We Aren't On Arrakis Anymore

[desertpowered]

Children and teenagers aren't an uncommon sight in the Nexus, but this one is...unusual.

Paul Atreides is trying to keep a low profile, for the most part, but anyone who observes him closely will notice a level of constant observation, formality, and intelligence that doesn't quite fit his age. A strange maturity. He speaks very little, but quietly goes about listening to the PSA by Captain Rogers, processing what few rules there are, and finding the needed pamphlets to learn about this place.

Strange place, this Nexus, but it could be useful as a place to rest and an oasis of relative safety if nowhere else. And Paul is increasingly sure he'll be in need of that.

He finally grabs a breather by one of the fountains, with what looks suspiciously like a kids' meal and a squeaky toy from a Nexus restaurant beside him. He studies the pamphlet he took. So, you're supposed to ask a question as a new arrival. Coming up with questions is easy. It's a matter of picking the right one to ask. Something to invite conversation with the locals and gather information without being too revealing.

"What would you recommend to a new arrival? And is there anything else a visitor should know that isn't on these pamphlets?"

Comments

[sister_of_knowledge]

Seeing the youth's eyes light up at the mention of the library, Haralel smiled. "Apparently so, just like the strange nature of this place. I have only been there a few times and it is so large, there is no way I can explore it all in one sitting. I have never seen such a gathering of knowledge. There must be information from all the Ages there." Judging from the sparkle in her dark eyes, she too loved libraries.

The Aes Sedai moved to sit next to the boy, flicking the edge of her shawl across her lap as she settled with her bag at her feet. "Ah, the Eliksni. Large four armed creatures from another world." She turned her head to look at him. "I hear the ones living in the Wilds are dangerous, yes, but have been living under truce." Her dark brows rose at the question and nodded somberly.

"There are many creatures that live there that are dangerous. But it's not just the animals to look out for. My Warder was nearly killed by one of the plants!" She crossed her arms at the memory, repressing the shiver. "We were very new here and I was...foolish enough to investigate some of the local flora. The plant revealed itself to be of enormous size with prehensile vines and thorns big enough to kill a man." She made a face, before schooling her features into calm - not wanting to disturb the newcomer. "My Warder survived, though nearly just. We were assisted by another traveler that came by."

[desertpowered]

"Truce will do." It's better than worrying about being attacked, though it is a little disconcerting having an armed, dangerous alien species so close by. But if these Eliksni are honorable enough to keep their word there shouldn't be any trouble. "Their terms are easy enough to follow. We stay off their land and don't interfere with their operations here."

There's a stare, though not a disturbed one so much as someone who's listening to the story and taking notes. Not just on who this stranger is, what the term "Warder" means, and that she didn't come alone, though that will come up later. So, the plants can kill people too - not just through poisons, but through active predation. The Nexus is more dangerous than it looks.

"Who helped you?" Somebody it's best to be aware of, in case a reason to enter the Wilds ever comes up and a guide is needed. Paul is not defenseless by any stretch but is not about to take risks with Eliksni or carnivorous plants. He has too much of a part to play back in his world to be someone's breakfast.

[sister_of_knowledge]

"Her name is Katiri." Haralel said after a moment. "She called herself a 'Guardian' and used powers that is both familiar and not, to me." The blue skinned, glowing woman also used tools and weaponry that neither her, nor Belnan had ever seen before. "She was able to get my Warder and I to safety." Recalling something, the Aes Sedai straightened. "In fact, the Eliksni come from the same world and Age that she does. I must warn you, that one of her friends is an Eliksni scholar that sometimes lives here in the city. He came over to Katiri's for tea once when I was there. Variks told me that he is not of the same House as the Eliksni in the Wilds. He wears colors of dark green and gold, so if you see him, do not be alarmed. He will not harm you."

She felt the satisfaction of returning the favor for a friend who had helped her. Katiri seemed to be very concerned about her friend's well being so she was only too happy to spread the word that this Variks was friendly. Considering her and Belnan's reaction upon meeting the Scribe without even knowing the full story from Katiri was testimony enough that passing along this news was needed.

"Ah forgive me for rambling on and forgetting manners. What is your name?" She gestured. "I am Haralel."

[desertpowered]

"Where can I find Variks, if you know?"

These Guardians sound like some sort of protectors, or the closest thing to them that a lawless place like this has. Paul intends to try and stay beneath notice, which is better for him and for this place, but the Guardians and the Eliksni And this rogue Eliksni, Variks...he might represent a chance to learn about them safely.

Paul will go to find him one day. There are other priorities, now, but meeting Variks is on the list of things to do here.

He considers how to answer the question. He avoids giving truly identifying information in a place like this, especially to people he doesn't know well, because who knows what ears it might reach.

"I'm Paul."

[sister_of_knowledge]

Haralel shook her head. "I do not know where he lives when he is here in the Nexus." She admitted. It was the truth. She was bound by Oath to the White Tower and couldn't speak an untruth. "If you truly wish to speak to him, I would seek out the Guardian Katiri. She is seen around here regularly and well, she's very easy to spot. She has blue hair and skin of a violet shade. And she glows." She smiled a little when the youth gave her his name. Though she didn't get a chance to respond.

"I leave you for five minutes and you are already making friends?" Came a warm male voice.

Haralel huffed a soft sigh, eyeing the man that had approached. "It was closer to ten."

The man placed down the bags he was carrying in one hand, and offered a tray with a couple of drinks in foam cups. "Your mocha milady?" Haralel offered an actual smirk before taking her drink in hand. She looked over at Paul and gestured at the man who was sitting down next to her and sipping his own drink. "This is Belnan, my Warder." She looked at her companion. "Our friend here is Paul. He is new here."

"Ah...say no more. This place is as strange as anything and I've seen strange." Belnan nodded in complete understanding and good humor. He had a long featured face with high cheekbones and steel grey colored eyes that seemed to always be taking in the environment around them. His hair was long and dark with hints of auburn and woven in twin braids that were decorated with small silver bells. He had a neatly trimmed beard that framed his chin and jaw, but no mustache. It was also obvious the man was armed; and had twin swords sheathed on his back with the hilts poking up behind each shoulder. The most curious thing about him was the cloak that he wore. It appeared to shift color and trick the eye like a kind of camouflage.

"Well met, Paul." Belnan continued after another sip of his drink. "We haven't been here that long ourselves. What..a month?" He glanced at Haralel who offered a tilt of his head. "Perhaps a month and a half. Time flows strangely in this place. If it has a Wheel - it's definitely broken." The Warder concluded.