[FancyCyclops]

Hunting Retrievers
10/22/342

I was well-rested for the first time in days, today.
I took my fishing rod, my icebox, and excessive amounts of bait with me as I went to Dormeho. As I fished, I came across a passionate conversation, between an aggressive girl, and a Mechanation that seems fine being dulled, later a fish-girl. At first, I eavesdropped, because I felt as if I had nothing to input. But as soon as the girl said something quite intriguing; of memory loss, I began to pay a bit more attention.

Then, with the words; "Just, being forced into something with your memories held at ransom,"
I pitched in. But mostly about the profanity. (Which the Fish-Girl later repeated.)

I might have interrupted something. But I did my best to input on the topic, as, for reasons unknown, the Mech Hunts are still happening. Long enough, and deeply rooted enough to have an obfuscating name to make it sound more benign. The Mechanation wanted to leave, because of "disturbance," but goodness knows what would happen if she did. The girl picked up on it, and responded with the appropriate question; what if she stayed, because of a possible black beast attack?

The rarely predictable nature of the attacks helped.

After more time and more self-doubt, the attack eventually happened. With the motivation to stay and a strange sort of luck in the air, everyone
readied themselves, myself and Vera included. The attack was repelled, morale was bolstered and wills were strengthened. Points were proven, the Mech made a promise, and reunions were had. (Goodness, I need a break...)

A personal reunion, on my end. Alex came up to me during all of this.

After the event passed, Alex asked about Yggdrasil, and if it was still open. It was, and I answered such. Then, he said if he wanted to catch up.
I answered yes, and we entered the bar. What I saw was Yakin and some sort of misfortune seeker. Both were getting ready for a drinking contest. It made an inappropriate backdrop, but one nonetheless for the discussion of the Black Swan. Notable was the new recruits; a teddy bear, Gowwel and another Gowwel, but with sense to do unspeakable things, as well as something else coming up; about Freya. (...Finally.)

I need to confront my shame. Hiding is not a good thing to do when I've got lives in my hands.