▶ TDM .006

[prismods]

This Is Our Time

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"SelloRekT /LA Dreams - This Is Our Time" (Watch on YouTube)

You awaken amidst the darkness with only a faint light to greet you. Your body is hemmed in by shards of crystals, gently sparkling and possibly pricking your skin. The surrounding landscape is dyed in the pinks and purples of the dusk filled with crystals protruding from the ground, some as large as a skyscraper. Even the few shy moon creatures you find in the wild have strange crystal growths on their hides. This is far from home— perhaps a dream? You pinch your skin and slap your cheeks, yet nothing seems to do the trick. Searching for answers yields nothing but an endless expanse of purple dust as far as the eye can see. You have four options: one, panic; two, soil yourself; three, admire it all then soil yourself; or four, go into survival mode. Eventually, you’ll realize that you’re not alone.

▶ The Mirror has Two Faces
Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Planet Prismatica, City of Lunatia | top

After a day or two of living off the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. After the strange phenomenon during the past months when scientists observed the sudden appearance of rainbow crystals in the sky, the government has been feverishly combing through the moon for more Moonblessed to be rescued. You’ll eventually be brought into Iris’s moon government center.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? Why did I think drinking alcohol made in a bathtub was a good idea? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They tell you about their world and about the first appearance of the Moonblessed as the medical staff give you an examination to make sure you’re not carrying any viruses or biological hazards. If you react violently, you may be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. Once the examinations are over, you’re informed that you will be provided accommodations on their planet during your stay.

While waiting for transport to be prepared, you may freely roam around the government center. Eventually you’re called back from exploring, escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel. Destination: Prismatica.

Welcome to Prismatica’s hub, Lunatia, the city of your dreams! A bustling metropolis lush with bright lights, vibrant colors, luxuriant plant life, and all the conveniences of technology absent from your own world… It seems like paradise to all the uninitiated. After a quick tour of the city, new arrivals can find themselves getting cozy in their new homes.

A. Find new roommates and say hello to your neighbors! City officials will give you directions to the designated districts across Level 2 and instruct you to pick out a unit. Each apartment complex has a different aesthetic, some may look cozy, some stylish, and some bizarre. The free accommodations have a basic living space that can only fit two or three people at most in one unit.

Starter Chromaspace furnishings are provided which can be controlled with the touch of a built-in panel. Examples are color-changing curtains, transforming sofa beds, cabinets turning into tables, etc. Customizing your apartment or moving out will have to wait until you earn more chroma. Until then, why don’t you check out your new neighborhood or explore the city levels? Maybe your new roommates or neighbors can give you a “hand” with allowance for dinner.

B. All apartments have been officially upgraded with special mirrors in the master bedroom that allow you to modify your features using a chroma-powered side panel. You can change your hair color, clothes, add animal parts, and even reduce or augment any feature of your body. Play around with it and see how you look! Sometimes, the mirrors will glitch and give you access to another person’s mirror, letting you see inside their apartment and catch them unawares. To their (your?) horror, you can hear them as well as they can hear you. Hopefully, you’re not caught doing something you shouldn’t be!

▶ Knottingham Forest
Level 2, Greatmoon Groves | top

The whole city receives an invitation to watch a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor play in Level 2’s Greatmoon Groves. It will be performed by the renowned traveling fox thespians from Amegahara.

It’s been a whole month since these fox envoys came to Lunatia. The Amegahara foxes ended up staying in the city longer than expected because of the fiasco last Vulpus Astra. Aside from needing to smooth things out with the Lunatian government, they also need to regain enough chroma to travel back home.

The locals aside, wanting to make up for their carelessness from the past month, they’ve primarily put together this play while keeping in mind the Moonblessed who were most affected. Though the Conclave of Amegahara and the Oracles of the Sinless are not affiliated, the Amegahara foxes regardless wish to apologize for the wrongdoings of the Sinless because they’re still their kin.

They hope everyone can move past it. Eager to show the real beauty of their culture, they encourage all to attend and bear witness to a truly tantalizing feast for the eyes. All Moonblessed will receive VIP seating and special service. The play does not start until the evening, but don’t worry, there’s more entertainment prepared around the groves!

A. Trending online is the Tree of Knots, a large tree with low-hanging branches covered in thick ribbons of various colors. It's such a hit with the locals that there are long lines for those who want to take Prismagram-worthy selfies.

