[ video ]

[commandings]

[ The video isn't actually started by Aymeric, as one might expect. Considering he's less about making waves and more about adjusting it's not too surprising that he hasn't been bugging people yet. His newfound companion decides that it's been ignored far too long and that it's time to make a scene. Enter in one friendly neighborhood popplio! Whose taking up the video feed and instantly starts showing off. Blowing bubbles to juggle on his nose, clapping happily because look at him go! He gets to see himself and show off! What a wonder! Which means the noise has gotten the attention of his owner who comes over and sits down, taking popplio into his lap. ]

You've quite the energy to spare. I thought to wear you out yet here you are, a potential fount of energy. [ he shakes his head and grabs his device ]

My apologies for the disruption. It seems that idle hands are quite the problem. Which does bring the question how does one keep themselves busy enough not to dwell upon other concerns?

Comments

[corpsacorps]

[When the video was just Popplio, Gale couldn't help but laugh and enjoy its little show. Even his Braixen, Arden, was enjoying the little Pokemon's antics.

... but then its owner came on screen, and Gale felt his heart drop into his stomach. He seemed horrified for a moment, quickly shaking his head. No, no no no.]

Seven hells! You're here now too?!

[Arden seemed a bit spooked by Gale's sudden outburst, which Gale himself might admit was a bit over dramatic, but... gods, now him? Bloody Ishgard! Even in another world, Gale can't get away from bloody Ishgard!]

[commandings]

[ The reaction gets a odd almost worried noise from popplio because not many people expect quite so dramatic a reaction to a simple message. Aymeric, at least, doesn't seem particularly bothered by it. ]

For a day or so, yes. I take it then others are in fact here. [ A brief pause ]

Is my arrival here truly so disheartening?

[corpsacorps]

[Disheartening for Gale, maybe, who just wanted to go on living in Genessia without having to think about what bullshit Ishgard was about to do next, but Estinien put a halt in that. And now Aymeric was here. Were the spirits mocking him? Gale pursed his lips.]

Only Estinien. We are the only three of Eorzea, but I'm going to just assume you have no idea who I am.

[After all, Estinien had no idea, so why would Aymeric?]

T'is simply that I never expected familiar faces here.

[Sure, the spirits could have been worse. They could have brought an Ascian or something. Aymeric was probably the lesser pain from Ishgard. They must be trying to balance him out with Estinien.]

[commandings]

[ There's a worrying thought. His brows knit together as he debates the merits of getting up to make sure that the dragoon hasn't caused collateral damage. ]

Do you believe I would forgot of mine own friends simply over a change of location? Gale, I may be offended.

[ He's far too invested in the few friendships he has to ever do that. ]

I did not suspect neither of you to be here. Failing to do so was an oversight on my part. I should have tried to contact both of you.

[corpsacorps]

[Gale could almost feel his heart stop then, his eyes widening.]

You... you recognize me? Truly?

[Of course he did, otherwise he wouldn't know his name. The wash of emotion damn nearly brought tears to Gale's eyes. He was just lamenting the appearance of Ishgardians, and the possibility that no one would ever recognize him, and now he almost wants to cry about it? Damn it, Gale, pull it together! His mouth remained agape for a moment more, before Gale slowly shook his head.]

I- forgive me. Estinien... did not recognize me. He recalls another Warrior of Light.

[Shit, now he was all confused. And Aymeric referred to him as a friend? Gale had quietly accepted his position of just being an Ishgardian asset at this point.]

This realm is... complicated. Would I be correct in the assumption that you have read what archives there about this world?

[commandings]

[ There's some things in life that are hard to know how to handle. Without being there it's difficult for him to figure out how to respond when he can't actually be there. He offers a smile, small but genuine in its intent. ]

I do. I should like to later speak with Estinien on the matter. It brings forth a number of questions.

[ He taps his chin as he goes over a few details. He'd been buried in all information he could have found within the day he'd been hiding out. Far too much to go through in a short time but he's trying. ]

I have. It is...a unique situation that it places us in. I'm afraid that I'm uncertain on how to address it yet.

[invigorates]

( Oh, what a nice thing to see after her failures in Everglade. Lioriley responds with her own video angled up, like it's set on the ground with her in front of it. In her lap is a Dewott - the two of them seem to be clapping. )

Very well done! Your Popplio is incredibly talented. ( A smile, the lines across her cheeks bright. ) As for keeping busy - I suppose that starts with finding out what you enjoy doing. Plenty to amuse oneself with here, especially as of late.

