tushanshu | Entries tagged with † grantaire

[When the video turns on, there sitting in the chair is a tanned, black haired, wild looking woman, with a glass of something in her hands. She's drumming her fingers against her arm from where it's crossed, a huge tribal tattoo decorating the arm. She certainly doesn't look happy to be here, but oddly enough, not that freaked out.

When she starts talking, her voice is quite distinctly Australian, but if you asked her where she was from, she'd certainly not reference 'Down Under'. The voice is also a little husky, harshened by the fact she's exhausted and had a drink to help quell her anxiety. Not that she'd ever admit to it.]

Seems like this place is fulla lost people, but not the people I'm lookin' for. [she pauses, taking a long drink from a glass she's holding. She seems strained, like she's frustrated it's have to even come to this, to stretching out and asking for help, and she's hesitant to start.]

Lady Luck is not shining on me today. [she gives a wry laugh, and takes another swig from her drink.]

Listen, I don't remember if I was here last time--I don't remember anything that happened last time--but if anyone remembers me, contact me as soon as you can. Especially you, Vanille. [She's secretly hoping that Vanille is the only one who answers. She doesn't know what she'd do if anyone else she knew did. Her sacrifice would have been for nought. They could be dust in the wind for all she knew.]

'Till then, somebody recommend a good bar. If I'm gonna be stuck here, I might as well enjoy myself and right about now, I really need to punch something.

rosehasthorns

[The face that shows on the video is young, about seventeen, and framed by a tumble of brown curls. Dark brown eyes regard the console with some confusion before the young man speaks. He's wearing a plain white tunic and discarded armor can be seen on the floor behind him, as well as a bright white cloak. When he shifts in his seat, a sword can be seen on his hip]

We have nothing like this in Westeros. Not even in King's Landing....

[The comment seems to be more to himself than anyone else and is quickly forgotten. A frown replaces the previous look of confusion on his pretty face and he rests his chin in his hand. Normally this is the part where the false courtesy would come out but...he doesn't care right now]

This is not where I last was and not where I was meant to be going. Am I truly to believe this nonsense about a "place between life, death and dreaming"? To me that sounds like a poor attempt at softening the blow that you are dead. [Which doesn't bother him, really. He thinks that should probably disturb him a little but it just doesn't] And if that is the case, this is the strangest afterlife. Not that I ever believed in such a thing but....

[The frown melts away briefly and is replaced by a much more unsure look, as if he wants to ask something but at the same time doesn't want to hear the answer to it. The look isn't there for long before the frown returns]

Or at the very least it is an attempt to conceal information, which seems just as pointless. I suppose I'm just going to have to accept that there is nothing about this that is not going to seem ridiculous to me. Regardless, I would like to know if anyone has seen a maiden of about sixteen years who....well, in truth, she looks a great deal like me. If she is here I should like to speak with her. [AKA "Margaery if you are here I need you now". Margaery would know what to do]

cynisme

[It happens that at the moment when the connection is made, there is a hand in the way. His fingers are fumbling to try to turn the console on, and he doesn't realize that he has. When he does, he pulls his hand away and rubs his face. He's as pale as he was before landfall, and shaking harder. He looks sick, as he should given how poorly he managed his alcohol as of late. For a moment he's grinning, mostly at his own stupidity, dragging his hand over his face.]

Forget it, I did this to myself, begging be damned. Christ in Heaven, I would kiss my father's boots for a franc of his...

[And he turns the connection off, and that's it.]

( ooc: this may be used for action threads of all withdrawal variety for an extended period of time throughout continued rationing. )

poeticverses

[This takes place after they've been in the warm waters for a bit.

This is the most excited, happy Jehan you have ever seen. Someone heard from a kedan about the water and he's ecstatic. He's from Cannes, from the shore. He's missed going to the beach, and now he gets to.

He's in R's suite, so you might hear the drunk bitching about an overly excited puppy of a poet, but Jehan does not care. He does not care at all.]

