driftfleet | i've a feeling we're not in ul'dah anymore.

Entry tags:

i've a feeling we're not in ul'dah anymore.

Who: Alphinaud and you!
Broadcast: Yes
Action: SS Goldstone, Lyuku
When: Anytime between 9/9 and 9/16

[action; ss goldstone]

[Alphinaud is nothing if not an intrepid adventurer. Dusting the confetti from his shoulders, he immediately goes to explore the length and breadth of the ship. If it's private quarters then he won't peek inside, but everything else is fair game. He wants to really, really understand what's happened to him-- and the only way to do that is with his own eyes.

He can be found on the bridge trying to make sense of the magitek (but not touching anything just yet), nosing around the lab and poking around the cabinets, or trying to /soothe the microwave.

Of note: he is four and a half feet tall and possessing very large pointed ears, as well as a large book at his side.]

[video]

[A boy of about sixteen with a very posh accent decides to invest in finally using the communicator. The background is very colorful, to say the least; he's standing in an alley near a very noisy bazaar.]

Assuming this fabled contraption works... greetings all. My name is Alphinaud. Having been apprised of the current situation, I cannot say I enjoy it any more than one could enjoy a kidnapping, dancing and parties notwithstanding.

Something is making me very uneasy about this place and I cannot fathom the precise reason. I am not one to ignore my instincts, however. I read back and saw a mention of something coming, perhaps, though what that thing is has yet to be elaborated on.

A clearer explanation of the issue would be appreciated. No need to be concise, here; I am of a mind to take notes.

And if by chance any of you have heard tell of a realm called Eorzea, I pray you do not remain silent.

[action - lyuku]

A.
[He's a little overwhelmed, sure, and he's far from home without resources or anyone else to depend on. But he knows his weaknesses... He knows he tends to depend on the Warrior of Light a little too much. So Alphinaud steels himself and he rolls up his sleeves, determined to do a little menial labor if it will earn his keep.

To the surprise of no one, he's especially good at math. The calculations required to map the stars and predict their movements are somewhat familiar to him, having been raised in Sharlayan in the Studium. He's not prone to fortune telling, though, so he runs various errands as an astronomer's assistant at the observatory. Sometimes he's carrying huge maps that are as big as he is and rolled up like proclamations, but a few times he's running a sweet coffee beverage instead.]

B.
[Armed with a little more coin and a lot of pent-up energy, Alphinaud takes to hiking up the thousand steps of Yanti Rock. It's a beautiful view-- breathtaking, really-- and he almost goes for his sketchbook. But he's also exhausted, panting and half-keeled over with his hands on his knees. Other tourists may be enjoying the view too. He is ruining it with noise.]

I-- [huff huff] -- I only counted six hundred and thirty seven steps, but that is -- [phew] -- quite enough, I think. Vertical steps are not steps at all but ladders, and-- t'would be fair for them to learn it... a few times... in this heat...

[He is having Regrets.]

C.
[Accost him while he's looking at funky glowing tarot cards or any other manner of things. Pick a dialogue option that'll have him embarrassed to talk to you. The choice is yours.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Yanti rock was quickly becoming one of Rose's favorite places on Lyuku. Even with all the tourists, the site retained an aura of calm, and that's to say nothing of the gorgeous view.]

[A gorgeous view that's made all the better by the sight of a familiar face.]

Alphinaud, is that you?

[She lets a small smile slip as she walks over. Not three days ago, Rose was skeptical she'd see anyone from home again, and yet here she is. It's not happiness, necessarily, but this does help her feel a little more comfortable.]

[Not so comfortable she isn't going to poke light fun, of course.]

It looks like you waged quite the battle with those stairs. It's a pity Estinien wasn't here to see it, I'm sure he would be proud.

[She had to take a full hour rest before she could enjoy the view because she was too tired after climbing, but details.]

[Alphinaud straightens almost immediately, not used to being recognized on the street (unless there's danger involved). His blue eyes widen with something like alarm, though he tries to school it into something calmer; he still doesn't know who this woman is or how, exactly, she is able to be on a casual first-name basis with Estinien of all people.

