tushanshu | 001 - Video - settling in, reaching out

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001 - Video - settling in, reaching out

[The woman’s white hair is a shaggy mess, still slightly damp; her expression is pensive, even calm considering the sudden change in locale and the heavy infodump regarding the current situation. Well, it’s not like other worlds are entirely a new idea to her, anyway.]

My name is Raine Sage. I'm newly arrived here, perhaps obviously. I suppose I should start by saying that I’m skilled with healing artes, and if anyone here has need of such things, you should seek me out. Yes, even if it’s in the middle of the night. [The ghost of a rueful smile. What can you do? Teenagers especially don’t care to be convenient about when they get injured.] As I understand it, danger is becoming more and more prominent, and sleep is easier to reclaim than life.

On that note, from what I've heard so far, the scope of the problem currently facing this world seems astronomical, to say the least. I’m not yet sure where to start, but I intend to render my assistance in any way possible. [An invitation, perhaps, to suggest applications for her intellect. They just fixed their world. The too-well-named evil here will simply have to be stopped before it can follow anyone home. She’ll stake her life for that.]

And, of course, if there's anyone out there who traveled with us, or knew of the Chosen, Colette, I would welcome a familiar face. [The fate of the known universe aside, it’s hard to be by yourself when you’ve become accustomed to company. A heavy exhalation.]

[Then, a complete aside, half to herself:] ...now, what was it I heard them saying about ruins...

[She may have to be dissuaded from mounting a full-scale expedition.]

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[ Damian's responding from a cafe, not his suite, but not anonymously. ]

If you would like to practice healing privately, there are also others who do that, so announcing it is a good move. If you should prefer to share efforts with others, even if their skills are of a different nature than yours, there is a clinic and a hospital.

[ Link to Bianca's latest announcement. ]

I thought the information may be of use.

My name is Damian, Damian Wayne. I have no heard of Collette, I believe, but that does not mean that they may not yet show. People come and go... all the time.

[She inclines her head briefly.] Noted. You were correct; the information will be of use. Thank you.

[A brief pause to think, tapping her finger a few times idly on the console's surface.]

By come and go, I assume you mean something other than death. Is 'going' that frequent?

[ And he inclines his head in return. Intelligent questions mean minimum snapping from Damian. Even politeness. Though there is some - tension, in the way he explains. ]

People who are killed here wake up again in the same place in the palace as when you first appear.

[ He's only a little vague, since, when he appeared, people woke up in the ocean off the shell's edge. ]

By people coming, I mean appearing here, as you did. People going would be the opposite - people disappearing, kedan clearing their suites. Some of those sometimes may show up again - from a different time, or the same; remembering that they have been here before, or not. Those who do remember have no knowledge or memory of anything transpiring between the time of their disappearance and the moment they woke up again - no memory of being returned home.

[regarding the first:] Concerning. I don't have the full measure of the rules of this world, but I'd expect there to be some kind of price for that. Life doesn't usually come cheap.

[And nothing thereafter seems to assuage her concern, but she does a fair job of keeping her voice, at least, even.] So simply -- disappearing -- is a matter of course here. I suppose there's little enough to be done about the problem, but nevertheless, being apprised of the situation is useful. I appreciate it.

[ Oh, he was liking her. Even if he was rather reticent to show much, right now - even more than usually - his eyes brightened in appreciation. ]

The current knowledge is that we are clones. The late Emperor worked magic that brought ... 'us' here, and, upon death, returned us to re-grown bodies. The magic is powered, for the most part, by the turtle on whose back we are, as are any magics and special abilities, here. The price... would be complicated. But, while Tu Vishan is hale, I believe the price is not excruciating.

[ It's not low, and he doesn't think it is. Not for clones, not for anyone. ]

[ He nods, to the last part, brows drawing lower. ]

Yes. It may occur after mere weeks, or after many months. But it can happen to anyone.

[Cloning isn't something she's explicitly familiar with, but the concept of growing a body for a soul to inhabit hits just a bit too close to home. "Life survives at the cost of another" again, huh? It wasn't right then, and it isn't right now. Still...]

I imagine there's no option to simply choose not to... take another body. That would rather defeat the purpose of summoning us. Therefore there's not much to be done, save perhaps try not to die, which should be a matter of course in any case.

[Not much else to say on the topic without entering the category of useless worrying. The same with the issues of disappearance; she'll just make an effort not to vanish into the aether. She moves on, a little grimmer than before, but otherwise calm.] ...are there any other things of this magnitude of which I should be aware?