We, apparently, are now in the warmest waters the kedan have ever seen, and they are a wonderful, clear blue. Therefore, I am insisting that all of our friends join Grantaire, Bryn, and myself for a trip down to the edge for swimming. We will be leaving as soon as we've supplies for a full day at the edge. If you'd like to join us, please meet us in the Wood Sector.

[He grins and starts to shut off the feed before remembering something. He blushes]

Ah...with the reprieve we've been granted, it might quickly become...indecent for young children or particularly gentle women. Just...as a warning.

[The modifier on "women" is because of Bryn. Jehan shuts the feed off, yelling something off screen at R.]

((ooc: This is going in a separate log here in a second because there is going to be alcohol, smoking, and likely nakedness because men didn't have actual "swimsuits" until the 1840s and these guys predate that. So.))

superoverachiever

Okay, the kedan are seriously getting on my nerves. [Ava's standing in front of her console just so she can keep her hands on her hips and glare unhappily down at the screen.] We didn't ask to be here!

And I really doubt we're gonna get any help we don't make people give us. So, I say we figure out who all's responsible for actual attacks on people and turn 'em over to the guards. Then they pretty much have to something, right?

And seriously, does anybody here know how to read this language yet?

virginprice

[The acute observer may notice two things different about Alcuin. The first is that there's a faint pattern of lines on his forehead that seem to form some kind of mark. The second is the bruise on his temple- the edges are fading to yellow and green, but it's still dark purple at the heart, though somewhat hidden under his hair.

But he doesn't seem to be minding either of them, instead looking pleased as he holds a small book in his hands.]

Some of the fruits of our docking at that city were sweeter than others.

[That's a joke. Definitely a joke. He hasn't been in evidence much, besides going to work everyday. Landfall was rough.]

A friend of mine was kind enough to gift me one of his discoveries- a book of poems written by my lover, Anafiel Delaunay. I cannot guess how it came to be there, but I am so glad that it was.

[He runs his fingers over the cover fondly.]

You see, back at home these poems were banned. It was unlawful to speak them aloud, or even to own a copy- not through any fault of the poetry, there were politics involved. But I would like to read you one of them, one of my favourites. It will be the first time that it has been spoken in public in many years.

( Cut for length and vague sexual content. )

[He closes the book, smiling softly- caught in a reminiscence of Delaunay. After a moment, he remembers the camera and turns it off.]

knowsherway

[Ah, success! Eponine has succeeded in getting the console to work, which she considers quite a lofty feat since devices like this are not exactly common where she is from. But in any case, it is on, and that is what counts.

She is seated and looking quite comfortable in her room. Yes, she feels comfortable, but a little bored at the same time. She has been passing the time by wandering about the city, but surely people here do more than that to pass the time.

And that is the reason why she has turned on the console: to learn from others what sort of things they get up to for enjoyment and amusement.]

Ah, hello! Now that I have succeeded in turning this object on, I have something I would like to ask you. [This does feel slightly awkward, speaking to people she has not yet met, but she presses on resolutely anyway.]

Because it seems as though we are going to be here for quite some time, I have begun to wonder about some things. How do you pass the time? I find myself growing rather bored, although I have spent some time walking through the city. But I cannot do that forever, or I do not think I want to do that forever.

Come! You must have some favorite thing that amuses you! I would like to hear it, if you are agreeable.

epigrammatical

[AUDIO. Backdated to April 14, the morning after everyone returns from landfall. Henry found one of Sabriel's books in Atam and he just tried to open it. It didn't go well. His voice is steady, but noticeably strained.]

If anyone can commend to me a doctor with skill in the treatment of burns, I should be very grateful.

[OPEN ACTION, anytime between April 13 and 17. Want to meet up with Lord Henry? Go for it. All takers welcome! He'll be personally seeking out the people in his delivery network. You may find him out and about in the Fire sector, or in Daowei's bookshop in the Wood sector. He will be handling things delicately due to the burns on his hands.]

