ツoo1☽ video ; ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴀ sᴛʀᴀɴɢᴇʀ's ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ

[ultravires]

[ The video flickers to life with a bright light shimmering around the silhouette of a man. Highlights of magenta strands came like the twilight sombre of the sun's descent and the moon's horizon. After the visual stabilizes between the intense bright and the angle of the camera his face comes into view with just a hint of shadow to his features. ]

Hullo! Hello! Might I take a moment of your time to introduce myself! I am Ardyn Lucis Caelum! It is a pleasure to meet all of you on this most anomalous circumstance. To come here and be with you all, on this world..

My my.. How strange an experience for us all to share with one another. I've only just arrived and in your favor should any of you find reason to aide me in learning what timely experiences you've all had here.

My thanks. [ beep! The video feed cuts then. ]

Comments

[protectshope]

Umm... Welcome to Genessia, Mr... Caelum?


My name is Madoka. I've been here for a few months now, so if you need any advice then I can try to help.

[ultravires]

Madoka––

Pleased to meet you! I would be honored if you share what precious knowledge you have; but, of course, I am willing to exchange for a treat? What would you have for your knowledge?

[protectshope]

Oh, there's no need to repay me. I think that sharing knowledge helps everyone. Right?

Plus, I don't know a whole lot yet. I've been learning a little bit at a time. Um... What are you curious about?

[ultravires]

Ah, indeed it does, indeed it does. Tell me about your experiences here? How would you rate them?

[protectshope]

Hmm, well... It hasn't been a bad experience? I've made a lot of new friends here and I've actually... eheh, I'm had a bit of fun. I don't know if that's okay to say, since I should be home working...

But uh. Rating...? Like on a scale of one to ten, or letter grades..?

[ultravires]

However makes sense to you! For instance, I rate this conversation with you high! Eight out of ten!

[protectshope]

Oh-- G, gosh! That's a lot of pressure, um... Well! I think... it's a nine out of ten? I'm really happy, but... I feel a tiny bit guilty for being so happy. Maybe 9.5?

[ultravires]

Oh, pressure––? Guilt? I beg your pardon, we've only met, yet I must permit myself to be honest.. you seem far too young to be troubled with the weight of guilt; though you may have responsibilities wherever it is you've come from, you also must allow yourself the responsibility to yourself as you are here... we certainly can do nothing more than adapt?

[protectshope]

Ahhh, I guess that's true! I am still pretty young... looking? It's weird.

But you're right. If I think too much about it, I'll just go in circles again and get nothing done. Sorry. It must be an old habit thing... Oh! But I'm here to help you, not me. Oops!

[ultravires]

Think nothing of it, after all, that's your conclusion––am I correct?

( video )

[alternas]

( here's someone who is decidedly NOT FOND of your little introduction, uncle! )

What... what the hell!

( video )

[ultravires]

[ Ardyn's face comes upon the feed and his brows are raised and his lips in a soft 'o' as he looks to Noctis with a delightfully bright exclaim! Oh yes, what a surprise! What a wonderful surprise! ]

My my! Had I known you would be here to grace us all with your presence I would have introduced myself a little differently. At least, to you. Noctis Lucis Caelum. [ The name is said with an almost purr. ]

[alternas]

And had I know you would be here to grace us with yours I would have made sure to greet you in person.

( that purr is met with a sneer— ) What's with that, anyway? Feeling familial all of a sudden?

[ultravires]

Oh, I would have been delighted to see you in person upon my arrival! [ His tone is light, high, thrilled! ] Ah, well, as you know––

Or perhaps I should not assume.. What is the last bit you remember from Eos? Let's start there?

[alternas]

Yeah, I bet you would...

( but he's determined not to fall into any of your webs this time, "uncle" ... probably a war he won't win with himself, given how the sight of you make his blood positively bubble! )

How about you go first.

[ultravires]

Very well. You had returned to me, after all my years of waiting, and brought me to me a most magnificent power! You were older, wiser, stronger, and someone truly worthy of the throne. Naturally you reclaimed the seat for your own and after a bit of dusting...

Well, this is a bit of imagined detailing hence forth, but no less suitable for a rightful ending to any fairy tale story; you ruled your precious world back into sunrise.

Mm?

audio;

[astralera]

Hello, Sir Lucis Caelum. I am Era Ra de Borel.

Is there anything in particular you would like to know that was not covered by the holographic message?

audio;

[ultravires]

Hello, it is so good to meet you –– Era Ra de Borel! Indeed, there is! Tell me of your experiences of this place, your favorite memories, or the worst; if either you would permit me to know!

audio;

[astralera]

Just 'Era' is fine. [ She just wanted to match his formality. ] I have passed just over two moons here and so do not have many experiences to offer. The most notable event thus far has been the prom a fortnight past.

