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[ wherever you were in the village (or not?) it doesn't matter now, because you are no longer there. one minute, the fog swirls around you, and you could swear it turns oddly... blue?
and then... you find yourself standing in a room.
( it's not a sisi cyoa without some mood music. )
your footsteps echo on the marble of what appears to be a massive chamber. right away, you can tell this space is hallowed - like walking into a church, like a temple, like a shrine. looking up, you can't even find a ceiling. in front of you is some kind of massive stone structure that could be a pool, taller than you are, though it is currently empty, and several large pedestals lit with bright blue flames line either side of the chamber, giving the room a soft glow that ought to be eerie, though the sides of the chamber are currently shadowed and hard to see. despite this, light shines through stained glass windows beyond the pool, ethereal and warm. finally, beyond the pool lies a large staircase, that leads up to a massive door.
the first thing you might notice is that...you are lacking all of your equipment. man, that sucks! i hope you didn't have anything special on you. but you are here, still in your clothes you were wearing in the village (or wherever you were). very solid, and very real in this strange, holy place.
you're also not alone! there are four of you here. whoa! you might even realize that you've got some friends here with you that you haven't seen in a long time.
have a second to get your bearings. what would you like to do? ]
and then... you find yourself standing in a room.
( it's not a sisi cyoa without some mood music. )
your footsteps echo on the marble of what appears to be a massive chamber. right away, you can tell this space is hallowed - like walking into a church, like a temple, like a shrine. looking up, you can't even find a ceiling. in front of you is some kind of massive stone structure that could be a pool, taller than you are, though it is currently empty, and several large pedestals lit with bright blue flames line either side of the chamber, giving the room a soft glow that ought to be eerie, though the sides of the chamber are currently shadowed and hard to see. despite this, light shines through stained glass windows beyond the pool, ethereal and warm. finally, beyond the pool lies a large staircase, that leads up to a massive door.
the first thing you might notice is that...you are lacking all of your equipment. man, that sucks! i hope you didn't have anything special on you. but you are here, still in your clothes you were wearing in the village (or wherever you were). very solid, and very real in this strange, holy place.
you're also not alone! there are four of you here. whoa! you might even realize that you've got some friends here with you that you haven't seen in a long time.
have a second to get your bearings. what would you like to do? ]
Edited 2024-07-21 22:06 (UTC)
[ah.
well, after several weeks of watching her fellow sacrifices come back from their "trips," it doesn't come as much as a surprise when she finds herself being pulled through the fog into an unfamiliar room. even seeing camille here doesn't come as much of a surprise, all things considered.
but what does come as a surprise is the sudden appearance of—]
Iwatooshi...? Nina?!
[what the fuck. nina, your body hasn't even cooled down yet!!!]
well, after several weeks of watching her fellow sacrifices come back from their "trips," it doesn't come as much as a surprise when she finds herself being pulled through the fog into an unfamiliar room. even seeing camille here doesn't come as much of a surprise, all things considered.
but what does come as a surprise is the sudden appearance of—]
Iwatooshi...? Nina?!
[what the fuck. nina, your body hasn't even cooled down yet!!!]
[ ...well that's disorienting. iwatooshi blinks several times at the sudden location change, but more importantly... his hand is empty. with a sudden spike of panic, he turns in a circle, searching wildly for his missing naginata -- only to see asa and camille instead, and suddenly he understands.
(it doesn't quell the panic of suddenly losing himself, but he understands.) ]
...Asa-dono. Camille-dono. It's good to see both of you.
[ he smiles, genuinely. but if this is anything like the other trips, it'll be dangerous, so he remains in a state of casual alertness, like any warrior ready for an attack at any moment. ] Stay alert, all of you. We'll need to be prepared for anything.
[ though his eyes do linger on those bright blue flames a little longer than perhaps they should. oh, no. ]
(it doesn't quell the panic of suddenly losing himself, but he understands.) ]
...Asa-dono. Camille-dono. It's good to see both of you.
[ he smiles, genuinely. but if this is anything like the other trips, it'll be dangerous, so he remains in a state of casual alertness, like any warrior ready for an attack at any moment. ] Stay alert, all of you. We'll need to be prepared for anything.