[And finally, TEXT. Forward-dated to April 17. This message goes out not on the network, but is written on a plain piece of paper and delivered by a kedan messenger to Dorian Gray's suite. The poems quoted are from Gautier's "Sur le Carnaval de Venise" and "Contralto"—both of which are referenced in a particular book. ~~Get out the popcorn.~~] ( Read more... )

cynisme

[This is only a video because Grantaire can't be bothered to fuss with his console right now. Getting onto the system's been difficult enough as is, with how much loathing his more sober, withdrawing self has for the rest of humanity and the like. It doesn't help, of course, that he's been spending every other morning bent over the toilet since his best attempts at rationing his own stash of wine and spirits began to fail. He may have never heard the term porcelain altar before, but he understands the sentiment deeply.

Now though, he's laughing. Not with amusement, but with a disgusted grimace that comes with a dark sense of irony. He's pale, doesn't look nearly as well as he did before, what with his body has been going through since the turtle-wide rationing began. His face is swollen around his eye and nose, and there's blood crusted around his nose and in his mouth. Alcohol withdrawal wasn't the only cause of his current state.]

Bien sur, this would happen the first time I've gone out in days. This is lovely. [His voice dripping with sarcasm, he spits blood into the napkin in his hand before pointing at his face.] This is what your amicable natives do to foreigners when stability begins to crumble. Vagrants are always the first to be blamed when the world goes to shit, and anyone who expects any differently is lying to themselves and everyone around them. Hopeful, optimistic lies like that get the innocent and naive killed. Luckily, I'm neither innocent nor naive, and can handle being bloodied by mongrels every so often. I only hope that I've not broken another tooth.

[He doesn't even bother signing off properly or with any salutation. He just shuts the connection with a wince and a roll of his eyes.]

lostundercover

If we make it to the land, can we.. actually go look around at the place without getting arrested?

And if so, who's going and why would you?

[Private to Kyle]
You can stop looking.

[Private to Bruce Banner] - (added a few hours later)
I have those blueberries, for you teaching me the code. Just don't ask where I got 'em.

[Private to Evandau]
( (Message below cut) )

notamachine

[Much as he hates saying 'told you so'--no, that's a lie, he enjoys it very much sometimes--he just can't resist the urge. He's been watching the kedan get more and more aggressive by the day. Hell, he just lost his job, too. Good times.]

Considering everything that's happening, maybe the next time I tell you people that these kedan aren't friendlies, you'll actually listen.

[HAHA NO, NOBODY EVER LISTENS TO DEAN 8|]

suoxi

[ Inara comes into view with a smile, as always. She’s very confident sitting there in her suite, hands in her lap and a few candles burning behind her for ambience. She is the picture of calm and poise and looks entirely at ease.

Inside, though – Inara is boiling. Inara is Not Happy about several things, but there are…certain experiences best not ‘advertised’ on a public network.

But boy is she pissed about being fired, then threatened on the way home.

ANYWAY. ]

I have decided to open the Companion House that is located in the Fire Sector earlier than I originally planned. [ read: Inara got fired, and needs another source of income. ]

If you are interested or require more information as to what a Companion is and does, please let me know and I will forward you directions and information. [ Inara learned a valuable lesson: make a pamphlet. Repeating herself explaining the intricacies of Companionship was quite taxing. ]

I am also taking applications for those that would like to enroll in Companion training as well. [ Inara smiles, but her eyes are decidedly sharper here. ] This is not an endeavor lightly chosen. It is a life choice – a career, and the training is intense and not limited to intimacy. I will personally speak [ interrogate ] to any interested party.

[ inara out ]

cowled

[When the video opens on Bruce, much of his 'friendly neighborhood playboy' demeanour is muted. He looks a little more serious than normal, though his tone and expression remain congenial enough.]