[ The people who found the cloning facility didn't report on the clones being sentient or having personality. Maybe the bodies are raised asleep and the aren't enough alive for that kind of twisted? ]

From what I know about the process, it is not consensual. [ Yes, he has done his best not to die. He hasn't been quite as successful in keeping others from dying. ] If somebody is killed, they directly wake up in their new body. Except for the one execution of the man who killed the late Emperor.

[ He pauses to consider her question, then gives a small nod. ]

If you find the name of the threat that we have been brought here to fight, do not say it, or write it. That would give it power, enable it to anchor itself more in Keeliai itself - and might call it to you personally.

[No life should be born for the sole purpose of dying. The words of an idealist, true, but ]

[A long, considering silence. She is not much fond of the dearth of knowledge she's discovering she has regarding the current situation and what led to it. There are plenty of conclusions she can draw from what he's just said, at least. Of course there would have to be capital punishment for that crime, and the fact that there was a previous, murdered Emperor might explain the current Emperor's attitude, and why the kedan said not to mind him. And it does imply that someone, most likely the Emperor, does have a significant measure of control over life and death, such as they are here. That's probably enough to know for the moment.]

Thank you for the clarification, and the warning. I'll be mindful of it. May I inquire to you again, if other significant concerns come to light?

You absolutely may.

[ He nods. It's easy, to offer information. At least information that he doesn't think can be used for harm. ]

[ Bakura is, as always, playing the part of his host and so Raine gets a bright and polite smile in greeting. ]

Hello Miss Sage. May I ask, what precisely is a healing arte?

Most simply, magic used to heal. Some commonly refer to them as healing spells, though that is quite technically a misnomer, as the term 'spell' is a precise one applied to a particular way of shaping elemental mana, which healing artes do not, in fact, share. Though the base requirements for both are the same -- that is, the ability to sense and manipulate mana -- healing techniques have a fundamental difference in the way they leave the caster's hands. The late healing master Boltzman had a number of fascinating theories on the subject, which... [Whoops, he didn't ask for a lecture, he asked for a definition. Sometimes she forgets she's not teaching.]

Ah, my apologies. Was there a particular reason you were asking?

Edited 2014-03-04 05:07 (UTC)

[ Even if he didn't, he still looks politely interested. Partly because Ryou would and partly because the thief, for all his distrust of magic (hypocritically, given what he used) there was still a difference between that and choosing to be ignorant, which he despised. ]

That's quite fascinating. You sound as though you're quite skilled at it!

[Flattery will get you some places.] Years of study and practice will do that. And I've been fortunate enough to have access to rare texts on the subject.

[He didn't exactly answer her question though.] If there's a particular reason you're curious, I can tailor an explanation to the most relevant points. Covering everything would take quite some time, especially if mana is a foreign concept.

[ And the thief is just shameless enough to exploit that. ]

It's just that I've never seen anything like that where I'm from, so I admit it's... well, a little extraordinary. But if you're not adverse to a demonstration, I think that'd be wonderful.

While I'm certainly not averse to demonstrating, I do tend to frown on injuries caused for that sole purpose. [Support techniques rather than direct healing she could do, but those are practically invisible. Less than ideal for demonstration.] If the opportunity arises, however, I'd be happy to.

[Healing techniques can't be that uncommon, though, right? ...Perhaps he's simply not been here long?] Surely there are some others here who can do similar things?

O-Oh of course, I didn't mean to imply that.

There are some, yes. Miss Korra, whom I work for, she's able to heal as well. But there isn't anything like that where I'm from.

I'm sure the world you're from has things that would seem similarly foreign to me. Just as there are here, I suppose.

[And curiosity trumps polite nothings.] Can you tell me anything about your Miss Korra's healing techniques?

Yes, that seems to be the way of it. I've heard that people sometimes arrive here only to find that friends or acquaintances are already... is there someone like that for you?

Ah, well... it seems like magic, I believe it uses water?

[Absently, more focused on the healing thing:] So far, it doesn't seem like there is. That's part of why I logged in to the network in the first place, to see if there was anyone who would recognize and answer.

Water, hm. There have been some theorists who connect healing artes to the element of water, perhaps because of the abundance of it in the body... I wonder. Do the two of you work at this hospital I've been hearing about as well?

I hope someone's able to give you clearer answers, Miss Sage.

No, I work at the dojo that she runs. I do cleaning and mending of anything she needs around the place.

[A quiet sigh.] As do I.

Where is this dojo? Perhaps multiple questions might be answered in one visit. [Mostly the ones generated by her need to know all the things, but she hasn't forgotten his curiosity, as well.]

It's in the Wood Sector. Ah, just a moment...

[ He'll send through a location ping to her console. ]

A useful function, that. Thank you.

Perhaps I'll see you later, then. [He seems friendly and it seems this would be an interesting place to visit. Why not?]