But how would she know he and Estinien were close unless she were privy to certain information only known to the Scions?

He searches her eyes but he doesn't find anything that would suggest she is lying or out to hurt him specifically. Which leaves the question of her identity.]

Ah... I beg your pardon, but have we met...?

[He has the face of every single Scion and fallen Crystal Brave engraved upon his soul by now, and a redheaded mi'qote with that smile was not among them.]

Edited 2017-09-13 04:14 (UTC)

[Rose catches that look of alarm, and it throws her off-guard. True, there are still a lot of things that she doesn't know about their situation, but everyone had led her to believe that people arrived here with their memories in tact.]

[Unless...]

Really, Alphinaud, after everything, this is when you decide to develop a sense of humor? It's unlike you.

[If anything, it's a long-shot, but it's also the only explanation that makes sense. She arrived here with all of her memories, and she'd met several others who had friends from their home worlds, so what's the problem?]

[He has all the memories he needs, thank you. The fact that this woman is speaking to him so casually makes him severely curious, concerned, and embarrassed all at once.]

I-- I am not acting in jest, [he says, cursing silently at his quivering voice. He is trying to be calm and clear and professional and his voice gives him away like he's a quaking little boy set alone in Eorzea again.]

I do not recall your face among the Scions or even the Crystal Braves. [And there are no miqo'te among the Ishgardian knights.] Mayhap I lost my mind when I was taken here; I would not put it past them, considering the thing now residing in my neck.

I must ask who you are and your exact allegiance. Pray do not deceive me-- I will not hesitate to bear arms against one who would take my life. [He is trying to be very brave here, but his fingertips on his grimoire are unsure. He's not inclined to violence but he'll defend himself if necessary.

Something tells him that this isn't some rogue agent that followed him from Eorzea, though. There's some bigger picture he's not seeing yet.]

Take your life? What are you saying?

[For the first time since she's been here, the concern on her face is actually showing. After everything with the Crystal Braves, after fleeing together for Ishgard, she would be the last one to hurt him.]

[It doesn't make sense, until her vision starts to blur and she gets an all too familiar headache. Of course, the echo. Why would she get a break here?]

[The visions that play are familiar, but with one key difference. Rose isn't in them. Although she can remember everything that happened, she's been replaced by a familiar (and not very welcome, if she's being honest) face.]

[The pieces start to fall into place, and she turns away from Alphinaud. Of course things wouldn't be this easy, why should she expect as much.]

I apologize, I mistook you for someone else.

[Her expression doesn't seem like she was lying, which only makes Alphinaud feel worse. And more confused. He's worried, for an instant, that he might actually make this woman cry-- a woman who, for all standards and purposes, is the only other person from his world. (He can hear Krile in the back of his head telling him wow, what a way you have with the womanfolk!)

Something in the miqo'te's eyes goes hazy, though, and it looks... terribly familiar. He's seen the Warrior of Light deal with the Echo for a long time now, and Krile too.

He tugs his fur coat tighter around himself as Tataru shivers beneath her own. The looming figure of the Warrior of Light can only shelter them so much as they traipse through the neverending bitter snow. He bites his bottom lip and trudges on. He can't afford to stop now.

•

The twins raise their grimoires, summoning a powerful spell that holds the dread wyrm in place for just a few moments. They urge their steadfast friend to kill Bahamut's shade and end the cycle once and for all.

•

The gentle flicker of a fire, Alphinaud nodding off over his knees. The firewood was almost too wet to burn but it was the first time he'd been sent to get it, and at least Ysayle's stew was good. Everything was a fight for survival out here and their journey was no different, but times like this, he almost felt...]

Miss, are you--

[He steps forward, reaching out hesitantly as if to help, but his hand falls short. He isn't sure touching someone with the Echo is a very good idea. She's already overstimulated, he could only make it worse.]

Just now it looked as if you possessed the Echo. [He tries again, gentler this time, and decides not to call her out on her lie.] I do not understand, but surely if we talk about it, we can find an answer to all this.