As some of you may have noticed, passports have been delivered to our suites. It's very likely that these herald another landfall, and given the fact that our population is significantly increased from what it was in November, I'd like to warn people about what we might encounter.

[Attached is a file, landfall.doc. It contains things like details on the llothi, the mausoleum, the ruins, the temperature, sorts of plants found, soil samples, etc.]

You have Miranda Lawson to thank for those. Sadly, she's no longer among us, but I doubt she'd want her research to go to waste.

[A slight pause, barely notable before he continues.]

And that brings me to my second point of business. At one time, a foreigner was keeping a list of people we might be looking for in the event that they arrive. However, I think it's past due we started a compilation of the names of those that have left us. Since disappearing from this place seems an almost instantaneous process, it could be weeks or even months before we become aware of some people's departure, and I believe that process is best expedited for everyone's sake. Most recently, at least to my knowledge, we've lost Miranda Lawson, Favrielle nό Eglantine and Lina Inverse.

[Not mentioning Jason Todd? Not mentioning Jason Todd.]

I'd appreciate any other names you might have.

Additionally, given the current state of Keeliai, I think it's an opportune time to rekindle the idea for a Foreigner-lead council. Councilman Tarrlok, a word to that effect? I think an elected representative from each Sector would be a good place to start.

And if there is anyone well-suited to the role, I'm happy to hold nominations.

poeticverses

[Compared to Jehan's last post a week or so ago, he looks much better. He's slept, he's eaten, and he's up for trying to interact with people again. He smiles a bit shyly when the feed clicks on, blushing as he usually is]

I wanted to apologize if my...behavior last month upset anyone. I was not feeling well and wasn't thinking clearly. I hope that anyone I upset or worried can forgive me. Ah...and I wanted to thank everyone who offered assistance. I am--it was greatly appreciated.

[Understatement of the centuries. This is followed by some private messages, all of which are absurdly easy to crack. The guy's from 1832. He's just happy he can make the private.]

[Original Amis sans Marius]

[The smile's gone, and Jehan is serious]

I wanted to...to remind everyone that should you feel as I did last month I am here to listen or talk or simply keep you company. I know what happens when you shut yourself away, now. I do not want that to happen to any of you.

[Dorian Gray]

[Shyly:]

Is it too late to accept your offer of that flute, Dorian?

mopirates_moproblems

[James hasn't made a post since his first - in part because he's terribly lost. He has proper clothes, now, thanks to Favrielle, but it is still overwhelming to be in such a foreign place. His concern isn't so much the rationing, though that seems to be quite the source of anxiety for some he's encountered. What he wants is answers to the many and contradictory things he's been told since his arrival.]

I find myself at something of a loss, in this place, with so many people from such seemingly different times and places. It seems impossible that one person could have brought us here, and insensible that they should.

[That, though, is a subject he's sure has been at the center of many debates. What truly haunts him is what he heard from Peggy and Ariadne before.] I was led to believe that this place was a sort of afterlife, and yet, if I understand correctly, there are some here with ambitions to return to their homes. I do not see how such a thing could be accomplished.

[And that's it. No suggestions, he's just mulling. Aloud, and in public, which, he realizes now, is terribly unseemly.]

Forgive me. There is little purpose to these musings. Perhaps they are better off left unvoiced.

aloadeddie

[Oh look, Arthur is showing his face on the network today. Unlike some of his companions, he prefers the "out in the open" alias. His face is pleasantly neutral, if a bit, well, curious.]

I'm kind of wondering here, how many others are regular insomnia sufferers? I've been dealing with this for quite a while, myself, maybe we can exchange tips and tricks for handling it.

Also, call it academic curiosity, but has anyone experienced major changes in their sleep cycles or habits since arriving here? I know, I know, I get the whole spiel about being between life and death and dreaming. It's just that - when I do sleep, I'm a lucid dreamer. But that's changed since I showed up here. [White lie - he doesn't dream at all without the assistance of drugs, but that's neither here nor there.

He looks like he's about to end the feed, but then remembers something else.]

