I thought I would leave this a few days so things had a chance to get back to normal, but I have a few questions I'd like to ask. Some people have made the observation that the little- flying things, what were they, ice fairies? That their bites had unusual effects for some who were exposed to them.

I'm curious about the properties of their venom, if that's what was happening. If you experienced unusual symptoms during the last invasion, and you'd be comfortable discussing the onset, nature, and duration of your experiences, I would truly appreciate it.

[He's curious for a few reasons. First, if this was a venom, he wants to check in on these people and make sure they haven't all gone off and quietly died in their apartments (this is far too morbid to say out loud on the network. Second, if it wasn't venom, if there's enough range in the symptoms or if any of them seem magical, then it may have been a curse, and it is worth knowing if a curse can be transmitted by animal bite, even if that animal is magical. Third, if it was a curse and there are people out there who experienced it without having been bitten, then they may have a huge problem here, since Thiazi has history of infecting city dwellers. If something like last time is beginning, he wants to begin collecting data now, before everyone goes crazy and starts killing each other. Again.

None of this shows in his expression, which is all gentle-medical-professional.]

Thank you for your time.

( Maria's at the Citadel, for anyone that's familiar enough with it to recognise the location. For anyone that isn't she's hoping to push you a little into getting familiar with it )

We don't know when this will happen, that's obvious enough. We all have our groups and ours jobs, but what when the war really hits? Most of the training has been more focused to combat and those wishing to fight.

I want to focus on defense. Not everyone is going to fight - you made that choice with your group. Everyone should be able to defend themselves. To feel safer. Would you rather be able to help yourself, or wait until it could be too late for someone to help you.

( Just going for the worst case scenario here, not the expected. But if you expect the worst hopefully you can get something better. Or be shocked a little into going with her suggestion )

There are a lot of options, included weapons training and unarmed. I teach hand-to-hand combat at the Citadel and self-defense at the school. I'd rather see someone try, and take a chance at helping than not make it through because they couldn't. Think about it.

( Are you going to be able to count on the gods to revive you when it comes down to the end? )

( FILTERED | military group )

We need to get together. Knowing each other and our abilities will help us start putting together a strategy. The better we can work together now gives us a better chance when we need to work together. We have to be able to rely on each other.

... hey, uh. This is going to be a weird fucking question, but- [Ellie is scattered, sleepless. For those who have seen her as a poltiergiest the last week or so, take heart. She's alive again, even if she doesn't seem entirely herself yet.]

For the people who've died. Did you see anything weird? Or anyone? Especially a grey lady who talks about the Mother?

Because that really sounds like something one of you would have mentioned, if it happened.