Though I suspect you have already found that out, given your companion.

[corpsacorps]

["A number of questions" was right. Gale had many of his own, but after being here a moon, he'd done his best to just bury them and roll with it. Now he just had a load of other questions, like how he should feel about Aymeric being so... friendly. Sure, he and Haurchefant were easily the friendliest of the lot that he'd met, but still. Gale couldn't help but glance away briefly.]

Should you seek him, I heard he has taken residence on a maiden's rooftop. She lamented his lack of choosing to sleep in a bed proper.

[Which saying that out loud brought a brief, faint smile to his face.]

Then you are aware of the matters regarding time? Accounts claiming that time in our homes remains frozen whilst we reside here? [He paused.] And that we may have been brought from differing stages in time?

[He can only assume that Aymeric may be ahead of him, but it needed to be acknowledged.]

[commandings]

[ Well now popplio has gotten even more encouragement to pick up this behavior more. Which is done by making and bouncing another bubble off his nose. Aymeric can't help but grin between the responses. ]

He is energetic which has been something of a blessing. [ He'd be much more beside himself with concerns otherwise. ]

Most of what I enjoy is rather mundane especially when in comparison to others. While I suspect my new friend will keep me busy to an extent I am uncertain what to do with the time between.

[commandings]

[ Somehow hearing that Estinien has taken to someones roof is the least surprising thing he's heard so far. So much so he has to keep himself from chuckling at hearing it. Somethings don't change regardless of time or space. ]

I shall endeavor to find and thank her. Assuming he has not caused any other trouble that I need send apologies for.

[ He nods, one hand idly resting on top of his pokemon's head to give him some distracting pets. It keeps him from fussing too much and popplio content and not causing trouble. ]

It is a matter that is, in truth, hard to fully accept as a plausible. Yet there is already proof- [ such as estinien and gale ] which leaves me no room to deny it. Would that it was a more comforting thought.

[invigorates]

( Dewott claps excitedly, deciding now he should be doing some tricks too. He pulls the shells off his legs to start doing cool poses with them. Hell yeah. Lioriley laughs. )

Many find enjoyment in the mundane. I count myself among them, personally. ( A small shrug. ) I can make some recommendations, if your mundane activities include things like reading and general exploration.

[commandings]

[ Popplio claps in excitement which earns him a pat on the head from Aymeric. Oh, pokemon. They're small, cute and a good distraction. ]

To have even a moment to consider mundane ways to pass the time is a rarity. If you have any recommendations for books or reading spots of interest I would happily hear of them. 'Twould be better than sitting idle all day.

[invigorates]

( They're such good boys. )

A busy man, then? Such seems to be the case for most that are brought here - so unfortunate that we are taken from our homes when we have much to do. ( Well... she doesn't really, not any more. But knowing her luck she probably had something waiting for her back home she had to deal with. )

Genessia City houses an impressive library. I have been reading the history books there, as well as a few others when I have the chance. ( A small, thoughtful hum as Dewott wraps up his display and flops back into Lioriley's lap. ) The edges of Fayren are quite nice, and quiet enough. Have you traveled there yet?

[corpsacorps]

He had a number of eyes on him upon his arrival, but I hadn't heard of any trouble, if that is of any comfort.

[Not that he expects Estinien to cause trouble, but he's still glad to report that the worst he's done is just stay on Lioriley's roof. He opened his mouth a moment but paused, before finally speaking.]

When I was spirited away, I was still on my travels with Estinien and Iceheart. [And Alphinaud, I guess.] I have yet to speak with Hraesvelgr in the Churning Mists. That ought to give you an idea of what confusion comes with this world.

[commandings]

I suspect those who know me would jest that I've no life beyond work. [ Actually he might even joke that in the right situation. Ishgard would likely fall apart if he ever truly left his post. ]

I have not the chance to do much in the way of exploring. I thank you for your suggestions. I shall endeavor to visit and find ways to keep myself from falling into the trap of boredom.

[commandings]

It is of great comfort. I fear he has a penchant for occasional outbursts.