[ though his eyes do linger on those bright blue flames a little longer than perhaps they should. oh, no. ]
[As if there weren't reason enough to hate magic by now.
Camille had, rather pathetically, batted at the fog like it was a cloud of gnats, for all the good it did her. She still wound up whisked away, standing on shaking legs next to Asa in an awe-inspiring temple. Her head needs a second to catch up.
Particularly when she sees they have company.]
What the hell?
[She looks to Iwatooshi and Nina (Nina?), heart frozen in her chest. She blinks at him with her one remaining eye, the warning hitting her after a two second delay.]
Oh...oh god no.
[Well. She'd heard the other girls talking about a pair of undead tagalongs. And the returning voyagers had gone from four to two in the past few weeks. It's solid confirmation that they aren't gone yet, she should be grateful for the sight of them.
Hard to be though, considering how everyone came back. Blood-slicked bodies and haunted eyes. Camille closes her mouth, nodding, swallowing thick.
She's not ready for this.]
Camille had, rather pathetically, batted at the fog like it was a cloud of gnats, for all the good it did her. She still wound up whisked away, standing on shaking legs next to Asa in an awe-inspiring temple. Her head needs a second to catch up.
Particularly when she sees they have company.]
What the hell?
[She looks to Iwatooshi and Nina (Nina?), heart frozen in her chest. She blinks at him with her one remaining eye, the warning hitting her after a two second delay.]
Oh...oh god no.
[Well. She'd heard the other girls talking about a pair of undead tagalongs. And the returning voyagers had gone from four to two in the past few weeks. It's solid confirmation that they aren't gone yet, she should be grateful for the sight of them.
Hard to be though, considering how everyone came back. Blood-slicked bodies and haunted eyes. Camille closes her mouth, nodding, swallowing thick.
She's not ready for this.]
[ for a moment she really thinks she's gone back home, because the structures and music are so similar to what she's used to... but nope!!
blinking her eyes and looking around, pausing upon seeing asa and camille. ]
Well this is awkward. [ she hasn't even been dead that long. help. waves to the living like heeeey...
once the gravity of the situation settles in, she's immediately on guard, looking around the room to try and spot anything or anyone else who might be with them. ]
This must be one of those trips, huh? Guess you're not even safe from them, even in death.
[ the bright blue flames grab her attention, as her eyes scan the room... uh oh. she already hates where this is going. BUT SHE'S AT THE READY. ]
blinking her eyes and looking around, pausing upon seeing asa and camille. ]
Well this is awkward. [ she hasn't even been dead that long. help. waves to the living like heeeey...
once the gravity of the situation settles in, she's immediately on guard, looking around the room to try and spot anything or anyone else who might be with them. ]
This must be one of those trips, huh? Guess you're not even safe from them, even in death.
[ the bright blue flames grab her attention, as her eyes scan the room... uh oh. she already hates where this is going. BUT SHE'S AT THE READY. ]
[ come on guys stop being so scared at least hug each other god :/
at the moment, it doesn't seem like there's anything to be afraid of. this odd, hallowed space doesn't actually feel particularly dangerous, just sort of... awe-inspiring and large. the blue flames are warm, and inviting, and - for some of you, yes, they are definitely familiar.
as nina is scanning the room, with a 14, she might notice a presence, somewhere in the back of the room? it's hard to tell what it is, but there's definitely something in the shadows in here.... ]
at the moment, it doesn't seem like there's anything to be afraid of. this odd, hallowed space doesn't actually feel particularly dangerous, just sort of... awe-inspiring and large. the blue flames are warm, and inviting, and - for some of you, yes, they are definitely familiar.
as nina is scanning the room, with a 14, she might notice a presence, somewhere in the back of the room? it's hard to tell what it is, but there's definitely something in the shadows in here.... ]
[she doesn't hug people on a good day.........
unfortunately, asa is not nina. her attention is fully on their deceased friends, so she fails to notice the fact that they have company.]
Then, what Anisphia said was true... She really saw some of the others.