The Amegahara foxes will explain that knots are sacred to their kind as they represent deep passion and eternal bonding. Participants are encouraged to work in pairs to loop a ribbon around a branch and then pull either end to ring around the tree. The bigger the knot, the better! Once a knot is secured, the two Moonblessed may find themselves, well… stuck together. Their hands will lace, and they will not be able to pull free for an hour. Enjoy the quality time spent with a friend and/or stranger… Hope you don’t have to go to the bathroom any time soon!

B. Cozy up with your fellow Moonblessed at the comfortable VIP seats facing the stage. Plates of delicious food and drink will float around to serve you until the show is over!

Under the moonlight, the play tells the tale of the Queen of Loch Drasta. The aloof and sheltered queen is seduced by a winsome village maiden named Peirene, only able to meet her when the night is upon them.

Special effects spellcasters make illusions of stars that encircle the audience, their bright glow emitting a comforting warmth that may lull audience members into a peaceful trance that lasts well after the show has ended. Those affected may find themselves feeling intoxicated. Strange — they haven’t even had a single drop of liquor! They’ll be prone to feats of reckless abandon or be charged by feelings of either elation, desire, or happiness. Possibly all of the above!

▶ Preparation H
Level 1, Lunar Scientia Headquarters | top

It’s almost time for the Conclave of Amegahara to return home and they will be taking the Oracles of the Sinless with them. Though, it seems they’re not the only ones heading out. As part of the ongoing efforts to bridge relations between all cultures, any willing Moonblessed will be invited at the end of the month to travel together to Amegahara, the Oasis in the Nothing, to give them a chance to learn more about this world. It’s also a volunteer experiment to see how their special moonlacing will affect their dead environment.

It’s said that the Amegaharans developed their own culture and technology independently from the Prismals of Lunatia, as their lands are separated by a large ecological wasteland created by the Calamity—dead lands which they call the Nothing. In order to traverse this dangerous territory, appropriate equipment developed by the Amegaharans will have to be used given that the Nothing is inhospitable and impossible to breathe inside of.

And so, to make sure nothing goes wrong, a proper testing and training session in Level 1’s Lunar Scientia Headquarters will be underway before the big trip. The Amegahara foxes warn that the current calibrations are for their kind, so it will likely be incompatible with the Moonblessed at the moment. Part of the test procedures is to find the right configurations, so brace yourselves.

A. L.I.F.E. or simply “LIFE” is a special form-fitting full body suit and helmet that are capable of providing ample chroma to keep the wearer alive through the most hazardous environments, such as toxic air.

One of malfunctions may potentially cause suffocation by squeezing the wearer’s bodies too tight. Another is that it might drain chroma instead of providing any. Stay with someone nearby to help you strip and moonlace with!

B. Another piece of technology available for testing is the aerial mecha suits called GIGA, which require at least two to three people to pilot one. Similar to LIFE, the suits also have a few noticeable glitches. Sometimes, the flight function stops completely, making it impossible to hover more than a few feet off the air. Other times, the emergency function suddenly ejects pilots straight into the ground. A neural cord that is supposed to affix itself to the pilots’ central nervous systems has also been coming out from the bottom of the seat instead of linking to the back of the pilots’ neck as designed, making for a particular uncomfortable seated experience.

As always, please take note of all glitches and errors and report them to your nearest Lunar Scientia employee!


▶ Questions
If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.

▶ As a reminder, test drive memes are for new characters only. However, current players are more than welcome to use these prompts for their own posts in the IC communities, personal inboxes, catch-all posts, etc.!
▶ As our test drive memes are game canon, feel free to keep any threads that happen here as canon for your character should they be accepted.

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Lobelia | Granblue Fantasy

[audiomancer]

The Mirror Has Two Faces

(a)

[ The little apartment is still much more space than the quarters of the Grancypher — and with its own bathroom, at that. Lobelia has evidently made himself at home fairly quickly, having disappeared into what he perceived to be the larger and brighter of the bedrooms. With the door open, he's sprawling out on a bed and resting his head back, unwinding after his long journey. Bizarrely, there's two perfectly-formed conch shells on the pillow to either side of his head, and he occasionally lifts a hand to caress them with an almost reverent affection. The world of floating islands, burning and toppling into the endless clouds, fire and smoke... it seems quite far away for him now.

