[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=a0522d]Gilbert Summers[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/16/91/a3/1691a360c6ee2650086a5af9e7a10d74.jpg[/img][hr][b][color=sienna]Location:[/color][/b] Ville au Camp (Carnival) 
[b][color=a0522d]Skills:[/color][/b] N/A [hr][/center]

	Gilbert returned Faith's gaze and resisted the urge to facepalm. Instead, he took on a more mentor-ish stance and politely informed her in low tones, so as not to disrupt the ongoing conversation, [color=a0522d]"Then you will have to be irked for the time being, Faith. What is being discussed here is ongoing. One of us will brief you [i]later[/i]."[/color] It was quite possible that she did not know that she was speaking with something akin to a deity. If Siduri was to be believed, the closest thing to a god that she would likely ever meet, if such entities existed. It was bad enough that James offered her a [i]sandwich[/i], of all things, that he [i]pulled out of a pocket[/i] (though in his defense, she actually seemed to look at the offer favorably), but brazen forwardness of that nature was impolite even in front of more mundane guests while in conference. Gilbert's own actions earlier in the day, brash and direct in nature, had within them the motivation of the defense of his people. It was granted that he was biased. It was also granted that he was, in contrast to his general nature, rather embarrassed at the most recent of events.  

	Also a rather odd point that he noticed about himself: Gilbert felt the tiniest bit envious of Drem, upon learning that he might have the opportunity to live a whole, mortal life away from that which he used to be. Gilbert had been self-aware for longer than any of them, and he had often wondered about the totality of an actual mortal life. Gil had accepted what he was, certain that there was no altering the fabric of his existence. Learning that an actual death was possible, resulting in a true life, was even possible was a game changer. But given what was happening right now, that seemed selfish. People needed him. Paradoxes needed him. They were already half-blind without the abilities of The Glasses at their disposal. No, if offered the chance flat out, he would have to refuse. 

	The advice to start back at the beginning did resonate with him. Coming from this woman, it brought back memories of what he thought was his mortal life, millennia ago. The enigmatic voice of Siduri always seemed to find its way to him during times of epic, quest-worthy events, ever nudging but never telling outright. It actually pissed him off a little. He wasn't a child. This wasn't even his first lifetime. And the benefits of wisdom gained from his exceptionally long life aided him in his many adventures. This wasn't supposed to be about realizing himself and his ability to effect change in the world, nor was this supposed to be a "power and responsibility" talk. He knew about that. He had those talks with other people. But if Siduri spoke in the manner that she did, there was likely a reason for it. Gio took her words to mean the beginning of the Destruere problem in total. Gilbert didn't believe that it was the answer, though he could very well be wrong. Besides, how does one see where it started when the entities themselves have the ability to innately jump timelines? There would have to be knowledge present that he did not think they possessed. 

	Instead, Gilbert gave thoughts to Eve. When did [i]she[/i] begin acting oddly? When did The Dice begin to lose herself? Where was the beginning of her end? If he could save her, he would. Without Evelina, they were much the worse for it. [color=a0522d]"It is a path to take, Giosue."[/color] Gil began diplomatically, giving credit to the idea despite his initial doubt. [color=a0522d]"It might bear fruit, it we know where to look for that beginning. For me, I would take the path that leads to Evelina. Starting with the last training session she took our latest group of Paradoxes upon, as myself and Andromeda were preparing to do prior to the arrival of our guests. If that yields nothing, we try another of her pivotal events."[/color] 



[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=cd5c5c]James Grady[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/110f59a7-f09e-40d4-b96a-9754fb285add.jpg[/img][hr][b][color=indianred]Location:[/color][/b] Ville au Camp (Carnival)
[b][color=cd5c5c]Skills:[/color][/b] Court Etiquette [hr][/center]

	James was still caught up in the thrall of being very quiet and listening to those around him. As much as he had learned and grown in his time as a Paradox, he knew full well that he was in the presence of some heavy, heavy stuff to which he had very little to contribute. He did break his silence for a second or two when the uber-albino demigoddess gave Andromeda what he assumed was a kudo, giving her a little elbow nudge and a quiet, [color=cd5c5c]"Hmm, check out the big brain on Andy! You go, girl."[/color]  

	He did note the rise in tension after the arrival of Faith an the short detour that the conversation took as a result. It was not the most positive influence on what he observed was, until a few minutes ago, undecided morale. James was not a formal man. If only these people knew the exact [i]lack[/i] of formality to which he was accustomed in his previous life, they would be absolutely amazed at what he had learned during his tenure as a Paradox. Most of this learning came from a fellow Paradox, the darkly intense Belladonna. The lady hammered much into his skull in the form of language, diplomacy, close fighting, and most importantly, [i]etiquette[/i] of days long past. It was exactly this that he decided needed to be flexed, hopefully to save the situation from getting any more tense and cover for the unintended mistake of his associate, Faith. 

	James cleared his throat and stepped forward the moment that there was a break in conversation long enough to speak without interrupting anyone. He removed his hat and bandanna from his head and bowed it slightly, making eye contact with Siduri and returning his gaze lower, as a subordinate might in another era. [color=cd5c5c]"Lady Siduri, honored guests of the Destrehan Plantation,"[/color] he began, his accent still present but reserved to properly enunciate every syllable he intended to speak, [color=cd5c5c]"I speak on behalf of my friend and sister Paradox, Miss Masters, who was not privy of the first part of our talk, as well as to illuminate the grievous breach in etiquette we all stand within right now. I apologize. We have been neglectful in showing you and your entourage proper respect on this day."[/color] 

	Keeping his gaze lowered and head bare, he calmly continued. [color=cd5c5c]"If it pleases the Lady, there is still some light in the sky. I would humbly suggest that we take our meeting into the Main House, where you can sit comfortably away from the sun. I further offer my service to get us all refreshment, understanding that it will likely not be up to the standards that you deserve."[/color] 

	He took a knee and finished with a trace more of his south Georgia flair, [color=cd5c5c]"I'm at yo' service, ma'am."[/color] Inwardly, James was pleased with himself. Also inwardly, James felt like his soul had been temporary hijacked by Shakespeare.