[hard to feel comforted by it, though, given the circumstances. she's tense when she glances at the blue flames, frowning.]
unfortunately, asa is not nina. her attention is fully on their deceased friends, so she fails to notice the fact that they have company.]
Then, what Anisphia said was true... She really saw some of the others.
[hard to feel comforted by it, though, given the circumstances. she's tense when she glances at the blue flames, frowning.]
She did. We're really here.
[ iwa would love to hug them, but he's just as concerned as the others about their safety. what he can do, though, is touch asa's shoulder to prove he's really here, and maybe camille's, too, if she'll allow it. ]
Whatever happens, I'll my best to protect all of you - I promise you that. Just stay close for now.
[ less effective of a promise without his naginata, but he's still a fighter through and through. ]
...It doesn't feel as if we're in danger yet. [ so he'll turn his attention fully to camille for a moment, speaking softly. ] Try not to panic, Camille-dono. Stay calm, and breathe.
[ iwa would love to hug them, but he's just as concerned as the others about their safety. what he can do, though, is touch asa's shoulder to prove he's really here, and maybe camille's, too, if she'll allow it. ]
Whatever happens, I'll my best to protect all of you - I promise you that. Just stay close for now.
[ less effective of a promise without his naginata, but he's still a fighter through and through. ]
...It doesn't feel as if we're in danger yet. [ so he'll turn his attention fully to camille for a moment, speaking softly. ] Try not to panic, Camille-dono. Stay calm, and breathe.
I mean, we got the letters, but...
[Shoulder touch!! Camille accepts, reaching instinctively to cover his hand as well. She wets her lips looking between the two ghosts, still boggling over the impossibility. If the last month hadn't primed her for peak bullshit she'd surely have fainted.]
Sorry. I know some of these have pitted people against each other. I don't want...
[God, get it together, there's kids along for the ride. She takes a breath and smiles grimly.]
We'll figure it out.
[Shoulder touch!! Camille accepts, reaching instinctively to cover his hand as well. She wets her lips looking between the two ghosts, still boggling over the impossibility. If the last month hadn't primed her for peak bullshit she'd surely have fainted.]
Sorry. I know some of these have pitted people against each other. I don't want...
[God, get it together, there's kids along for the ride. She takes a breath and smiles grimly.]
We'll figure it out.
[ she would also be reassuring the others, but her attention is now on whoever or whatever the fck is over there? ]
Watch it... [ her voice is lowered, an arm going out to still the other three. her eyes do not leave the back of the room, she's trained in stealth and observing, so this presence can't hide from her. ]
Show yourself!
Watch it... [ her voice is lowered, an arm going out to still the other three. her eyes do not leave the back of the room, she's trained in stealth and observing, so this presence can't hide from her. ]
Show yourself!
Edited 2024-07-22 00:38 (UTC)
[ as the group reunites, comforts each other, and decides if they're going to have to kill each other or something, nina's shout seems to draw the attention of... something...? loudly. ]
M---NYAH!
[ and there's the sound of something clattering to the ground. as the group turns their attention to the back of the room, they will find that standing there is...a cat? ]
[ hmmm ]
M---NYAH!
[ and there's the sound of something clattering to the ground. as the group turns their attention to the back of the room, they will find that standing there is...a cat? ]
 | Hey, you can't just yell in a library! Were you raised in a barn?! You scared meowut of my wits! [ oh. the cat is talking. the clatter as it turns out was a book? it dropped a book. it looks from left, to right, then left, and then says - ] Oh, you've got to be kitten me... |
[ hmmm ]
[iwatooshi's hand lasts all of five seconds on asa's shoulder before whatever the fuck is happening now startles the living shit out of her. she whips around to stare at the newcomer, opening and closing her mouth wordlessly, before she sputters out—]
A cat? A cat who makes bad puns?!
[this must be the english localization devil...
we continue to yell in the library.]
A cat? A cat who makes bad puns?!
[this must be the english localization devil...
we continue to yell in the library.]
[ --iwatooshi turns sharply, stepping in front of the others without even a thought. he isn't that bothered by a talking cat, or even one that wears clothes - that seems normal enough. but he watches it closely. ]
Our apologies for disturbing you.