From the sound, one might initially think he's just talking to himself, but drawing closer suggests a slightly different truth. ]

... Maman, papa, do you think I could be happy here?

[ He picks up the conch shells in either hand, looking at them directly, apparently addressing them. ]

I do deserve that much, don't I? And there are so many fresh, new things to make harmonie here! Can you imagine...?

[ In the quiet, thoughtful pause that follows his rambling, it doesn't take Lobelia long to notice he's not alone any more. His head turns towards the door, his eyes brightening as he sits up. The deep, rich fabric of his heavy robes pools and ripples across the bedding. Despite his weird remarks, his smile is fairly relaxed and congenial, his expression charmingly innocent — almost as if, despite appearances, he's actually been waiting for someone to come disturb him. ]

Oh? I already have a guest! Bonjour, stranger. You almost caught me off-guard, if not for the creaky floorboards.

I'd boast more impressive hospitalité, but I presently lack the chroma for food, you see... Even so, I hope you can still make yourself at home.

(b)

[ It's hard to imagine anything that could make Lobelia more brilliant than he already is, and superficial things like changing his appearance never really occupy his mind. His magnificence has always been in his natural talent, and in that regard, he values sound over sight every time.

Despite that, he's seated directly in front of the mirror, his eyes trained on it intently. In his hand, he has a single strange card that he gently turns over and over, seemingly occupying himself as he waits.

Ever since he came in, he's noticed a flickering from time to time out of the corner of his eye. It's easily assumed to be a symptom of one's tiredness, after recovering from the ordeal of arriving, but it's his excellent hearing that assures him something is really amiss. Even when the mirror is perfectly reflective, he can pick up even the quiet shuffles and breaths of his neighbour, as though they're right there in the room with him. He's never quite fast enough to catch sight of the person when the mirror shimmers... but that's all right. He's growing weary of waiting for the glitch to occur again, and he has a workaround.

He snaps his fingers. In his neighbour's room, a conch materialises spontaneously out of the air, and his voice comes through the pale pink opening in the shell, softly distorted. ]

Ah, monsieur ou mademoiselle, don't you know that I can hear you perfectly? I hope you aren't being nosy on purpose, or any such thing.

Knottingham Forest (b)

[ Lobelia may not have been amongst those affected, but he could hardly resist the opportunity to come and see a play from a new world. Since he arrived, he's thrown himself into the experience with gusto, happy to experience every sight, every sound, every opportunity afforded by the city with very little regard for what was left behind; after all, in the pursuit of happiness, all things should be tried. For now, he can be satisfied with just this.

That's probably why he seizes any plate that floats close enough to be grabbed, cheerfully wolfing it down and shivering in ecstacy.

His face is contorted with joy as the show reaches its end, and as the curtain closes, he's already standing, clapping his hands together and exclaiming with complete abandon, as though he's oblivious to anyone else: ]

Magnifique! A performance full of elegance and sensualité! Though the visual illusions couldn't rival my own powers, they are quite spectacular!

[ He's definitely elated, though it's hard to tell how much of that is simply the hypnotic influence of the performance itself and how much is just... him. ]

mirror ♦ b

[vielerfolg]

[ It's been an adventure, coming here, ending up in certain adventures she never imagined being in otherwise! Still, Ayer is here, and she's content at least- and they're going to find their way back to their friends, some way or the other!

She's curiously trying out the mirror, herself, enjoying the way the cat ears appear over her head when the vision changes before her and-

Her eyes widen as a voice suddenly speaks to her, out of nowhere! She almost squeaks, covering her mouth with her hands- ]

O-Oh!!

[ The reflection is talking to her- but- ]

D-Don't you know it's rude to look into someone's room?! I could have been changing!

[ Of course she's going to scold him! ]

Re: mirror ♦ b

[audiomancer]

[ Lobelia laughs warmly. ]

Even if it were to happen at such a time, there's no need to be concerned. I'm not so easily excited, so you could still change in peace.

[ Yeah that's definitely the issue here

Despite Jessica's outrage, Lobelia's voice stays pleasantly lilting, as though having a conversation like this is completely natural. ]

But that does reveal something. Evidently, it's not your intention for the mirror to become see-through either, non?

What a predicament. I don't know enough about this technology to be sure whether it's being manipulated by a third party, or is simply faulty.

