A prince's arrival [Action, Video]

[blackparagon]

[Action]

[At the entrance to the Bay, a new arrival can be seen. He is clearly from a medieval fantasy realm, as he is clad in ornate black armor. Those familiar with suits of armor will recognize it as cavalier's armor. Additionally, held tight in his right hand is a jet-black longsword covered in a faint red glow, and whenever the sword moves through the air, it leaves behind trails of energy that make it look like it has been set aflame. He wears a stern expression on his face. He does not know what is going on here, and he is being very cautious.

As he looks around, he sets off the recorded message. After the initial surprise wears off, he begins to listen intently, albeit with a bemused expression on his face.

Clearly whomever made this has had to deal with a lot of unnecessary headaches for doing so. Xander would probably chuckle if he were not in such an alien situation.

The message ends, and he begins to look at the information available in the nearby kiosk. For this, he sheathes his sword so that he is not stuck flipping through literature with just one hand. Once he has read everything to his heart's content, he leaves the area and makes his way toward the Welcoming Center to learn more about this realm.

He can be approached at any point between the Bay and the Welcoming Center, or at either one.]


[Video]

[The camera shows the new arrival. He still has a stern expression on his face, but he seems less on edge than he did shortly after arriving. Judging by the surroundings visible on camera, he has found himself in the housing for newcomers.]

So, by using this device, we can communicate with the rest of the Outrealm population here, regardless of where any of us are? This is fascinating. Whomever is responsible for creating these must know some very powerful magic.

However, that isn't what I am making this message for. Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Xander, and I am the crown prince of the kingdom of Nohr. The first matter I would like to attend to is thus: has anybody here come from the same realm as I? If the name of my homeland means anything to you, or the name "Hoshido," then I request that you contact me as soon as you are able.

The second matter I would like to inquire about is about our situation and its connection to our homes. I am already aware that there is no reliable, controlled way to return home from here. However, is there a way to check in on how our homes are doing? I'm sure it goes without saying, but I have a vested interest in what may or may not be happening in my absence. I do not want to return home and find my land in ruins.

[He then stops speaking just long enough to bow his head toward the camera.]

That is all. I thank you for your time, and I hope you will address my inquiries.

[The recording ends.]

Comments

Video

[imaginationswoes]

There are the dream docks... but it's not really like looking, it's experiencing and it's like you were never gone.

[blackparagon]

The Dream Docks? Hmm... I'm afraid that information slipped through when I was reading earlier.

Can you tell me more about them?

[imaginationswoes]

It's a little hard to describe but they put memories of your home into your head... it's just as weird as it sounds.

[It's hard to explain though it's something Airy did.]

Home doesn't move without you but it's like everything is on pause.

Action;

[innocent_royal]

[A trip to the festival was fun and all. but now it was time for her to return home. Anastasia, a young blonde girl of 13 years looked remarkably well-dressed complete with a parasol as she strolled passed the Bay.

And that was when she saw him. Her heart jumped when she saw such handsome armor, and the sword at his side complete the picture. She was a princess who deeply admired anyone willing to take up arms in defense of their home and family, and she was intensely compelled to speak to him.

Before she got close enough, she stopped. She remembers. She made this mistake with someone else before. So instead, Anastasia, who was fighting through a bout of shyness, carefully approached the armored man to ask the question that dominates her mind.]

"Excuse me, Sir... If you do not mind my asking, are you a knight?"

Re: Action;

[blackparagon]

[Xander comes to a stop when he's addressed and looks down toward the young girl. He raises his eyebrows in curiosity, but his gaze softens after he hears her question.]

Worry not. I don't mind at all.

To answer your question, the answer is, technically, no. In truth, I'm a prince. I have, however, been trained in martial techniques, from horseback riding to physical combat.

Re: Action;

[innocent_royal]

"A Prince?"

[How unexpected. She almost forgot those can exist too.]

"I've met another Princess, two Kings and some creature calling itself an Emporer, but I've never met a Prince before."

[She dips into a well rehearsed curtsy.]

"It's an honor to meet you. I am Princess Anastasia."

video;

[quietstrength]

[ with kaden's help, sakura has grown just a little more accustomed to the strange technology in her possession now. at the very least, she knows how to turn it on and watch the incoming broadcasts; diligently waiting for the moment when someone she knows from home pops up onto the screen. it's been long enough that her hopes seem to be dwindling, but then she sees him — and she never thought she would be so happy to see the crowned prince of nohr ever in her life.

she nearly drops her phone. it's not her siblings, not her retainers, or anyone else from hoshido, but he's still familiar and, honestly, he's been a pretty big help to her in the time they've properly known one another. ]

Prince Xander! You're here, too!

[blackparagon]

[The camera shakes a little bit when Sakura's reply comes through on Xander's end. It startled him.]

Princess Sakura? I could say the same of you!

[He repositions the device in his hand and holds it so his full face can be seen. His eyebrows are raised in surprise.]

Is anybody else from home here? Or are the two of us the only people taken?

[quietstrength]

Kaden is here, too. I haven't seen anyone else. [ she sounds a little dejected. ]

We arrived around the same time a week ago. If you are showing up now... maybe there are others.

[maidaein]

Hello, Xander.

The place you speak of is the dream docks.

[ The woman who answers his call has starkly silver hair, and a gaze that appears to have seen much. However, she does seem to have a gentle smile. ]

Having used it myself, it's sort of like experiencing what's happened in your absence, as if you've never left. You don't seem to actually return home, however. It's... a little complicated.