My pleasure.

I'll look forward to it!

[Well, here's another person offering their services. Maybe it's just a thing that everybody does here. It makes sense. Who wouldn't want to just settle in and act like they never ended up in some other world on the back of a giant creature? ]

Can't say that I know any Chosen and...I guess the ruins are all yours.

[Because he isn't really sure who has or hasn't been exploring that. He's still pretty new and honestly...it isn't on his list of Things He Wants To Do On The Back Of A Giant Creature. He smirks and gives a wink.]

Welcome to your home away from home though. I hope this was your first choice in destinations. I'm sure they could really use some healing artes around here with their war and all.

Perhaps not my first choice of destinations, but I've certainly been less welcoming places. [A small, but genuine smile. It fades a little as she studies him briefly.] Well, finding someone familiar was a faint hope at best.

You didn't mention your name.

You and me both then. I've seen my share of unwelcoming places.

[it's not the most fun subject, but he got over that...mostly. It doesn't take much for him to get that 'being studied' vibe. This isn't the first time that he's just tossed out his name. Nothing to lose really.

He isn't about to toss out that he knows somebody else here as an addition.]

I'm Alvin. Nice to meet you.

And you as well.

[A beat, as she considers if there's anything else to ask him.]

Thank you for the welcome, at any rate. [Friendliness in a strange land is always appreciated, even if she hasn't much else to say to him.]

[Alvin can just as easily step away from this conversation, but that isn't really in his nature. He is interested in learning more here after all.]

I'm curious. You mentioned ruins and healing artes. Did you figure that'd be a good idea if you get an unexpected cave-in and can't get to a doctor?

I didn't plan it that way, no. Though there have certainly been occasions like that, and they've proven invaluable. I learned to heal before I began seriously exploring. There were a variety of reasons, I suppose, chief among them practicality. [And the smile's back.] There's not many situations in which being able to heal is impractical, I find.

Makes sense in a convenient sort of way.

[He has an ability that heals himself, so he definitely gets that. For him though, it was always about survival for himself first. His really isn't an arte though. He's never really been able to use those...at all.]

You're not wrong about that though. I can think of plenty of times in the past where that kind of knowledge would've come in handy. I guess the only situation where that wouldn't work is in the middle of a fight you can't get out of without the ability to punch first.

[He tilts his head again with a smirk.]

And you mentioned something about a...Chosen named Colette. I'm not really familiar with that. The title sounds important though. Are they supposed to do something special?

Part of why I carry a staff.

[He seems friendly enough so far. Trustworthy is always up for debate, but even so, relaxing a little is probably not the end of the world.]

[Moving on to the Chosen:] Yes, I did. Colette Brunel is a... fairly recognizable figure from my world. The Chosen of Mana. She was born to save the world, which I suppose would qualify as 'special.' Mostly, by mentioning her name, I had hoped to catch the attention of any others from -- home.

Sounds like you have a few tricks up your sleeve.

[Having healing abilities and carrying a staff sounds awfully close to a certain acquaintance or...whatever she wants to refer to their experiences together as. Sworn enemy seems little much to describe how Leia thinks of him right now. Back on the subject though, her description of this Colette sounds familiar as well. Maybe it's just easy to make comparisons. There are tons of stories from different places and it all just starts to run together.]

I haven't heard that term here. I haven't really been here long enough to speak for the entire turtle though. If you're lucky, somebody you know could end up here. Maybe that's not really a good wish.

Being born to save the world though...that doesn't sound like the best gig. Were you protecting her or were you just there for the ride?

[Because really...it's a pain in the ass to be in it for the long haul.]

[A little shrug.] While I might prefer that my brother not join me here, there are others I traveled with whose company would not be much out of place.

You are correct in your assessment, that it wasn't 'the best gig.' To her credit, Colette did admirably with the weight. As to my place in things, I was her teacher. When she left home, I accompanied her.

[A brief pause. He's talking a fair amount, but saying little. She's the last person to censure others for being cautious in conversation, but she does wonder about his reasons for it.] You did some significant traveling before this, correct? May I ask why?

Another convenience. It'd be weird if one of my old teachers accompanied me on a journey anywhere, but I guess that makes learning while on the go a little easier. They all grow up so fast. First, they're students. Next, Chosen.

[All Alvin knows is that he sure as hell doesn't want his mother or his cousin ending up her. No way. It isn't even a matter of being in or out of place. As for her pointed questions, he raises his eyebrow.]

That's perceptive of you.

[She's sharp. It's something he is not entirely used to given how gullible most tended to be. That sure doesn't mean he plans on getting all chummy with her or anything.]

A mercenary has to make a living. There isn't really a place I haven't been back there. The last mission I had just so happened to be involved with saving a whole lot people.