[vielerfolg]

[ Honestly Lobelia, like that would ever be comforting to anyone, regardless of your preferences!! She stares at him for a while, before sighing and folding her arms. While she wasn't changing, it's still a little... well. Girls need some time to enjoy their looks, okay?

She does look curiously at him as he speaks, unsure if she's seen him before or not. But, at his words, she sighs. ]

I would not want a mirror to do something like that... neither would you, from the sounds of-

[ She pauses, looking at the conch that's appeared there- ]

- ...that. Is this yours?

[ She's going to try and reach out to touch it, all too used to flying mechanisms and things from back home. ]

[audiomancer]

[ She can touch his conch as much as she likes, har har! While she's studying it, he's studying her, his eyes roving about on her profile.

... He feels like he knows her face from somewhere. Until recently, he didn't see the same faces much for All Sorts of Reasons, so someone who feels familiar is sort of notable, in that regard...

Well, he'll wait for now. Maybe things will become clearer in time.

Lobelia's brow furrows at her response, his smile smug. ]

I was curious as to whether this was a window or a portal, so I sent a conque over there. Though, it's just one of my talents. [ It's said by way of explanation, but... it's not the best one. That seems to be all the clarity forthcoming. ]

Unfortunately, nothing I do can fix this giant peephole. If we want privacy, we might be forced to put up a curtain.

knotting - b;

[illuminism]

[ Such enthusiasm would normally leave him unfettered if not for the present source, one both familiar and unfamiliar to him. Another of the Singularity's more questionable invites, yet he understands the compulsion -best to have a threat in view than one in the shadows. Or perhaps, serving in their crew is a form of penance, one that will never quite erase all matters of wrongdoing performed by the magician, but Lucio is ever the actor. This is all information he would never know as a mild-mannered skydweller, so he tilts his head and smiles, eased into it by the level of surrounding enchantment that even he is not immune to. ]

You could almost make another actor envious with that cheerful response, yet I feel the same. I had hoped to hone my craft with the generous display and found myself rather spellbound.

[ There is some truth to that even if he's not quite aware of that fact. He had never seen that level of illusionary magic applied to simple stage craft, but the Prismals have always been inventive in their ingenuity.

Now, if only he could get the room to sit still long enough to give his seat partner focus. Both sight and sound are blending together to create a burgeoning sensation of euphoria even after curtain call, and he can't stop hyper-fixating on the lines painted along Lobelia's enlivened expression. ]

This is our first formal meeting, is it not? Please do not be alarmed. I have seen your face among the Grandcypher's passengers time and time again.

Re: knotting - b;

[audiomancer]

[ Lobelia smiles easily as he's approached, welcoming Lucio before he's even spoken. Even in his most lucid state, Lobelia has never had much difficulty embracing opportunities to chat, but the warm glow of intoxicating energy certainly makes the whole thing feel very natural. He wouldn't even have questioned Lucio's strange familiarity if he weren't kind enough to explain it directly, but the moment Lucio says 'Grancypher', Lobelia's senses sharpen, surprise evident on his face. Through the hazy pleasant atmosphere that encircles them, the significance of that remark still pierces through, laden with meaning.

Although it feels far, he hasn't left that world behind entirely. ]

... Is that so? To think I'm not the only one who made it here from the Grancypher... [ The smile quickly returns, more enthused than ever. ] Ah...! In all the worlds, to meet a familiar face... statistically speaking, it's surely more than luck, by all accounts!

[ Lobelia's eyes flicker strangely as he meets Lucio's gaze, though there's nothing on his face except for warmth and congeniality. If Lucio didn't have the knowledge he has, Lobelia could almost seem dangerously normal in this state.

Of course, there's nothing at all for Lobelia to be unhappy about when it comes to meeting other members of the Grancypher. The idea that he might have some kind of reputation, or that such a thing might be inconvenient for him, that doesn't trouble his mind at all. Instead, all thoughts turn to the possibility of seeing the Captain again; knowing that the Captain could come to be here, if they aren't here already... that's surely good news for him. Lobelia had joined the Grancypher precisely to be close to that person and seize the opportunities afforded by their strength; to that end, his life has changed entirely.

... But he does wonder if he's still expected to keep his promise to them. This is not the Sky Realm any more.

Such a thing has been on his mind quite frequently since he arrived here. ]

It really is a strange thing, that we had to meet in this distant place to speak to each other officially. What's your name, acteur?

