genessia | 003 [video]

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003 [video]

[Based on what can be viewed in the background, Lancer's recording this during a brief lull at work - those familiar with it will recognise the interior of the Everglade Sheriff's station. He looks the kind of tired that goes with long hours that are longer for him taking on whatever work he can which will encourage those in charge to grant him more responsibility, but he also looks a little done with it all.

For a former king, sitting at the lowest rung of an unfamiliar ladder is not entirely fulfilling. At least, not for this former king.]

This world brings to it many who once lived less modest lives than the one offered here. Those who are perhaps accustomed to a way of living that does not fit with the need for consistent employment and advancement.

I wonder, then, how does such an individual better themselves by the standards set for advancement, or are we expected to content ourselves with more meagre living? If we might not prove ourselves with war, how might we prove ourselves otherwise so that we might be granted a position and lifestyle more in keeping with that we are accustomed? Or is this perhaps less a matter of standing and more of era, that I am not yet versed enough in more modern societies to be able to succeed?

[His tone is somewhere between genuine question but also just venting thoughts. But the lack of war brings another thought to bear.]

Also. Outside of events such as the recent tournament, how might we best ensure that our ability to fight is not hampered by the lack of necessity to do so. Certainly, my current choice of employ helps, but it would not do to allow any of my skills to turn to rust.

[Except for one. He'd gladly strip himself of that and burn it, if he could.]

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[ D feels obliged to show up on this feed, though his video response is just simply him staring into it. ]

[And Lancer's first thought is that this must be some mistaken response, or at least it would be if not for the intensity of that stare.]

If you have something to say then I am afraid you must put it into words. Divining your thoughts through a device such as this is not as yet a skill I have mastered.

[Though given how the conversations following that sort of look tend to go, he could probably hazard a guess or two.]

Your name. Is this your true name? [ He refers to the name that comes up on the id of the post. ]

I suppose that would depend on what you mean by true name.

[Which isn't to say he doesn't get what is actually being asked.]

Certainly it is not the only name by which I am known.

[ Games. How appropriate. D returns only a stare. ]

[Aaaaaand yeah. Lancer can see where this is going. Time to head it off at the pass.]

If you have taken me for Vlad III Tepes, then you are correct. If you have drawn any other conclusion then allow me to name them as incorrect before they are spoken.

[Because he's offended enough at the implication, never mind hearing it out loud.]

There are others here with your name.. and a village on my world which shares that name as well. A small village with a small population.

Indeed there are.

[Is it possible for warmth and malice to exist in the same tone? Lancer at least manages to make a fair effort of combining the two when he responds, because there is a Tepes he has met who he has grown fond of, and one who he would gladly burn until not even his memory remained.]

And if you know of them, you are aware that this place can summon us from worlds where such similarities have arisen and have us existing here at the same time.

What is it you are truly asking?

[A potentially dangerous question but one he won't shy away from.]

[ The tone was received, though he was not entirely sure the substance of it. Disdain, perhaps. ]

To explore said similarities. Such as.. I have been told they are vampires; are you as well? [ He's quite certain he already knew the answer before asking. ]

I am not.

[It's not technically a lie if he never uses the Noble Phantasm that turns him into one.]

I am well aware of what my history has been twisted into by the historians and the fiction writers - and apparently by the histories of these other worlds. And there is nothing I would be more glad of than to see that stain upon the family name purged from existence in its entirety.

[Even if he's warmed to Augustine and Rip enough to appreciate that it's not so much vampires generally that he has a problem with as with the fact that his history has become so intertwined with that of Dracula - in fiction or as with the one here.]

I see. How strange for this world to gather such coincidences, namesakes, and creatures across the universe who have something to do with this tale.. your tale.

If you are at all implying that I had anything to do with it then I would douse that thought before it grows. Of those I am aware of who claim some connection to a branch of the Tepes lineage, most if not all were here long before I myself was summoned.

[ He wasn't implying that at all. D wonders if the other may also consider a connection nevertheless inconspicuous as it might seem. That this place draws from familiar names, stories, blood, creature, etc., for whatever reason. Like an experiment which calls for a source of subjects, similar in population.

In D's usual fashion, he says nothing. ]

[Too bad Lancer doesn't care much for the silent treatment.]

If you are not careful, your silence may incriminate you.

[ That was curious, D blinks and cocks his head before he softly inquires: ]

In what way?

In the sense that I will have no choice but to assume that you do, indeed, consider me to have played some part in all that takes place here.

I can assure you, were that true I would not be so limited in power as I currently am.

[If he had anything to do with this? Every single leyline would be his, and with them the benefits of a strengthened Noble Phantasm.]

[ D did not consider his thoughts to be of any importance to the other. Were it what he thought, anyway, what difference would it make? It changed nothing. ]

It seems unlikely.

And what of you, then?

[If he won't speak his thoughts, Lancer figures he can at least give him something. And hey, since they were questioning the names attached to these devices...]

As yet, I don't believe you have shared even that which you questioned of me.

[ D straightened his head and after a moment of contemplation he answered: ]

D.

And is that because there is no more, or because you do not divulge?

[He could get either, though given he's already shared his True Name he figures he's entitled to at least ask the question.]

[ D's expression remains the same. He has been questioned on his name before and is likely to be questioned again and again.. because of what he is there are so many, especially vampires, who connect him with who he was ]

There is no more.

Very well, then.

[It's perhaps fortunate that Lancer doesn't know that part. There are already too many Dracula alternates around here for his liking.]

[ D's silent as he reflects in thought, though his eyes are moving softly, taking in the features of this stranger. He's gathered information, though all of it was bizarrely misplaced names, stories, truths and facts that he knows to be true to something paralleled and even not so similar. The town, for instance, Tepes was not a vampire but a location. ]

[Unless he speaks up soon, D might find the communication cut off. Lancer does not mind curiosity, to a degree, but he's not a mind-reader and holds no interest in playing guessing games.]

[ His thoughts saunter to the message which brought them all there in the first place and he considers the bit that does stick out for him in the message. ]

You asked how one might prove themselves without the prospect of war to demonstrate a set of skills long prepared for the world of conflict. The answer you seek is hidden within your own voice. Should you find the words to define your meaning, outside of war.

003 [video]

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