[ with a smile and a slight bow of his head, though he doesn't take his eyes off of the creature. he still doesn't sense any danger, but you can't be too careful in an unfamiliar situation. ]
A library, is it? We arrived here very suddenly, so we weren't aware.
Our apologies for disturbing you.
[ with a smile and a slight bow of his head, though he doesn't take his eyes off of the creature. he still doesn't sense any danger, but you can't be too careful in an unfamiliar situation. ]
A library, is it? We arrived here very suddenly, so we weren't aware.
[Camille also turns in alarm at Nina's shout, and then
Just. Stares.
The panic bleeds out. Her face falls utterly flat, glancing aside to Asa. To Nina.
She has no allies here.]
Hey buddy.
[this may as well happen.]
Just. Stares.
The panic bleeds out. Her face falls utterly flat, glancing aside to Asa. To Nina.
She has no allies here.]
Hey buddy.
[this may as well happen.]
[ blinks her heckin eyes. ]
I see. [ her shoulders relax, but by no means is she letting her guard completely down, because this is still a strange place!!
but at that remark.... ]
Well I have been living in a barn up until about three days ago, so...
[ but that's beside the point. she re-lowers her voice and talk calmly. nodding at what iwa asks and then adding to it. ]
Other than this being a library, where are we, exactly?
I see. [ her shoulders relax, but by no means is she letting her guard completely down, because this is still a strange place!!
but at that remark.... ]
Well I have been living in a barn up until about three days ago, so...
[ but that's beside the point. she re-lowers her voice and talk calmly. nodding at what iwa asks and then adding to it. ]
Other than this being a library, where are we, exactly?
| [ the tiny, adorable creature puffs up a little bit. ] I'm not a cat, I'm a Cait! But I guess mew wouldn't know that, would you... [ the cat - no the cait? it just sighs and reaches up to rub its tiny, adorable paws over its nose. i cannot stress to you that this cat is like up to the size of cam's hip. just walking on its hind legs in its little graduation cap. ] And this isn't the library either. It must be the Skew acting up again... Mew can never trust that thing to be calm for a second, huh? [ the cait sighs, and then puts its tiny paw to its heart and gives a tiny bow of its head in greeting. ] My name is Isla, and I'm a scholar! You can remember that for now, nya. [ ?? anyway with no further explanation of what THAT meant, isla continues: ] And you four... you must be travelers of memories from another world. So you've come to purruse this journey, have you? We're currently inside of someone's recollections, though - their recollections may be strange, or unusual. Mew never know. The Flame guides people for a reason, though. What kind of Cait am I to question it? A scholar, but still. It's nice to meet you. Who are you, again? |
Edited 2024-07-22 01:10 (UTC)
[
i'm sorry but she only has one thing to say to all this cat pun laced exposition:]
Oh my god.
[SHE'S GOING TO GO BATSHIT. SHE'S GOING TO HAVE AN ANEURYSM. this cat person is adorable but she is going to lose her fucking marbles listening to all these puns. she is 90 at heart and she is telling these puns to get off her damn lawn. there's a grimace on her face now. it reminds her too much of something else.]
Um. [help her.] I'm Asa.
[she glances around, trying to find the exits.]
If this isn't the library, then why did you call it one?
i'm sorry but she only has one thing to say to all this cat pun laced exposition:]
Oh my god.
[SHE'S GOING TO GO BATSHIT. SHE'S GOING TO HAVE AN ANEURYSM. this cat person is adorable but she is going to lose her fucking marbles listening to all these puns. she is 90 at heart and she is telling these puns to get off her damn lawn. there's a grimace on her face now. it reminds her too much of something else.]
Um. [help her.] I'm Asa.
[she glances around, trying to find the exits.]
If this isn't the library, then why did you call it one?
Edited 2024-07-22 01:15 (UTC)
"Travelers of memories from another world..." [ surprisingly apt, in a way. ] I suppose we are.
It's an honor to meet you, Isla-dono. I am Iwatooshi.