[illuminism]

[ An ecstatic Lobelia is always a dangerous thing to be handling, yet he's had his share of wrangling larger threats than this by now. It's almost too easy to be captivated by the man's innate charm and charisma, a sign that Lobelia could have had a myriad successes elsewhere had he not succumbed to his baser urges long ago.

His own smile remains light and effortless, absent of tension as both a mark of whatever burgeoning intoxicated state is working its way through his system as well as simply the fact he'd been created without normal fear and anxiety synapses as humans are wont to show. If anything unsettles him, it's the minor lack of control in himself and his environment at the moment, trying to reconcile the sensation of floating when he knows his feet are firmly planted on the ground. ]

One may even call it fate, as I believe our paths were always meant to cross at some point.

[ What with the growing possibility of becoming an existential threat and all. ]

Please call me Lucio. A pleasure to meet you at last. You may find other familiar faces among the spectators here if that allays any of your worries of finding yourself alone in a distant world.

[ He isn't sure if that's much of a preoccupation for Lobelia, though he may be disappointed to learn that the captain had recently left, leaving those in the know about Lobelia's true self to be rather minimal. Another dangerous prospect. ]

In their place, I can serve as your guide for the time being, if you hold no objections.

:'' still gonna tag him.

[audiomancer]

[ It might take some careful steps on Lucio's part, suppressing his concern and broaching him in such a calculated manner, but it's highly effective. There's no suspicion in Lobelia's expression; in the warm peaceful glow that's coming over him, he's feeling rather amicable to Lucio's desire to spend time with him, and help him acclimatise. Perhaps the perspective of a fellow skyfarer can help him identify the parallels and the differences all the faster? That would make him very useful.

Lobelia's never been one to actively seek accolades or praise — for him, those sorts of things arrive naturally — but even so, this is still the sort of interest he likes. For all his perverse hobbies, Lobelia still enjoys good company. ]

C'est bon! As expected of our captain, they find the most entertaining people!

Since you're offering, I can't help but oblige. We're camarades, after all. It'd be worse than a shame not to take advantage of what's been given to us.

[ He proffers his hand. Hell yeah makin friends. ]

My name is Lobelia. I don't entrust myself to others very casually, but you make a good impression.

forest b, slight spoilers

[bust]

[ It's hard to miss someone so loud and intoxicated. Despite a large portion of the audience the same, Lobelia still stands out, especially with his towering height. Ayer has been watching the play from the start but didn't know how to approach the man. Caught between wondering if he should bother and settling down the disturbance within his chest, he became too distracted with these inner thoughts to learn anything of value from the play.

While Ayer normally avoids noisy gatherings like these, he made an exemption this time and attended for the sake of learning more about this world. He didn't expect to meet Lobelia of all the people here. Even though the Captain accepted the man into the crew, Ayer's sure many of them still have their reservations about him. Back in the Sky Realm, it was easier to accept since the Captain was close by. The Captain's words would've easily put order into place.

Here, that beloved person isn't around and Ayer feels severely strange. But after dealing with recent shit of his own, he'd like to move on from all this waffling. There's no point of lingering in this case too, so he should just accept the situation as is. Besides, he and the other crew members around might as well continue where the Captain left off. It's what that person would've encouraged. ]

Hey.

[ Ayer waits for the audience to calm down first before nudging Lobelia's arm. Right, earth melee should watch out for each other. ]

Re: forest b, slight spoilers

[audiomancer]

Hmmm?

[ Lobelia looks down at the shorter Ayer with surprise, his energised mirth mellowing out into an easy smile, little by little. Ah, this person...

Given that he spends so much time in the backline, he'd probably have an easier time recognising the back of Ayer's head — but he does remember him, of course. They're both punchy dirtlords, after all, so he's seen a little more of Ayer than he may have most people. Certainly enough for him to have retained more than a passing knowledge of his face, even if they were never so intimately acquainted.

In the thriving, flowing crowd and the drunken energy of the place, it was no surprise that someone as quiet and serious as Ayer could lay low until now, and miss Lobelia's notice. ]

Ah — I know you, don't I? [ He turns to give Ayer his full attention. ] From the Grancypher. Really, what an unexpected surprise! Will wonders never cease around this place!

