Written Wonderland

Novelty wasn't sure he had ever seen Lance's sails so deflated. He pitied the man and set all his thoughts on the task at hand. Novelty had the urge to laugh when Lance talked about being humble--Serio had neglected to mention that bit--but he knew better than to make this worse on Lance.

If the old woman thought humility was the direction Lance should go... then perhaps the goddess genuinely wanted something that was difficult for each of them? But how did Novelty's flowers fit into that? Maybe the old woman just wanted to make sure Lance would show deference? But she didn't even know Lance. Well, maybe Ari had given her an idea. Hmm... Deference, humility, hospitality, service... Novelty listed synonyms in his mind, trying to come up with some kind of answer.

Then, Novelty remembered what Serio said about the goddess knowing exactly what each of them were seeking. Was there some kind of fantasy Lance had that had to do with humility? Even if he did, why would he tell Novelty?

Novelty's mind also tugged in Philip's direction, but that seemed less than helpful as much more than a distraction.

Finally, Novelty said, "Maybe the old woman just wants you to prove that you're ready to serve the goddess. Or that you really want to be there. Captain Kade said the goddess will know exactly what we're seeking..." and, thinking of Philip, added, "...even before we do. So, perhaps it's less about humility and more about... worship."

It was difficult to imagine Lance worshipping anything, but if the lieutenant was really serious about going, Novelty believed that Lance would figure it out.

Lance let his superficial grin give way to a more thoughtful expression, though at points a sharpness did enter his eyes--irritation or suspicion, maybe. When he spoke, he grew more lighthearted, though.

"Rutliff also said something about worship. I guess it sounds obvious, in hindsight. Gods wanting to be worshipped, what a concept."

The lieutenant was serious when he started talking, but certainly grew more playful by the end. He'd been envious of Evan from the start, or at least since he got wind of what was really going on, and now that envy was even present in the deepest pit of his chest. Lance wasn't sure he knew what it meant to worship. He also wasn't entirely sure what he was seeking, or whether the goddess would like it. Glory, maybe, but there was something else--an insatiable curiosity, ever pulling him towards the unknown. Would that please the goddess? Lance suddenly wanted to talk to Evan again, but that felt out of reach. The captain would be returning to the goddess soon, and likely had his hands full trying to find more volunteers.

At that thought, Lance's eyes widened a little bit, excitement creeping back in.

"Well, we've got a day to figure that part out. For now, seems like maybe Rutliff could use some help recruiting volunteers, if it's just the four of us so far--assuming Moretti follows through, even. You think we should still gather by his tent at sundown? Get a headcount, I guess?"

Novelty nodded a few times as Lance spoke, understanding that Lance was going to need to chew on the matter some more.

When Lance brought Novelty's attention back to the number of volunteers at hand, Novelty frowned, uncomfortable with the idea that they might still need six more volunteers. While they did have another day, they had only acquired four today, which would mean finding more than double that tomorrow.

No, but surely there are more we don't know about. With the rumors flying all around camp, it would be impossible to get a confirmed count until they were all in one place. And, reporting to Rutliff did seem like that place.

"I would be surprised if he's gotten all the volunteers yet, but there have to be more than we're counting." Novelty had the impulse to take a walk to listen to what the word was around camp as that would surely give Novelty some leads, but it was already nearing sundown, and there would soon be a meeting that Novelty did not count on missing.

"I don't know about you, but I'm not feeling keen on the possibility of being left behind. We should definitely go to Rutliff's tent by sundown."

((OOC: I'm happy to have the two of them shoot the shit for a bit if that sounds fun. Otherwise, they could talk while walking there. I have the feeling the Novelty's going to try to keep Lance's attention regardless.))