Edited 2017-09-19 06:34 (UTC)

[There's a part of her that wants to run away, and forget that any of this is happening. But logistically she knows that won't work; regardless of whether Alphinaud remembered her or not, they were going to be stuck in the Fleet together, and she knows him too well to think that he'll just forget something like this.]

[The echo hits again and it hits like a cart, but once she has a moment to regain herself, she turns to face Alphinaud.]

Yes, it's a lovely gift, isn't it? [And her tone conveys exactly what she really thinks of it.]

I don't fully understand either, but I have a theory. A theory that sounds too ridiculous to be true.

[He bites his bottom lip for a moment. Her sharp tone is to be expected after the pain and disorientation the Echo brings. But he keeps himself from touching her... even though his instinct is to help any way possible. She might flinch, or worse. It's very unbecoming to do that to a stranger.]

Do you mean to propose that our worlds are near parallel? I do not find it beyond reason that our worlds would have different Warriors of Light, considering the shadows they cast on the world before.

[He isn't entirely sure that she's the Warrior of Light, but her Echo and the way she reacted to him all but confirms it.]

[Of course, this is what she gets for underestimating Alphinaud. If anybody were to believe it, he would be the first, and Rose shouldn't be surprised that he came to the same answer.]

[She turns to face him again, crossing her arms.]

That's the only explanation I can think of that makes sense. [Thirteen reflections, thirteen Warriors of Light.]

It's not beyond reason, it's true. I've met a Warrior of Light from another world, one remarkably similar to yours, in fact. [And here comes the uncomfortable part. There's a small part of her that's still a little shaken from the experience, regardless of how it resolved in the end.]

[The simplest explanation is sometimes the right one. He'd be ignorant to turn down the notion.

She mentions meeting another Warrior of Light, and he has a similar sinking feeling. This is, of course, what he was basing the theory on.]

Did he have a merry band of friends in the employ of the Ascians?

[What they did goes far beyond the pale. They are not allies, but he pities them. It was not their fault that the light fell out of balance... but what they did afterward, seeking to sow chaos in other worlds by taking lives...? That cannot be forgiven.

(And anyway, he cannot forgive someone who nearly killed his sister.)]

Edited 2017-10-02 06:35 (UTC)

They came to your world too, did they?

[That admittedly complicates things a little, but Rose is relieved to hear that the Warrior he'd been travelling with wasn't the one she'd met, even if she can't exactly place why.]

Nevertheless, it looks like we've found our answer, as complicated as it may seem. Do you have any plans from here?

So it seems. How many times have they tried to kill us, I wonder? Yet perhaps it is better that I never find out.

[He pauses a moment to ponder her question, curling his fingers beneath his chin. Always a quick wit, he arrives at his answer within seconds-- as if he'd decided it from the start. That's not too far off the mark.]

Considering the stark absence of anyone else from Eorzea, I would think it obvious. I would like to know more of your memories, to see what lines up and what does not. And more importantly--

[He meets her eyes with his blue ones, full of curiosity and barely-masked concern.]

I wish to know more about you, if... you will have me. I may not be the Alphinaud you journeyed with, but if his heart is anything like mine, he would support you-- memories or none. There are often many paths to the same destination, and I believe friends can be friends whether we recognize them or not.

[He hesitates, then, his confidence faltering just enough to let that sadness peek through.]

But... only if you are amenable. I will not force myself on you, and you need not worry overmuch; I can handle myself. [Probably.]

Edited 2017-10-03 02:27 (UTC)

[Rose can't help but crack a small smile, despite the flurry of emotions. This is definitely Alphinaud, even if it's not her Alphinaud. Earnesty always was his strong suit.]

This definitely isn't what I expected, but I agree. As odd as this place is, working together is our best option. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a few questions about your memories, too.

[Also, she's not sure that he can handle himself. She's almost positive that he can't.]

I haven't given you my name yet, have I? I'm Rose.

And I'll happily provide answers, if I can.

[His relief is almost palpable. He's fortunate to know the Warrior of Light in any timeline, it seems.]

Rose, [he repeats, and he smiles around it. Probably a moniker since she's a miqo'te, but her name is her name.] T'is a pleasure, again.