[ He spreads his arms with enthusiasm, brimming with positivity. ]

I'm sure you weren't coming here just to see me, naturellement... but I wouldn't have expected to see you at such an occasion. How did you enjoy the spectacle? A masterpiece, don't you think? If it had perhaps been mingled with a more pleasing Sound, it might have been perfection... but they say that things that have a single flaw are often better for it.

[bust]

You said you're done with that shit.

[ Still going on with Sound… Ayer was afraid he'd hear that again, but it's not completely unexpected. Maybe a part of Lobelia still can't let go or maybe he's just saying it to mess with him. Either way, it doesn't sit well with the smaller earth melee and he's already glaring despite the nice smile presented to him.

Though to be fair, Ayer of all people should understand how hard it is to change. That's why he loses the glare shortly and is willing to give the benefit of the doubt. As long as no ugly incidents actually happen, then there's no real issue. ]

I'm sure you know by now. The Captain isn't here. What do you intend to do until we get out of here?

[ As for the play— ]

You could at least answer that for distracting me.

[audiomancer]

[ Lobelia's smile doesn't falter so much as shapeshift, his pleasantly joyous expression becoming a little off and less heartfelt at Ayer's remark. However, though Ayer's expression and body language strikes Lobelia as guarded and intense, there's nothing hostile in his voice. Lobelia finds himself curious about that. Whether Ayer is alone here. Whether he's uneasy with this world.

He may not know the finer details of Ayer's own complicated struggle to find another path, another way of life... but he knows Ayer would rather keep his crewmates on good terms. Certainly, to approach like this, he must have a strong sense of personal loyalty to the Captain and their vision of togetherness. ]

... Aah, I did.

I assure you, you don't have to worry about my innocent remarks. [ Super innocent!!! ] I can't help but long to seek aural satisfaction everywhere I turn, as one might seek beautiful sights... but it might be disrespectful to The Tower's efforts to be dissatisfied with what I've been given, non?

[ And, of course, it would be cruel to Ayer to ruin their alliance so early. He might feel responsible for stopping Lobelia, or some other such outlandish thing...

Lobelia pauses. In the glow of the lights still streaming out from the quieting stage, his eyes look slightly dreamy and glossy, and it's hard to tell if it's the intoxication of the play or something else. ]

What about you. Have you found anything to give you peace, now that the Captain is nowhere to be found? I think that's the more compelling question.

[bust]

[ Decided to move the tag here to avoid captcha! ]

mirror b!!

[hoasen]

[Somewhere, in another apartment, one customised to suit herself (including buying furniture so she doesn't expend so much chroma), she was cleaning. A place so tidy but the more small moments you take to clean, the less effort you'd have to make later.

Still, what she didn't expect was to see a conch appear in her room and she leaps in surprise.]

Oh my goodness!!

[She looks closer at the shell. There was some French that escaped it as well, so one of her big brother's people, perhaps?]

Bonjour, [Alright enough of that.] what is this, why are you hearing me? [The mirror would show her now, reaching for the conch, but stopping just before it. It might not be polite. Also, she hasn't noticed that she could just turn her head and see him now.]

Re: mirror b!!

[audiomancer]

[ The mirror flickers clearly enough for him to finally get a halfway-decent look at his neighbour and her room. With the impeccable state of the flat, there isn't a great deal of knowledge to be derived about her — just the rather obvious, superficial things. She's probably human, and her clothes are very different from what he's used to seeing at home. Perhaps, given the simplicity of her space, she also hasn't been here very long?

Watching her distractedly reaching out for the shell makes him smile, a bit full of himself as he answers with confidence: ]

Are you interested in my conque? Of course, I can't blame you. It's a truly unique ability that I have.

[ Though his voice filters through the mirror, it's given a closeness and clarity through the conch's whorled opening. It remains perfectly still and suspended, not stirred at all by her attempt to reach for it. ]

Although, I assure you that it has no relation at all to the see-through mirror. That's not my doing.

[hoasen]

[All of his assumptions? Mostly right. Her appearance doesn't reveal what she truly is, but it's never been an issue to her. She is, after all, a human representation, and her personality and habits, still very much so. Which includes her curiosity and the fact that most magic doesn't exist where she is from. Even if her own gifts are practically so.

But don't touch the shell, it's not yours, Vietnam.]

I truly am, is it something one can talk to each other with? It just suddenly appeared in my room!

[But then when he speaks of the mirror, she immediately looks over and sees the young man looking at her. She marches up to the mirror, scowling.]