Something like that, yes. [Colette never really was just a student before she was the Chosen. ...But that's not worth mentioning here and now.]

...a mercenary, hm? [She's heard that one before. He might even be telling the truth.] Would you be willing to talk about your travels at some point? The opportunities to learn about other worlds are few and far between. [The fact it would give her an opportunity to figure out his reasons is completely secondary. Truly.]

[He can't really tell if saying he is a mercenary is a good thing or a bad thing. Expressing her desire to hear more about it could go either way. With his luck, it'll all definitely come up and by that he means all the things that make him look awful. Finally he just shrugs and flashes a big grin.]

Sure. Don't see why not. The stories all start sounding the same after a while though. If that doesn't bother you then feel free to pick my brain at your leisure.

[He isn't really sure on how smart that is. Gambling isn't his thing either and doing so with the possibility of uncovering some...kind of troublesome past things he'd rather bury forever...well...whatever happens. Lies are easy enough to fall back on, right?]

As long as you share a little from your end as well. Gotta admit that my interest is peaked. Name the time and place and I'll be there to trade stories.

[She nods agreement. A price for all things, and there's little she has a vested interest in hiding. Besides, this is too potentially interesting to pass up.] Fair enough. Although, it may be more prudent for you to pick a location, as I don't know the city well yet, and I've little to offer in the way of hospitality. Perhaps in a day or two...?

[She is fresh out of the basin, after all.]

That's not a problem. I know a couple of scenic locations somebody interested in ruins might like...or somebody that just arrived on the back of a giant creature.

[And he does mean that. All he's been doing here since arriving is getting the lay of the land. There is definitely still a lot to see and he really wouldn't mind company. For somebody that usually does his work alone]

Day or two sounds like a plan. I don't wanna rush you, so I'll leave the exact day up to you. As for where to meet, I've been pretty much everywhere. I can come to you wherever you are.

[He had her at 'ruins.']

Excellent. In that case, I'll get back in touch with you as soon as time and situation permit. I look forward to it.

I'm looking forward to it.

[He honestly is. He doesn't always get the chance to hear about other people either. It gets a lot more interesting when he doesn't have all of that other stuff on his mind before saving a world or two. Best not to think too hard about that. He gives a friendly wave and a wink.]

Take care in the meantime. Don't go getting into any trouble without me.

I guess Damian's already filled you in about the hospital, so let me just second that: we could definitely use some spare hands around there, especially now.

[He's got no clue what a healing arte is, but after how abysmal everything surrounding Kithika had been, he figures that anything in the ways of medicine, even magic medicine, would be appreciated.]

And... yeah, it's pretty overwhelming. But we're managing our best, I think. I'm Jaime by the way.

That he has. At the very least, I know it exists. I'll make finding my way over there a priority. [Things in the city seem to be laid out with some logic, so far as she's seen, and there was a location attached to the one post. If all else fails she'll ask for directions. Surely it can't be that hard.]

Good to make your acquaintance, Jaime.

You heard that about the ruins, did ye? [ she'd seen the woman in passing as she'd discussed a potential expedition with Kidd and one of the scouting kedan, but hadn't thought to pursue it until now. After all, if she's not a civilian... and they could do with someone who knows some medicine. ]

[The stranger has successfully attracted Raine's complete attention.]

I certainly heard, in passing, that there are some, though I didn't get more detail than that. What do you know?

[She's assuming that this message has a purpose beyond taunting her with approximate knowledge of ruins.]

[ the more she considers it, the more ideal this Raine is. New, with no connections or loyalty to the emperor in case of trouble... But is that Sage a title or a name, given the trouble she's had with the title in the past. Hmm. She resettles herself, businesslike. ]

Might be that we're looking for partners... Ye anything more than a healer?

A scholar, and an archaeologist. ...I can look after myself, if that's what you're getting at.

[A pause for consideration, and she laces her fingers together. More data would be optimal before agreeing to anything.] Who are 'we' and partners in what, exactly?

So that's why. [ Good. ] It's just me'n Jim but we've a couple of interested parties picked out... There's a place a day's sail from here that looks right promising. We've a map and transport, too.

Sail. [For maybe half a second her expression approaches thinly veiled horror before returning to calmly inquisitive. It makes sense, she just wishes it didn't.] Of course.

I am interested, I'll admit, but I have to ask. 'Promising' in what way? [Treasure or knowledge?] And who, precisely, are 'you'n Jim'?

[She probably can't be pried away with a crowbar either way, but there are certain things she'd just like to know as a matter of course. Knowing who the people in the lead of the expedition are would be nice.]

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001 - Video - settling in, reaching out

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