Console; Video

[shroudofgray]

[There is a moment where Yorda seems hesitant. It's hard to tell since her bangs are in severe need of a trim, but her brow is furrowed. She had promised China she wouldn't say anything yet, but she hadn't been forbidden to ask questions.]

[She screws her courage to the sticking point, sets her jaw, and looks at the screen, resolute.]

There was a time when the stones that hold - [She hesitates. Use your words, Yorda.]

...the soul-gems. There was a time when some were taken.

I would like to know about this.

Comments

[shroudofgray]

You die.

[justno]

Then how do you put it back in? There has to be a spell or something.

[shroudofgray]

Yes, probably. I do not know it though.

[justno]

Helpful.

Any idea where to start looking?

[shroudofgray]

Perhaps where you arrived? I am sorry, I do not know the path home. It is not something I thought about when I came..

[justno]

I tried the fountain for anything magic. There's nothing.

How long have you been here?

[shroudofgray]

Then I cannot help you. I am sorry.

I have been here for nearly five months.

[justno]

..You like it?

[shroudofgray]

I do! People are wonderful and kind. I love them.

[justno]

Love them? [He chuckles.]

You have any kind of run down for how people are organized or anything? The guests, not the residents. I don't mean where to find them. I mean the cliques or divisions or whatever you want to call them.

[shroudofgray]

Yes.

There is not much division between foreigners. Most want to help however they can. Some are closer friends than others, but there is no great divide. Small differences, yes. But I have not seen much animosity between them.

[justno]

Please tell me it's not all kumbaya campire bullshit. I have to get back and stop a Beast. I don't have time for sunshine friend club.

[shroudofgray]

I... am sorry. I do not know what kon... ko-ombaya campfire bullshit is. Though the beast will remain. When you return, you will return to the moment you left.

[justno]

The moment I left? [This is important. Any pretense and cynicism falls away for the topic.] The moment exactly? How do you know?

I was traveling between worlds. If I'm returned to the same time in the world I was in before, will time pass in the other world or is that frozen too?

[shroudofgray]

People have come and gone and come back. Always this is what they have experienced.

I do not know if time is frozen, folded, or if we are outside of it, but that is what happens.

[justno]

So I can stay here as long as I want and go back to when I left?

[shroudofgray]

Yes, I think so. If you find a way to return on your own.

[justno]

Finally some good news. Thanks.

[shroudofgray]

You are welcome. I hope the beast you are fighting does not hurt you.

[justno]

Thanks. [He won't mention the fact that they're probably all going to die.] I hope so too.

What's your name?

[shroudofgray]

I am Yorda.

What is yours?

[justno]

Penny. So what's your story? What do you do?

[shroudofgray]

[That's a question that has no real simple answer, though that doesn't stop Yorda from trying.]

I was a vessel. Now I am myself. I am very good at doing chores.

[She beams like there is no greater joy in the world than getting to wash dirty dishes.]

I am glad to meet you, Penny. What things do you do? Where do you come from?

[justno]

How long were you a vessel?

[It's not the first time he's heard about it, though it still freaks him out.]

I'm a Magician, from Earth. New York, if you know it. I study magic.

[shroudofgray]

You know magic? What does yours look like? What does it do?

[She looks simultaneously anxious and excited. Magic is a much more pleasant conversation than the details of her existence.]