This contraption! I must have it moved into another room!

[She pokes the glass, although all he'll see is a smooshed fingertip. Her expression softens.]

I understand it is not your doing. It happened to me once or twice already. But it seems to be so random, that I wouldn't call it a convenient method of communication. This is interesting. [His conque.]

[audiomancer]

[ His coooooonque.

Lobelia's brows raise slightly as Vietnam acknowledges the mirror, the shadow of her fingertip casting dark red against the glass. He subtly tucks away the card in his hand, out of sight, and folds his fingers together instead, smiling somewhat ambiguously. ]

So this is normal for you? That wouldn't even make it seem like an accident after a while. The people who live here must have some interesting habits. I don't have any shame about who I am, but even I desire some privacy from time to time.

That being said, mademoiselle, you seem to have understood my power quickly. Does it interest you? [ Said like someone who thinks it should obviously interest everybody... because of course! His power is very unique, very special! Even if people come from all over the place around here, he feels quite confident about this.

Speaking of which... she's a little bit mysterious, isn't she? It makes him curious. Maybe talking on and on like this isn't the best idea, at least not without learning anything for himself. ]

What about you? Do you have any talents of your own? I don't intend to compare, but even as a spectator, I do enjoy seeing powerful displays.

[hoasen]

[HIS COOOONQUE!!!

The card is forgotten for now, just something she swore she noticed but her focus was more on this mirror until she realises there was not much she can do about it now. A sigh, and she relaxes so that she could properly address him.]

Normal? Not so. These contraptions are new, so I have never had someone look at me through a mirror that I have purchased on my own. [Granted, she didn't actually buy magic mirrors.] But, you assume correctly. They seem to be quite...free, so to speak. Showing their affections freely, as an example.

[She straightens up now, her hands folded behind her back to relax, her head tilting with interest over at his conque.]

Mmm, I am from a time where, well I don't quite understand the science of it, but communication could be done from a distance. Such technology exists here as well. This here though...[She titls her head towards the conque again.] It's not science, is it? This is something you're producing on you're own. Among...many other things? [It appeared in her room right in front of her, after all. She's sure technology can't have gotten that far yet. So is it magic?

As for his question...]

I wouldn't say I have anything as impressive as magic, but I am not human. So I guess I have some gifts. Physically stronger than the average, the ability to heal faster. [Immortality in another world. She's still unsure about that here, so she keeps quiet. Either way, Vietnam's life is in the history books, which is why she answers that part easily.]

aaa I'm sorry for the delay!

[audiomancer]

[ He's quite happy to listen to her explain the ins and out the world as she knows it, but it's her remarks on herself that seem to inspire the most interest. ] ... Stronger than average? How interesting... What an enviable talent.

Combined with your healing, would it be fair to say that it makes you particularly physically resilient?

[ There's something pointedly attentive in Lobelia's expression, his eyes studying Vietnam with curiosity. She doesn't look considerably strong... but looks can be deceiving, as he would certainly know best. The way she speaks so candidly and innocently, as if simply presenting the facts of the matter, he doubts there's any lie in it. For some reason, she doesn't tie her unique attributes to her ego.

He can't help but wonder at the idea, and its possible parameters. Is she someone who can endure all sorts of pain? Could she endure it repeatedly? How much faster and how much more would she heal than a normal human?... It's such a broad explanation that she could be only a little bit stronger than average, or it could be like trying to kill a Primal Beast. ]

I wonder, is pain still as palpable for you as it is for a human?

wanders over from another mobage ; mirror a

[fonsvitae]

[ His apartment's at the end of the corridor, so he walks by this door every day. Today's the first time he's seen it open. And while that alone doesn't merit much more than a curious glance, Avicebron just happens to look over just as Lobelia's making a show of talking to those two conch shells.

It's a strange enough sight that his footsteps slow, and Avicebron squints from behind his mask for a moment, trying to make out what exactly this man is talking to. Shells, they look like? Are they being used like telephones? Puzzling over that curious sight, he lingers longer than he meant to -- long enough that Lobelia notices him. Though he immediately looks away, light glinting off his mask as he angles his face away, it's evidently not fast enough to avoid any attention.

Ugh. He's not particularly in the mood to be interacting with a weird stranger but, well ... he'll make an attempt, at least. ]

You've no need to worry about hospitality.