[A child on the communicator? To Worf anyone under the age of around twenty one was a child to him. Sorry. He frowned at the boy's words and wondered where Eorzea was.]

No one knows what is coming but it seems that the Atroma have a hand in this. The Atroma are our captors if no one has told you this already.

[Worf wants to kill them.]

I have not heard of Eorzea before. If you seek people from your own world here you might be unlucky with that.

[It's funny because according to Sharlayan culture he's an adult, despite not finishing puberty yet. Not that his diminutive stature has ever stopped him.]

I have a name now. That is... something.

And I expected as much. In a way it's a bit of a relief...

[But he knows he's needed back home too.]

I've only my own well-being to worry for. I simply need a place to begin.

[You just look a little young to him that's all. Worf isn't a great judge of character when it comes to other species.]

That is hard to say where to begin. None of us know why we are here or what we are supposed to do, except perform in this space circus. Our captors are cowards and deserve nothing but a blade to the throat. They think they can take us all from our homelands and treat us like animals.

[Worf isn't impressed. Can you tell?]

I am Worf, son of Mogh.

[He is still very much a boy in many respects. Don't let the calm and noble manner deceive you.]

Strong words as those might be I am disinclined to deny them. I, too, have had my fill of being a marionette for some sick man's entertainment. But anger is pointless if not channeled into something, and so I needs must abide until such information comes that I may act on it. Our captors seem disinclined to meddle personally in our communications, at least, for which I am grateful.

[He can't do much right now. But talking to people, this he can do.]

I am Alphinaud of House Leveilleur. Would that our meeting were under better circumstances.

Perhaps, the reason they do not meddle is because they spy on our conversations to one another.

[A cowardly approach in Worf's eyes but he would not put it past them at all, since he doesn't trust them one bit.]

Indeed. Well met, Alphinaud of House Leveilleur. Are you royalty where you come from?

[He just guessed because of the way the boy spoke and his manner.]

Alas, that is a possibility. Unfortunately for them, I have no real intelligence to share or speak of, and I certainly would not risk doing so over -- [it's not a damn linkpearl, he needs to stop thinking that] -- the network. They would find their time better suited elsewhere.

[Worf reminds him of the Roegadyn men beneath his command-- loud, lively, and straightforward. He finds it familiar rather than intimidating; it's refreshing and it reminds him of his sister, who was ever the graceful warrior.

The question surprises him.]

No, not quite. My father is a politician in my homeland of Sharlayan, and my grandfather worked to protect the greater realm. We are of some minor nobility, that I cannot deny. However, in a nation of scholars, they are concerned less about bloodline and more with merit.

What of your house, Worf?

[Shinji, on the other hand, feels freaking great after jogging to the top of Yanti Rock. It's actually kind of incredible how some exercise can do so much to lift the heaviest of his spirits. He's in the middle of warming down--legs bent, arms stretched out--when he hears what sounds like a dying animal somewhere behind him. There's a splutter, a wheeze, a desperate gasp for air...]

Hey there, [he says, once he realizes it's a person.] Are you okay? [This white-haired guy seems... strangely familiar, but it's been so long that Shinji doesn't recognize him beyond an inkling. More importantly, Shinji is tugging a full water bottle out of his belt holder, just in case Alphinaud needs it.]

[Alphinaud is usually the one dying after heavy physical exertion. It's fine. He's fine.

Probably.

He waves away the water bottle. That won't help his muscles or his lung capacity unfortunately.]

I am unharmed, thank you. Simply-- [w h e e z e] unaccustomed to... several hundred steps... at a roughly 75 degree incline.

[He straightens after a minute and wipes his forehead with his sleeve.]

You don't look tired at all. [It's been a while since he met someone around his age. He smiles a little.] I don't suppose you could share your secret.

[His secret...

Shinji takes a swig from the water bottle, buying himself some time to think. The truth is a little too complicated, a little too weird without a truckload of exposition, so he doesn't bother with that. He just says,] I've been doing this for... a couple weeks now, almost every day, before I have to go to work. It gets easier every time. And the view is... [He looks to the side, off into the distance.] It's pretty worth it, right? I mean, that's what I think, anyway...