[ he's going to remain standing ahead of the others protectively, for now. ]
If I may ask, what is this "Skew" you speak of? Why would we need to travel someone's memories? Has something changed in them?
[ aka is this a "fix history" kind of mission? ]
It's an honor to meet you, Isla-dono. I am Iwatooshi.
[ he's going to remain standing ahead of the others protectively, for now. ]
If I may ask, what is this "Skew" you speak of? Why would we need to travel someone's memories? Has something changed in them?
[ aka is this a "fix history" kind of mission? ]
[Oh good she isn't the only little hater bitch here. Camille will pull herself together though, clearing her throat.]
Well, I'm Camille. Mice to meet you.
[Close enough.
Iwatooshi is asking the most pertinent questions, and any chance to dip out of this exchange is gladly welcome. She glances around the place, chasing a little niggling feeling in the back of her head.
Flame. Couple letters came signed like that. And if she's not misremembering, didn't both Rondo and Alfyn make references to some kind of holy fire?
The first trip sounded like it sprang from Laudna's head, the second Karlach's. Is it so strange to think the pattern might continue?
Something to mention when they're alone. Hopefully they'll be alone soon. Please.]
Well, I'm Camille. Mice to meet you.
[Close enough.
Iwatooshi is asking the most pertinent questions, and any chance to dip out of this exchange is gladly welcome. She glances around the place, chasing a little niggling feeling in the back of her head.
Flame. Couple letters came signed like that. And if she's not misremembering, didn't both Rondo and Alfyn make references to some kind of holy fire?
The first trip sounded like it sprang from Laudna's head, the second Karlach's. Is it so strange to think the pattern might continue?
Something to mention when they're alone. Hopefully they'll be alone soon. Please.]
[ she is truly just math lady thinking right now, all these buzz words... squints her eyes and half mumbles to herself. ]
Some kind of device that holds things in place, so maybe by it acting up it's moved things around? Which is why you're here now, instead of the library?
[ but she ultimately shrugs, because she could be entirely wrong! the being in someone else's memories bit is waaaay more concerning. ]
I'm Nina. [ she can't think of a cat pun to throw in. ] Do you know who's memories we are in right now?
Some kind of device that holds things in place, so maybe by it acting up it's moved things around? Which is why you're here now, instead of the library?
[ but she ultimately shrugs, because she could be entirely wrong! the being in someone else's memories bit is waaaay more concerning. ]
I'm Nina. [ she can't think of a cat pun to throw in. ] Do you know who's memories we are in right now?
| [ POOR ASA well there's a door behind her! a really big, gigantic, heavy looking door. there's also whatever is shadowed over currently off to the sides of the room, but it doesn't look like there are any visible exits. suffer the puns. (suffur?) also isla looks thrilled when camille puns back at him. wow you're really playing along with his gimmick. :face_holding_back_tears: ] It was the library! [ isla says to asa, first, as he picks up his little book, which they can see now is an old looking tome. it begins to levitate next to him. ] I was just standing in the library, minding meown business, and then the Skew to open up out of nowhere! Normally, there's at least a little warning, which is why you gave me such a furight. [ to iwa and nina next: ] You're both right on the ball. The Skew is a place where many travelers of memories come through, guided by the light of the Flame. In the Tower of Remembrance, I keep the stories of other worlds, other people, and obviously, of Orsterra, safe and sound, but sometimes, other worlds open pockets like this, in the space we call the Skew. Usually, they just have to be... untangled like a bad ball of yarn, and then things get set right. It is unusual that these aren't your memories.... But, we've had simi-purr situations, befur. You can think of it like... you're experiencing the things they've experienced, because it will help you on your own travels, for some reason. I can't tell you why - The Flame works in mysterious ways! But if you made your way here, then all mew have to do is find the way out. It shouldn't be too hard. [ nina's second question has isla turn to his book. the pages flip, several times, and then land on something - he leans over to read it, and then makes an a-ha! noise. ] These memories belong to the young Knight Ardante, Rondo. [ a beat. ] The new Flameguard, nya! Nice guy. I'm sure they'll be okay, but I don't have to tell you to appuroach with caution, just in case. [ he looks the four of you over again - eyes bouncing from person to person, tassel on his head bobbing. ] So! In summary. Follow the yarn ball - metafurrically, of course - until you reach the end, and make your way out! As long as you have your gumption and your weapons, you should be fine. [ ... ] You do have weapons, right? |
Edited 2024-07-22 01:54 (UTC)
[ ...even expecting that answer, it makes his heart sink. so rondo's memories have been disturbed somehow. it's not so different from his usual missions, iwatooshi tell himself - except, instead of his former master, it's a dear friend in danger.
his hand flexes, once again reaching for a weapon that isn't there. ] My naginata is missing.
