ]

Good day to you all.

[ooc: Soup Kitchen info and sign up post!]

...I'm afraid the primary school is without its headmaster again. To all of Gyatso's students - and friends - I am sorry. I know that he would have wished you all the best...and that he would have been proud of all of you for continuing to persevere in this place.

[There's a long, painful pause, and a long, painful sigh.]

That means the soup kitchen is missing one of its cooks, as well. Please consider lending a hand there if you have any experience cooking.

[He swallows hard. It's a good facade, a wall of stoicism, but there's so much pain underneath it. Rarely had he ever found a good a friend as Gyatso was, and he knew what awaited the man back home...

A little choked up, he finishes quickly.]

Good day, Discedo.

[click.]

[ooc: not feeling well because of a pulled muscle and stuff, so tags will be tomorrow. And I will do the other tags as well! Kisses.]

[Casa de Meryl, easily hackable]

If there is any need for you to go outside, you will do so with a partner. If the creature comes for the house, I will destroy it where it stands.

[/Casa de Meryl]

I understand that not all are able or willing to venture outside, with a monstrous creature on the loose. I also understand that most people need to eat regularly in order to survive; so I will be coming to each of the apartments to replenish any stores you may have. Think of it as a sort of emergency delivery service.

[There's a very small amount of snark in his voice; he's not completely happy with being reduced to a mess hall cook/delivery boy. But it's what he has to do to help people, and so he'll do it.]

I'll be around shortly.

So it is true. There are water elementals in the city now.

[Cut to a video of the port, complete with wandering creatures around the water. Meryl's far enough away so that they don't attack, or perhaps they're just not feeling aggressive today. Or he's too high level for them. Anyway, water elementals.]

But why? The presence of an elemental would indicate disruption with the elements, or perhaps a powerful mage in the area...

[...Wait. That makes it sound like he's responsible.]

Er...other than myself, that is.

[He watches them for a few moments more, then grumbles and turns the feed back to audio.]

I'll keep an eye on them. I doubt their existence signals anything good about the state of this world....hrm.


[Another moment's pause, then; ]


It will only get colder as the days pass. If anyone has need of fire magic, I am available. And for Light's sake, make sure to eat enough. There's plenty in the soup kitchen for everyone.

[The shuffle and clink of the soup kitchen can be heard in the background of Meryl's post. He's working, as usual.]

A few days ago Sorata noted that our barn had not received its usual supplies. I believe the same is true for the city in general now as well. Although it's a bit early to be sure, the canned foods have become more elusive than usual.

But before we panic, remember what resources we do have. I implore anyone who is having trouble with their food stores to come to the soup kitchen. Even if our supplies are cut off, I am still able to conjure.

Hrmm...as winter comes. [This reminds him of a puzzle of last winter's superfreeze. Still, he stays composed, almost stoic. He's confident.]

Make sure to ready yourselves for more cold weather, in addition. It snows here later in the year.

[ooc: soup kitchen info (the lists are a little out of date, I will fix that tonight xD)]

I have seldom seen such viciousness. They seemed never to tire, never to feel pain...their only goal was carnage. [he seems tired, and contemplative.]

They seemed confused by me, at one point. They could sense I wasn't their usual prey....hmm. This state of being has its advantages, at times. Although I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

In any case, I trust that anyone in need of medical attention has gotten it by now. If those creatures still exist in the forest, it may be necessary to find their lair and cut off the head of the beast, as it were. Better than waiting for them to come back into the city.

[Cada de Meryl has been fairly quiet, hasn't it? Unfortunately, your titular homeowner is going to disrupt that. Again.

Although he's not looking much like his usual self at the moment. The man who has stumbled over the communicator is barely more than a child, pale but certainly quite alive. Age has not taken its toll on his face yet, the nose has not yet been broken, and the hair is dark and silky. And he looks very confused.

He's frowning at the communicator, and then turning away. It's not something he recognizes; 3,000 years ago he had no idea what a goblin was, and therefore he cannot look at the device and note that it's similar to their technology. Without that connection, it means nothing to him.

Instead, he wanders around the room, checks the window, the door.]

Hello?

[ooc: SO YOU KNOW ALL THESE ICONS THAT ARE BLACK AND WHITE? WELL THAT IS WHAT HE ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE NOW. Only even younger - just around 18 or so. WOO.]