[blackparagon]

[Xander nods in return after Micaiah speaks. His own gaze is hard and unwavering, though curiosity can also be seen in his eyes.]

Yes. Another resident mentioned the Dream Docks to me, too. Would you mind elaborating on them, since you've used them? I would certainly like to learn more.

[maidaein]

[ His stare doesn't bother her; she's used to honest people being intense like that. If anything, it assures her this would be to the point if not pleasant. ]

They're the same pods you woke from. Apparently, going back to sleep in them lets you see how you've been doing back home, but as you wake up here, it's as if you never left. I've heard of others who had been in different conditions find themselves altered, but that may very well be how the system helps them to adjust.

video;

[discessum]

What a strange behavior... yet it is one most newcomers repeat. [ Almost as strange as it was to greet someone with a rude statement.

Not that Alisaie seems to be wholly aware of it. Her head is dipped low and her voice soft, as if she were speaking to herself rather than addressing him directly. At least her pointed ears are visibly on display with her hair pulled back, though her eyes remain hidden behind bangs that have grown much longer in the time she's spent here. ]

[blackparagon]

[Xander furrows his brow. He knows exactly two other people who have pointed ears -- and they also have the ability to transform into dragons. Is that what this girl is? Though the size of her ears is different -- hers are larger than either Corrin's or Kana's.]

And what, pray tell, is so strange about my behavior?

[discessum]

[ Her head jerks up suddenly at that. ] Pray forgive me my manners―or lack thereof.

[ Though her chin doesn't stay lifted for long once she sees his expression. He must bruise easily, like the petals of a Nymeia Lily. ]

Your first matter. [ Alisaie manages. ] About there possibly being others from your home world... 'tis strange to think you may not be the only one. Is it hope and if so, is it not strange to hope others were brought here against their will as well?

video;

[thorons]

[another mention of outrealms! perhaps he is also someone from a world like hers?]

Hello, Prince Xander. [she will definitely be addressing him properly.]

I understand that you are from Nohr, but what ties do you have to Hoshido?

And as far as I am aware, we can create a subarchway to a place quite like our home, but it really isn't the exact same.

[blackparagon]

[Xander ponders over how to answer Robin's question. The fact that the two kingdoms have been at war for years makes it difficult to answer without arousing problems.]

When I was brought here, I was in the midst of a campaign as part of a coalition of Nohrian and Hoshidan forces. In fact, among the Hoshidan forces was the high prince of Hoshido himself. And I am not the kind of man who would abandon his allies.

[He hopes that is a suitable answer. In addition, it's the truth.]

A...subarchway? Is it similar to the archways that supposedly connect Genessia and the other four cities?

[thorons]

I see.... I was just making sure. I felt as though you might be in conflict with the Hoshido forces, and that was why I had been asking. Now that we have settled that I can safely say that I have not seen anyone from this Hoshido side.

Similar, yes. I had opened up a subarchway to something close to my own home, Ylisse. It looks a lot like it, but it is simply a replica.

Video

[bergkatze]

Blahblahblah~!

[It's not often that a troll ventures out from under the bridge, when it does---this happens.]

Oh look at me~! I'm a Prince of some unknown stupid realm that no one cares about! Watch me wax poetry about my apparent lordship and try to state my importance well enough to be noticed by all under the guise of looking for my loyal subjects.

[A faint snicker is heard at the end once the video feed finally catches up. Poor Xander has finally come face-to-face with this intergalactic troll with the bright pink/magenta hair.]

Classy.

[blackparagon]

Excuse me?

[Xander's scowl intensifies. There's a good deal of fire in his eyes as he stares daggers at the...for now, he'll call it a "person" on the other end.]

What kind of person deems it appropriate to make baseless accusations against a complete stranger with no provocation?

[bergkatze]

Aw, you mad now?

[He laughs once he sees that the prince is glaring at him with such rancor. It's so delicious to see such hate within his eyes. Almost thrilling!]

No provocation? Ha! You really don't hear yourself over your own assumed lordliness, hrm? Patheeetic!

[Suddenly, an idea comes to Katze! A rather good one.]

Hey, Xandie, how about we trade places. You be the pauper and I'll be the princeling!

[debtpaid]

Woah, you're not kidding are you? One of the Nohrian princes?! [Color him surprised. Kaden's never really personally interacted with Xander, but he does recognize him, even without the spoken credentials.]

I didn't think Sakura was serious when she told me. [He should have, Sakura doesn't exactly go around telling lies.]

[blackparagon]

Indeed.

[Xander nods in affirmation. He recognizes Kaden on sight; after all, it's hard to forget the single kitsune that one knows.]

And you're Kaden, the kitsune who joined our cause. I'd like to thank you for your support.

[psychic_supremecy]

[Have a bored looking monster responding to the video.]

It's not magic. The devices are machines, highly sophisticated machines that operate on scientific principles.

[Magic. Hmph.] As for our connection to our homes, it is widely thought that while we are here, time stands still in our worlds. Those that have been sent back and then returned have said it was like nothing happened in their world, and their memories of this place were removed from their minds.

[blackparagon]

[Xander recoils in surprise and furrows his brow. What in the world is he looking at?]

Machines, you say...

...I'm sorry. You are...?

[He's going to need to get over that before he can have a conversation.]