[ Said bluntly, but not unkindly, his voice a calm deadpan as he shakes his head. ]

I take it you're new to this city. [ Avicebron points at the open doorway with a hand, light gleaming off the pointed claw-tip of his gauntlet. ] I suggest you keep your door closed. This area isn't particularly dangerous, but I see no reason for you to risk inviting trouble, either.

You could say that game recognises game :

[audiomancer]

[ Lobelia looks steadily at the figure in the doorway. He's not exactly prone to giving other people a lot of his attention or interest usually, beyond the value they have in their recordings, but there's enough distinctive about Avicebron to give Lobelia significant pause. Even in his selfish approach to all matters, he can recognise when he's looking at something special.

He keenly observes the short-statured figure, the legs with their unambiguously mechanical joints and the long, thin needlepoints they taper into. With lips pressing together firmly, his smile sharpening, he looks back to the closest thing Avicebron has to a face, shielded by metal. He can't say he cares much at all for mechanical things, though even they can make a satisfying sound when they plough through something living... but this is alien enough to pique even his interest.

Is there any flesh at all under there, he wonders. If he used the Tower, he'd know right away, but...

No. For now, for some reason, he feels quite committed to keeping the Tower and its brutal abities to himself. ]

Everyone has a right to be happy. I understand why you'd warn me if things can be dangerous, but at the same time, I can respect that others have their follies, even if those kinds of things are too indélicat for me.

[ It sounds like that ambiguous thought ought to lead on to something, but he just leaves it there, starting afresh after the pause: ]

... But as you've mentioned it, I am curious to know what sort of trouble can be encountered around here. You sound like you know a lot about this place, non? You've been here a while?

As a newcomer, it'd be very helpful for me to know what to expect.

[fonsvitae]

[ What a strange man, Avicebron thinks (like a giant hypocrite). Lobelia's rambling answer is just enough to earn a small, puzzled cant of the head. He certainly can't make heads or tails of that cryptic statement about happiness. Is he saying that leaving the door open to strangers is his way of finding happiness?

Well, fine. Not his business any more. ]

Mm. I've been in this city for several months. I know enough.

[ Not that he particularly wanted to be stuck here for months. He turns away to glance out the corridor, towards the cityscape outside. His voice remains a calm deadpan as he starts his explanation. ]

There isn't much trouble here, other than the occasional burglar that could be found anywhere. Hence my warning to close your door. [ But that's not his main point, so he moves on quickly. ] Otherwise ... I imagine you were already given the explanation of the moons and their blessings. Dealing with those effects is the most troublesome part of living in this city.

[audiomancer]

[ Lobelia watches Avicebron's head canting towards the window, the light from beyond running slick over the ridges that trisect his faceplate; it's an ambiguous motion without an expression to go by. His own eyes stay sharp and intent, quite alert. With an abrupt snap of his fingers, his two little shells disappear away into some other place, now that he has something else to keep his focus. He stands up fully, looking down on the significantly shorter stranger.

MMMM You don't want it to be your business Avicebron but it might be too late for that. ]

So even in a place like this, common thugs are still the norm? What a shame... That doesn't hold my interest in the least. Such vulgarity has no appeal, no particular charm or resonance.

[ A wannabe victim with very discerning tastes apparently. ]

But at least you're something different from that mediocrity. Are the blessings the reason you appear as you do? Or did you experience something more exquisite than that?

[fonsvitae]

[ The snap of fingers draws his attention once more, and Avicebron tilts his head as those conches vanish. Interesting. Perhaps those conches are magical summons, rather than being tangible objects? He can certainly sense a whiff of magic about this man, and it piques his curiosity just enough that he decides to tolerate some insipid small talk for the moment.

Even if this man seems a little ... odd. ]

'Exquisite.' [ He repeats the word dryly, letting it hang in the air for a moment before shaking his head. ] No, I'm not affected by any moonblessings at the moment.

[ Pointedly, he doesn't offer an alternate explanation for why he looks the way he does. Instead, he cants his head up to study Lobelia closely, squinting behind his mask. ]

You've strange priorities. Most wouldn't be concerned with novelty when faced by the prospect of robbery. You're either extraordinarily confident in your abilities, or a thrill-seeker. [ Or both. It's said at a calm neutral, neither praising nor criticizing. Just an observation. ] If you're the latter, you'll find plenty to interest you. Many in this city come from vastly different worlds.