And we're all adrift together through the cold mist, 'til we're lifeless together

[dokkalfheimr]

[The preparations hit differently this time.

Last weekend was at least an attempt at being festive, even with the light supplies they have; at being joyous, at giving people at least one nice thing to look back upon before things inevitably took a turn for the worse. And now two people are dead, and instead of trying to figure out structure placement and how best to keep everyone entertained and occupied and well-fed, the preparations now are given to much more practical purposes.

Large amounts of bottled water from the machine. Bagels and bread and muffins, light starchy things to avoid forcing anyone to keep meat or seafood down after seeing a corpse. Fruit for the sake of providing energy. Avoiding including bananas for any reason. Quietly pulling aside one of the first people she sees with any experience in the matter and asking them to help her make tea.

Once she's got one of the tables at the party zone set up and the tea is on its way to being prepared, she'll set around letting people know; the invitations are simple, written in Freyja's broad, elegant handwriting:

I think another gathering tonight would be beneficial. Not to celebrate, but to remember; perhaps more importantly, to ensure that no one is alone if they don't want to be.

Tonight is hard. There is nothing further to do but get through it.]

Comments

[jibunwo]

Well, what can you tell me about him? [Zero sounded genuinely interested, head tilting slightly in an attentive gesture.]

[sivard]

Well, not too much. He's some mythical, legendary pirate who takes ownership of the souls who die at sea.

"Davey Jones' locker" is supposedly his domain.

I really don't know how much of that applies to the real thing; I haven't spoken with the guy.

[jibunwo]

...

[He considered that in a deep thoughtful silence for a moment, stringing together several thoughts in his mind.]

If it does apply, do you think that could be part of what he stands to gain from this whole affair? The souls of the deceased.

[sivard]

[By his expression, he very much has not thought about this at all.]

Y...you're right. That would explain why he'd bother with all of this.

[jibunwo]

Do not misunderstand, I would hesitate to think that the full or only reason for his involvement. However, the likelihood that such payment is on the table can not be ignored, and if that is his desire in whole or in part, it makes the likelihood of negotiating with him that much smaller.

[sivard]

It seems an elaborate way to get souls of the dead, but he was actively participating in that... show... wasn't he?

I still think the Captain must have something on him, but the payment is more motivation to play along, isn't it?

[jibunwo]

Indeed, I am in full agreement on this assessment. His general disposition to me suggests a begrudging cooperation: blackmail would be my assumption, though how one blackmails a mythological figure is beyond me.

[sivard]

Beats me.

It must be something powerful.

[jibunwo]

Incredibly, which is just another thing to worry about on top of all the other signs the Captain has unspeakable power.

[sivard]

We've all found ourselves in an incredibly shitty situation, that's for sure.

This isn't a low-stakes situation.

[jibunwo]

I can't remember the last time I was in a situation with low stakes, if that should be any comfort to you. This is...more than a little bit complicated compared to what I am used to, but I have confidence that the Captain will ultimately lose in this conflict.

[sivard]

Good point.

It was already high-stakes before someone went and murdered someone else.