[ultravires]

Hm. Tell me of those you come across, have they been kind to you?

[astralera]

Thus far, yes. Kindness oft begets kindness.

[ultravires]

Does it? Is this a social construct from your world? Or has it truth in this world as well?

[astralera]

It has had truth in most worlds thus far.

[ultravires]

Most worlds? How many have you visited, or is this something of data you've collected from those coming from other worlds?

[astralera]

I have been to a few.

You are taking your relocation well. Is this place preferable to your homeworld?

[ultravires]

You have been to a few? What sights you must have seen! If anyone need be the model example, I presume it would be you who has such experiences of other world travels thus far.

[astralera]

There are others here more well-traveled than I.

[ this guy is kind of sketchy, wow. ]

[ultravires]

Is that so? You've done a fine job in stimulating such curiosities! I do hope to meet them. I suspect they've wonderful experiences to share, such stories to tell.

[astralera]

My apologies. It had not been my intent - I am simply not known for speaking overly much. I imagine there are others more traveled than I who are better suited to describing their adventures.

[ultravires]

Indeed so, but none more equipped than yourself to describe your own journey.

[astralera]

Mine is not particularly interesting. What of yours, sir?

[ultravires]

Do I detect a sense of mystery in your avoidance? Well! I assure you I mean not to pry! I am just thrilled to hear it!

[astralera]

If you do not wish to give information in return simply say so. It would be preferable to you so rudely pretending my questions do not exist.

I do not mind prying questions when they are reciprocated.

[ultravires]

I find your projection fascinating. Very well, consider us even and both left quite unsatisfied.

Video

[clevermind]

Hello Ardyn. I have seen you here before.

[Her fingers brushes across her lips, a hint of uncertainty in her sweet features.] I didn't know you well however you might find people here who do. I just thought I should let you know; memories and time have a funny way of working here.

[ultravires]

Have you! My goodness, how rude of me to forget! Indeed so, a funny sort of work this has been, for me to forget a world and a beauty from such an unfamiliar world at that!

Allow me your name, nevertheless, perhaps I shall keep it longer this time.

[clevermind]

[Belle gently shakes her head.]

Don't worry. I've been told that it happens from time to time. My name is Belle. It's a pleasure to meet you again Ardyn. I just wanted to let you know in case you ran into that situation here. It appears to be common enough.

[ultravires]

I am grateful for your introduction and the news you have brought to my attention. Belle, I believe it is my pleasure to have met you and the kindness you've shown me.

Tell me of yourself?

[clevermind]

[Belle smiles shyly.]

I'm not sure what you'd be interested in knowing.

[ultravires]

Where are you from, your interests, your role here in this world or in your own? Anything you find suitable to share. Congregating on an unfamiliar world like this certainly strikes an interest for the origins of others.

[clevermind]

I'm from a small town in France. I enjoy reading and teaching.

[She smiles softly at the screen.]

Before I was here I helped take care of my father.

[ultravires]

Did you? Oh, I would much enjoy your tales of France and your lessons. What subjects do you enjoy?

[clevermind]

I teach Literature. [Her smile softens.] I love to read and I love teaching people about the books that have spoken to me over the years. Shakespeare is one of my favorites. My class is at the University in Attleton, if you ever wish to sit in and listen to one of the lessons.

[Belle thinks that everyone should have access to learning.]

France is a little harder to explain. I grew up in a small town. My father is an artist.

[ultravires]

I would so very appreciate a sit in for one of your lectures. Please, allow me the pleasure at your next presentation.

I'm pleased to know there is access to education, a university, knowledge is far more precious than gold.

[clevermind]

I will. I teach an introductory class on Thursdays. If you're interested in Shakespeare and other authors of his time I have a higher level class on Monday mornings.

[She really likes teaching and has a few other classes though she doesn't think that he'll be as interested in those.]

Yes, there are many wonderful things here. And if you need a job, I highly recommend teaching if there is a subject you enjoy.

[ultravires]

I'm interested in authors, I've never heard of Shakespeare, my dear... I believe you and I come from different worlds. Which, I must admit, is even more interesting.

Teaching.. I've never thought of it. I will consider it.

[clevermind]

Then I'd be happy to have you in my literature class on Monday. We cover a few different authors. I can also email you the book list if you'd like to take a look on your own.

[She highly recommends teaching, its very fulfilling.]

[ultravires]

My dear! I would absolutely be thrilled to accept the email! I simply cannot thank you enough for this valuable opportunity!

[clevermind]

Of course. I'll make sure to send you everything you need.

[She bows her head softly.]

If you'll excuse me. I should get to some work. I am sure we'll talk again soon.