Oh, right. I'm Arthur, by the way. I'm putting together a small private security firm. I know things are tight right now, with rationing and all, but my rates are variable and I'm happy to do a free consult - small businesses, personal security, event stuff, whatever you've got.

[Private - Cobb, Eames, Ariadne (dreamshare encryption 95%)]

I'm hiring Billy Costigan. Don't even start, I know it's a risk. The guy is way too interested in us for my taste. We need to figure out why and how to deal with it.

newblood

[ Caroline has been lurking, as much as she hates to admit it. She has been exhibiting Stereotypical, Creepy Vampire Behavior, and she is so not thrilled about it. Sneaking around, watching people — the works. This place is entirely unfamiliar to her, and she needs to deal with certain dietary concerns before she can even begin thinking of anything else.

Breathe, she thinks. Play it cool. What would Stefan do? He'd be careful, subtle.

He wouldn't want anything to trace back to him. ]

i hate to break up the ration talk (it's big news. i know.), but there's something that's been bugging me.

so, foreigners of tu vishan, what are your thoughts on werewolves, vampires, and witches, oh my? i hear you guys are pretty accepting of most non-humans, but i'm still not sure how you feel about the things that go bump in the night. mind filling in your friendly neighborhood busybody?

[ Okay, maybe subtlety isn't her forte. ]

insecrets

[It's pretty early in the morning when Finnick shows up on the feed, looking a little bit like crap. Like he hasn't slept all night. Which, well. He really hasn't. Nightmares and everything. He scrubs a hand over his face before smiling for the feed.]

I'm starting to wonder what else could go wrong in this place. First, they're making copies of us [not that he can really blame them for wanting more of him around, come on now] and now things are going sour on the turtle. [A wry smile twists his lips now.] And they say to not panic while pushing us to our limits already. [He runs a hand through his hair.] They could probably give the Capitol a run for their money at this point.

[He goes to shut off the feed, muttering:] I'd kill for seaweed bread right now, though. [:'|]

effective

[Katniss is wearing short sleeves today, so the burn scars and grafted skin up her arms and neck are more visible. She seems almost awkward, aware that she hasn't shown her face on this thing lately, and that she has no idea what she's doing.]

I'm going to show people how to deal with rations. At the...community centre. It's here. [She gives an address in the Earth Sector] If people care, that is. [She shoves a hand back through her hair.] It's not that hard to figure out, but if you run out of food before you can buy more, you'll regret it.

nohsatsu

[ The feed starts up to show a certain pretty boy alien sitting in front of his console, rubbing a towel over his silver-white hair. Today's work involved some pretty messy mechanics, so he thought it would be better to clean up a bit before speaking on something that had been bothering him since Lieuen's message. At least he was learning some propriety. It just didn't seem to extend to him putting on a shirt before addressing the city. Learning - it's a process.

He brought the towel down to his lap and got on with his purpose. ]

With the recent system of rationing introduced to the city, I had a question concerning dietary needs among you all.

Specifically, is there anyone who has a need for anything more than what we will be given- perhaps for reasons of health? I won't be needing mine, and if I can be of some help to someone, I'd appreciate the chance.

[ He wasn't exactly going to go into the details of why he didn't need the rations outright. His time with the Avengers had taught him that a good majority of people were not too keen on learning that he ate raw eggs, shell and all, and could consume various forms of... well, garbage, for sustenance. It may have been disgusting to most people, but it meant he could survive, and it meant he could give.

He even manages a slight smile, a little bit hopeful. ]

Tu Shanshu

video post; oo1

[001] Video

05 | video

Verse 05 -- Video

[Video]

video;

001 | video

VI. saying things against one behind one's back that are absolutely and entirely true

004 | video

13A04 [AUDIO]

Video

[video]

[video]

Verse 04 -- Video

Voice;

002; video;

001; anonymous text;

004 ♆ video

o3 ♐ video

02 ❊ Video

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