If we were to fail... What would happen to Rondo-dono? Would he or anyone be hurt?
[ would it even affect the real rondo? the others had been illusions, but with something this precious, is it worth the risk in not giving it his all? ]
his hand flexes, once again reaching for a weapon that isn't there. ] My naginata is missing.
If we were to fail... What would happen to Rondo-dono? Would he or anyone be hurt?
[ would it even affect the real rondo? the others had been illusions, but with something this precious, is it worth the risk in not giving it his all? ]
[Oh okay, no need for subterfuge then. She wasn't going to doxx Rondo in front of this cat guy but fair enough.
Then he mentions weaponry and Camille's jaw clenches again. The cuddly cat may as well be the light of an angler fish. Come on in, you won't notice the bite.]
I never had weapons. [She'll glance to Iwatooshi and then Nina, whose profile mentioned archery. Asa has one arm, and Camille one eye. The two of them may have muscled their way through bitter executions but it was a lot of dumb luck and sudden breaks in psychosis that let them.] Which memories are they? War, family life, knightly duties?
[She'd never got a peek in the kid's head. Still, he'd had guts enough to finish her off, and he could swing that sword of his like he meant business. Spoke to something of a prior struggle, didn't it?]
If you've got records of everything you could at least give us a warning. Some idea of what we're looking at. Don't send us in blind if you don't have to.
Then he mentions weaponry and Camille's jaw clenches again. The cuddly cat may as well be the light of an angler fish. Come on in, you won't notice the bite.]
I never had weapons. [She'll glance to Iwatooshi and then Nina, whose profile mentioned archery. Asa has one arm, and Camille one eye. The two of them may have muscled their way through bitter executions but it was a lot of dumb luck and sudden breaks in psychosis that let them.] Which memories are they? War, family life, knightly duties?
[She'd never got a peek in the kid's head. Still, he'd had guts enough to finish her off, and he could swing that sword of his like he meant business. Spoke to something of a prior struggle, didn't it?]
If you've got records of everything you could at least give us a warning. Some idea of what we're looking at. Don't send us in blind if you don't have to.
Ah.
[ the confirmation on this being about rondo is so GREAT. she loves this....
this is a nightmare. so many things could happen here. SOME OF THOSE BEING NOT SO GREAT. but she remains calm and just listens to what isla says. ]
I wish we had any...[ she hasn't had one since she ended up in the village, which probably would have helped last week, when she was running for her life. :ben: ]
I'm assuming, since you asked if we had them, that means we may come into conflict as we proceed? [ nods at what camille says. ] Anything you can tell us would help immensely, even if it is just a place to start.
[ ya know. while they're all talking... can she scan the room again and just make sure there isn't anyone else? no one else got magically misplaced here did they... her passive perception as a rogue-esque character might come in handy here, just to be safe. ]
[ the confirmation on this being about rondo is so GREAT. she loves this....
this is a nightmare. so many things could happen here. SOME OF THOSE BEING NOT SO GREAT. but she remains calm and just listens to what isla says. ]
I wish we had any...[ she hasn't had one since she ended up in the village, which probably would have helped last week, when she was running for her life. :ben: ]
I'm assuming, since you asked if we had them, that means we may come into conflict as we proceed? [ nods at what camille says. ] Anything you can tell us would help immensely, even if it is just a place to start.
[ ya know. while they're all talking... can she scan the room again and just make sure there isn't anyone else? no one else got magically misplaced here did they... her passive perception as a rogue-esque character might come in handy here, just to be safe. ]
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