[An answer that makes sense. With practice comes skill. The hyuran teen doesn't look like the kind of boy who lifts weights constantly, or some adventurer... so it has to be practice. Then again, looks can be deceiving. Alphinaud welcomes the advice nonetheless.]

This is my first time, if you could not tell by my wheezing and whinging. I suppose I was... slightly unprepared. [He shakes his head.] I am first and foremost a scholar, not a soldier, so my constitution is-- lacking in some respects...

[If only he had unlimited stamina. Gods, his sister puts him to shame and he knows it.]

But the view! It makes a man long to paint. [Alph does not look like a man, but take his word for it, Shinji. Really.] I can scarcely imagine the colors of the land here as the dawn washes over it, but certainly that could motivate one to climb such an absurd amount of steps. It would certainly motivate me.

[Shinji blinks a few times, if only to stop himself from staring. This guy looks to be about his age, more or less, but then there's that manner of speaking... It isn't a bad thing. It isn't unwelcome, either. It's just not what Shinji was expecting to hear, all learned and worldly and whatever. To some degree, it reminds Shinji of his best friend's particular form of verbiage. It also reminds him of the smartest kid in class who always upstaged and pissed off everybody else.

Another drink of water, and then:] So if this is your first time up here, then... [He doesn't like to assume anything, not anymore, given how weird things can get.] You're not from around here, are you? You're with the Fleet...?

[Poor Shinji. At least this one isn't likely to die in a horrible gruesome way... or become Tang.]

Correct on both counts. I landed here only a few days earlier, and I have spent my time in the employ of the astrologians-- that is, the astronomers in the city. The stipend we receive can't be expected to pay for everything, [he says by way of explanation. Alphinaud is a man of taste, or really, he's just spoiled rotten and doesn't know the true meaning of money unless he's cut off from his resources. Then he feels it like a damn noose around his neck.]

Have you traveled with the Fleet for very long?

I see... ["Astrologians"? Did he hear that right? Does that have something to do with astrology? But with the abrupt correction, maybe it's just a cultural difference, or a mistranslation, or something... Shinji's head hurts whenever he tries to learn about all these other worlds and the people from those worlds. The universe is a pretty big place, he's come to find out.] Where I'm from, astronomy wasn't nearly as advanced as it is here, so I don't feel like I can, like... contribute that much... but I'm interested in it, too.

[He uses the sweatband on his wrist to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Then he says, trying to smile,] Depends on what your definition of "very long" is. I've been here for... for more than a year, and I'm the pilot of the SS Heron. I'm, uh... [At this point, he shouldn't be so shy about introductions, but there's always some anxiety that comes with wanting to make a good first impression.] I'm Shinji. What's your name?

[A little of both...]

Where I am from, ships do not fill the sky in more than meager numbers, nor do they sail among the stars. But scholars have ever looked to the heavens and drawn great conclusions from them. I know a little about charting the course of a star, though aught else is beyond me.

[Still, if he likes stars at all, then maybe they do have things to talk about. Maybe he's good at math?]

More than a year? Truly I had hoped to hear a smaller number, but... I suppose it can't be helped. [Alphinaud is observant; he noticed that his crewmates were very settled in.

But there are introductions to be made. He bows politely with a smile.] My name is Alphinaud. T'is a pleasure. [First impressions are important, and Alphinaud strives to make sure a second one is not needed.] I've been assigned to the Goldstone as a healer.

[There was a running joke amongst the residents in Crowley's previous home that the microwave was continually broken in ridiculous ways. The ones in the Fleet tend to be a touch more robust (or perhaps the comedic timing is off for them) but that doesn't mean that sometimes some newbie will take one out.

He pauses on his way past the kitchen, leaning on the doorframe, watching with folded arms and a deeply amused expression. ]

Well. Now it's ruined. You monster.

[Of course Crowley's come to prey on the new kid's panic. And succeed he does, at least partially. He bites his bottom lip, blue eyes wide.]

