tushanshu | I. ♔ Video

[He selects the video function, at ease with the technology. Regally dressed and with a genial smile, Richard addresses the network.] Greetings, guests of Keeliai. I'm Richard. I look forward to meeting you all.

[There is no insincerity to him. He speaks with a genuine, if measured warmth. He likes people, generally. But Richard has thought through what he wished to say, and he has more important matters than social ones.]

Salutations aside, I have a few points of inquiry that I hoped someone could be of help with. First, a question of home. Though I was comforted to hear the reassurances of our hosts, I must ask if we foreigners have any confirmation of our own that our worlds do not suffer our absence while we are here. It is of some concern. [He doesn't take the Emperor's word for it. Sorry, Eshai!]

The second matter is one of occupation. It is my understanding that we are asked to contribute through some form of work. While I am happy to do so, I'm afraid I . . . don't know how one would attain employment. [Royalty lessons don't include lessons on resumes, whoops. He pushes aside the awkwardness with that same geniality as before.] I'd be grateful for any advice or suggestions.

[His expression becomes more grave now. This last is the most worrying to him.] Finally, and most importantly, I wish to know about the eleth here. I posed my questions to the kedan, but they did not seem to understand. Is it known what means this planet uses to channel eleth? I have heard no mention of cryas or valkines, and Tu Vishan's current state begins to bear a disturbing resemblance to that of a planet I visited where the eleth had gone almost dry.

[Richard pauses a moment, and then smiles again, but that smile is somewhat more grave now, weighted by his last query.] Thank you for listening. I warmly anticipate your responses.

[And with that, he shuts off the feed. Somehow, that was even more difficult than making public speeches.]

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[ that's almost what he implied. he can't help a bit of stiffness in his reply... ]

Several people believe that Tu Vishan was trying to communicate with them, yes. But reports of shared dreams among people living in close proximity with each other are not an entirely uncommon occurrence, especially when the true details of one's dream are so soon forgotten upon awakening.

[ his brother claimed to hear the words of their goddess in his dreams, claimed that she whispered secrets about the future to him in his sleep-- and qilby would have to be willfully obtuse to call all those fulfilled prophecies a mere coincidence.

but dreams of young boys and turtles? it's just ridiculous. he'll have none of it. ]

[It doesn't require reading between the lines. In an odd way, he is reminded of that polite stiffness of tone that Dalen uses whenever he disagrees strongly but is unwilling to outright call something idiotic.] I take your point. Even so, for lack of other means of communication, it is at least worth looking into to disprove or verify, however that might be possible based on the content of the dreams. If there is any truth in it, it could be useful in finding and administering a cure for Tu Vishan's sickness.

Edited 2013-05-24 07:39 (UTC)

Perhaps Tu Vishan would be wise to leave a note instead, next time. [ his tone's drier than any desert but, somewhat-begrudgingly-- ] He... May have something important to tell us.

[ which is probably about as much as he's willing to admit about the whole matter. qilby quickly switches gears. ] And in my haste to show off what I know, oh, I've completely forgotten-- my name is Qilby. It's a pleasure, Richard.

[Richard is quick to take back the blame, at once feeling rude for not asking Qilby's name from the start.] I must be the one to apologize; I shouldn't have let my interest distract me from my manners.

[ no, let him apologize! sheesh. royal types, what are you gonna do?

he laughs; it's a pleasant sound. ] Then we may agree that both of us have been terribly rude.

Well-- I do hope I've managed to help in some fashion. Much of this world is still a mystery even to me.

[He smiles in response.] You were a great help. Should you solve more of the mystery of this world, I would be most interested in hearing of your discoveries. [Qilby y u so smart and impressive.]

[ some people are just born with it!

a polite, but appropriately regal dip of his head. ] In that case, you shall be the first to hear.

Take care, Richard-- and should you require any assistance while you're here, I'll be glad to offer mine.

[He returns the nod.]

Please consider my help similarly offered to you.