[ He makes a quiet and thoughtful sound. He has no reason to doubt Gale after all. ]

I see. We are indeed in different spots. I recall the return from that venture...[ He recalls the effects it all set into motion. Things he would have to save to spare the pain from him. ] Have you spoken to Estinien of the last events he recalls? Or has he barricaded himself upon rooftops?

[invigorates]

Ah. Well, that does not have to be a bad thing, in some regards. ( walking a thin line there, on the merits of doing nothing but working. She knew enough people like that though. )

There are quite a few interesting things to see out in the wilds of Fayren. And should you decide to visit, I live close by. ( a beat. She laughs again. ) I suppose I should introduce myself first, though. I am Lioriley, and it is nice to meet you.

[commandings]

I prefer to believe dedication to ones duty to be beneficial. [ When his entire life is work it's easy to believe it. It keeps his stress levels down. ]

Aymeric De Borel - [ Do titles matter? He isn't sure so he's going to forego them. ] and I would be most pleased pay a visit when I am able. It may have to wait until I ascertain the location of my friend. Before he starts attempting to pick fights, ideally.

[corpsacorps]

We did not speak at length of it. But he is far beyond the time of the parlay, that I can be certain.

[And Gale never really asked about it. The only time he'd spoken with Estinien was his arrival, and getting the dragoon acquainted with the new world was the more pressing matter. ... and really, Gale isn't sure he wants to know what happens, or at least for the moment.]

Should you require assistance in acclimating to Genessia, I will answer what I can. But I have only been of this world for a moon, and there is much I do not know.

[He briefly wondered if he should offer Aymeric a place to stay, but... somehow, it didn't feel right for him to offer. Maybe it was because Gale's residence was in Nova City, or maybe it was just him struggling to wrap his head around everything. He felt odd. Yet, Aymeric knew who he was, and called him a friend...]

I've... a residence in Nova City, if you were to require a place to lay your head. [Another pause.] The city is quite... jarring for those like us, however. As I told Estinien, I would ill advise entering alone for a time.

[invigorates]

A noble stance, and one I can agree with.

( She smiles, bowing her head as best she can over the phone without looking completely stupid. To his next comment, she tilts her head quizzically. ) Might I ask whom you are looking for? Perhaps I could assist.

[commandings]

I see...

[ It gives Aymeric a sense of hope. A belief that perhaps his friend won't be rampaging around and picking fights with everyone who dares to speak in an unpleasant tone. If even that concern be waved off it would do wonders for adapting to the new world. ]

I did read briefly of Nova city. It seems...a unique sort of place. [ He can't help but nod in agreement. What little he saw to describe it left him assuming he would rather out of place. ]

If it would not be a bother I would like to visit someday in the near future. If it would be more convenient I could meet you elsewhere or at your home. You need only point me in the direction and tell me when I would not be intruding upon your time.

[commandings]

Would that more agreed. [ His life is one of people either expecting the world of him or silently worrying. ]

A fellow countryman by the name of Estinien Wyrmblood. I fear leaving him be too long will result in collateral damage.

[invigorates]

( A long pause this time. Maybe she's thinking, trying to recall if she knows anyone by that name - no, wait. She's... laughing? Yes. It's slow at first; a slight shake of her shoulders with her hand to her mouth like she's trying to contain it. Eventually, she sputters out a laugh despite her valiant attempts. Dewott looks up at her, blinking. )

Assuming Estinien is not a common name, I believe your visit might come sooner rather than later, my friend. The man you are looking for has taken residence atop my roof lately.

[corpsacorps]

[If Gale were still under the assumption that Aymeric was from Estinien's timeline, then he would have silently bitched about an Ishgardian intrusion, but now he's more confused than anything. He almost isn't sure he should see Aymeric in person. But it wouldn't do anyone any good if he tried to dodge him the entire time. He shook his head.]

There would be no intrusion. Here I needn't adhere to the whims of others. [Which was... a relief.] We can arrange a meeting now, if it please you. Unless you have other engagements.

[He tries to put on a smile, pointing towards little Popplio.]

And I wouldn't wish to bore your new companion. From Professor Teak, I presume?

[commandings]

[ She's...laughing...? Why is she laughing. He isn't sure how to respond until he hears that she's the poor soul whose claimed the rooftop as his new home. He pauses unsure of what exactly to say because he never expected to met with laughter over the matter. ]

Ah, you have both my apologies and my gratitude. I will rest better for the night knowing where he is. If it would not be a bother might I stop by in a days time?