I'll pay for a new one as soon as I am able, you have my word. [And he keeps waving the towel at the door as if that will do something about whatever black goop he's created.] Ere I offer what coins or credit I have, I must ask if this has happened before; your tone strikes me as surprisingly sardonic given the situation.

[Oh, well, that's much less fun. Crowley has a moment of conscience before shrugging. ]

You've got a good ear. It's not really happened here, but I wouldn't stress about it.

[He waves his hand in a vague motion- the microwave cleaning itself up, good as new.]

There, now we don't have to deal with you giving your word and whatnot.

[Don't stress about it? He just blew up some kind of goblin invention, surely--

He looks back at the microwave. It is, in fact, good as new. Alphinaud is so surprised that he actually drops the hand towel.]

What-- what just...

[He looks at Crowley with wide eyes once more.]

Temporal magicks? Is that what that was?

[Crowley steps through into the kitchen, peering through the cabinets, not really looking for anything so much as trying to make himself look aloof and busy. ]

No, that was me. Fixing the microwave.

[It seems to work because Alphinaud is still staring at him rather than what he's doing.]

Yes, but how? I must thank you, of course, but how shall I repay something that defies all explanation? I certainly can't imitate it.

No, you can't, because you're probably mortal, but at the very least not what I am. It's a skill I just have- warping reality. And you don't need to repay it, I use the bloody thing, too. It was a self-serving act, trust me.

[Warping reality. That gets Alphinaud to straighten, uncertainty flickering across his expression-- but not fear.]

I see...

[STILL SO UNSURE.]

Am I to assume you are immortal, then? [What manner of man is this? He doesn't seem like an Ascian, even though they're known to jump worlds. But the uncertainty just barely masks his strong sense of curiosity. He's a scholar and always will be.]

I am. I'm a demon, actually.

[Which is generally not a good thing in most worlds (including his own) but there you go. No avoiding that little fact. ]

Not a murder-y sort. Not worth it, in my opinion. Too messy.

A demon?

[... Crowley doesn't look or act like one at all.]

If I hadn't just seen you completely disregard the laws of magick, I would think you a liar. It seems to me more and more that nothing here bears any resemblance to my own world.

[A pause, and his curiosity gives way to a slight smile.]

If you were anything like a voidsent, this would be a very short conversation.

I...have absolutely no idea what that is, but it sounds bad.

[He points downwards. ]

I'm from Hell. Well. Not originally. Or even currently, really. But that's where demons come from, my world.

It is.

[Hell is usually... well, it's kind of figurative, but. He looks at Crowley with a discerning eye. He doesn't want to dissect him or anything, but he's still very curious... even if he should be intimidated. If even some kind of temporal being can be harnessed by Atroma, then Alphinaud is probably safe.]

'Hell' is where the depraved are said to be punished, but the voidsent are from somewhere else entirely. There has never been any conclusive proof as to the existence of the Twelve or their respective hells and halls, so this is especially intriguing to hear about.

[Besides, Crowley seems nice enough.]

But before I bore you with more questions, I should introduce myself. [He takes a short bow, made all the more shorter because he's at least two feet shorter than Crowley. Maybe more.] Alphinaud Leveilleur. Despite my lack of experience in all things chirurgery, I've been assigned to the infirmary.

These people have quite the twisted sense of humor.

I'm going to pretend I understood even half of what you just said and will smile and nod.

[He does. Smile and nod. Everything is fine. This guy is making perfect sense. ]

Name's Crowley. What's chi- chur- that thing? I'm guessing not healing?

[A sixteen year old has a better vocabulary than you do, Crowley.]

My apologies if I've lost you.

It is healing, yes, but of the non-magical variety. I am educated in battlefield triage but I am far from being a doctor... My strongest healing spell could do nothing for a disease.

[Not an incorrect statement. ]

But it could mend a broken bone or a knife wound, is what you're essentially saying?

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i've a feeling we're not in ul'dah anymore.

Lyuku B! Also let me know if you'd like me to change anything. o7

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let me know if you want this changed!

looks good to me!

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video;

video;

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B.

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Goldstone

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