video; one little time lord jumping on the bed

[spacehipster]

[ It's bright outside, as a disheveled man, looking a fair bit mad with his bow-tie askew, addresses the console cheerfully. ] Helloooo, citizens of the Tu Vishan! This is your captain speaking. Not really, but I do like the thought of being a captain, at some point. [ He winks. ]

I'm new, obviously, and it seems I'm not alone in that, so hello, fellow news, and good day, dearest olds — though I suppose whether the day is good or bad or simply so-so is entirely subjective. [ He sticks out his tongue briefly. ] Still, it tastes like an awfully good day, if you ask me, which you didn't; but it's a bit late to protest as I've already told you.

Anyway, I'm curious about some things, so let's skip pleasantries and go straight to queries, if you're so inclined. [ He holds up one finger. ] Thing one: where and when are you lot from? An approximation is fine. And don't worry about confusing me if it's complicated or timey-wimey shenanigans are involved. I happen to be rather quick on the uptake.

[ Two fingers up, like a peace sign. ] Thing two: flatmates. [ said as if it is the newest, most delicious word to ever be spoken. ] Apparently, I'll be lodging in WO-2B, so if you're also lodging in WO-2B, I am led to believe that makes us mates of the flat variety. In other words, lodgers, roomies, neighbors. etc. Which means we really ought to get together and chat a bit, maybe eat crisps, talk about girls — standard flatmate stuff. Yeaaaah. Flatmate stuff. Love a good flatmate, I do.

[ Three fingers and a grin so wide, it nearly splits his face. ] Thing three: great, big, sexy, blue box. I'm looking for her, and she's probably looking for me. Tangentially related, large-nosed Roman and shout-y ginger. May or may not be with the box; most definitely with each other. Probably kissing. [ kissing noises go here. ]

Oh, I'm the Doctor, by the by. Lovely to meet you all.

Comments

[virginprice]

[His excitement makes Alcuin smile- he has no idea who any of those people are (well, the possibly-dragon was talking about Napoleon, but beyond that... no, he has nothing.] Well, you are in luck. There are a great many of the French here. They're all very pleasant gentlemen, too.

...everything would be a very large task, Messire Doctor. I can tell you that our land was founded by Blessed Elua, the son of Yeshua ben Yosef and thus the grandson of the One God. Well, he and his companions, the eight angels who left Heaven to accompany him on his journey.

[spacehipster]

[ Ooh, this is interesting. He could get used to this — this newness. It's wonderful, so fresh, so intriguing. He has so much to learn, about everyone and everything. He can hardly contain himself. ] Angels, hm?

Is what you're telling me myth, legend, fact, or something else entirely? A single view on the start of your world, perhaps, or the universally accepted version of your history?

[virginprice]

Yes, angels. The One God neglected Elua, greatly mourning the death of his son. Eight angels saw this and thought it ill-done, and so took up his duty where he left it.

[He hesitates. He has a scholar's love of accuracy.] That is not the start of our world, no. That existed long before Blessed Elua set foot on the fields of Terre d'Ange. It is possible that some of the stories may have grown over the years, but I think in the main they are true. D'Angelines have gifts that the other races of man do not. It is undeniable that we carry the blood of Elua and his companions.

[spacehipster]

Fascinating. [ This is Christmas for him, really. ] Mind if I ask for more information about the angels? When you refer to Elua's companions, you mean them, correct?

[virginprice]

[His enthusiasm is infectious.] Not at all. They were Naamah, Cassiel, Camael, Kushiel, Anael, Azza, Eisheth, and Shemhazai. All of us in Terre d'Ange claim descent from Elua or from one of them- save Cassiel, who had no children.

[spacehipster]

[ a light whistle. ] Any special traits that go along with those bloodlines?

[virginprice]

Of course. The scions of Camael tend towards the sword and the scions of Anael care for the land- and betimes they smell like apples. [And they kind of taste like apples, too.] Each bloodline has its own unique markers.

[spacehipster]

Are you of a specific bloodline?

[virginprice]

My mother was Camaeline, but I think my father was Namarrese. I'm not certain. [His birth father never figured very large in his life, beyond being the man who abandoned his mother and thus eventually got him adopted by Delaunay.] Each Companion- save Cassiel- ruled a province of Terre d'Ange, after they were settled. Namarre was that chosen by Naamah.

[spacehipster]

Why were they chosen, specifically? What criteria did they meet?

[virginprice]

I suppose the Companions liked them, but it is never said- I imagine that's where they found the people that they loved best. Elua himself never settled into one place- he travelled all over the country, and Cassiel with him.

[spacehipster]

[ a small, contemplative smile. ] Sounds like a man after my own hearts.

[virginprice]

Your hearts, Messire Doctor? You must be a fortunate man indeed, to have more than one. [He looks amused, but interested.]

[spacehipster]

I suppose. I depend on both, though. If one shuts down, I'm in as much trouble as you would be.

[virginprice]

[He sobers a bit.] Then perhaps you are twice as vulnerable. Though being injured in other places can do as much damage as a stab through the heart for us.

[His hand twitches towards his stomach, but he stops it. He's working on getting rid of his tells.]

[spacehipster]

[ He notes the tell, but doesn't comment on it. ]

Perhaps. I wouldn't worry too much, though, about you or me.

[virginprice]

It's true that I'm not sure one can die again... I would prefer not to be the subject of such an experiment, though.

[He says it with a markedly dry tone.]

[spacehipster]

It's been known to happen. [ said brusquely and pointedly. his voice softens when he continues, though. ] Are you all right?

[virginprice]

Has it? [He glances away and when he looks back his mask is firmly in place. No, he isn't all right, but pretending he is makes it a lot better than breaking down would.] Yes, I'm quite all right. It was before I arrived here, of course.

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[spacehipster]

Of course. [ He pauses, shifting awkwardly for a moment. He doesn't like this. It's too personal, too close.

But it's necessary. ]

I've been there, you know. Several times. Dying's no fun. And the aftermath is even worse, especially when you're alone.

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[virginprice]

[Alcuin isn't the sort of person to reject a personal overture like this. Sometimes he dearly wishes he was, but he isn't able to be so cold. He sighs and tucks a lock of white hair behind his ear, smiling a little.]

I am glad that I am not alone. I have made many good friends here- everyone has been so kind. There are... problems, yes, but I am sure they will pass. It will take time, I think, to be able to bear it well.

[He hesitates, unsure if he should ask.] I was under the impression that dying once is... all that usually occurs.

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[spacehipster]

Right. That's the spirit. [ he waves dismissively at that last bit. ] I'm not usual. It's rather complicated.

Just...after this — if you want to go somewhere after Tu Vishan, I'll get you there. Promise — Cross my hearts.

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[virginprice]

I am sure it is fascinating. Perhaps you can tell me another time? [He's sure they'll speak again, after all.

The promise takes him off-guard and he blinks a few times, then presses his lips together for a moment to regain control.]

That is... kindly said of you. I do not know if there is a way from here to where I ought to be, though.

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[spacehipster]

Perhaps. [ a small, sure smile, determination in his eyes. ]

There's always a way.

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[virginprice]

[That determination is... warming. But he is still skeptical.]

It is a journey of the soul and not the body, Messire Doctor.