1st Crystal: [Voice]

[cladinthedark]

What is this?

I am not on the moon, my armor is missing, I don't even recognize this place... who is responsible for this?  Show yourself immediately, or I will-

Wait... what are these on my back?

...Wings?  Why do I have... Have I died?

A strange afterlife if I have...

Comments

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

That voice... Valvalis, is that you?

... Perhaps I'm dead after all.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Far from it Master Golbez.

This is more like being spared from death, at the cost of being subject to bizarre conditions.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Fascinating. So you were brought here after your battle with Cecil and his allies?

And what are these "bizarre conditions"?

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Stripping people of power, polymorphing, hallucinations, sickness. Nothing positive, but nothing that doesn't last for longer than a week or two.


You did not bring the others with you, did you?

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Strange indeed. And do we know who or what is responsible?

No. I arrived alone. And it appears the force that brought me here has removed my armor.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Good. It was pleasant being away from them.

I'm certain you could retrieve your wears Master. There is a building where they dump the belongings of those whom they pull here.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

I'm not surprised you feel that way. So then shall I assume the only ones from our world who have been brought here are you and myself?

I'm pleased to hear that. [He feels naked without his armor.] But first things first. How am I communicating with you? I gather there must be a device of some sort nearby. [No, he hasn't found his journal yet.]

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Yes, though there was a week I had to listen to their ghosts. I'll not be surprised if it happens again.

There should be a journal somewhere on your person. It's enchanted to allow verbal communication. I think very few actually write in them.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

It could be worse. At least the other three would be aligned with you.

Hmmm, let's see... [After a brief moment...] Ah, here it is. Remarkable technology... and yet another reminder of how powerful the force that brought us here is.

Which leads to my biggest question. Who or what is responsible?

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

I believe they are some bird-like creature called Malonoso. I pay little mind, as this is a far better option than death.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

A valid point. [You can hear that he's started to walk, now that he's found everything he needed to where he was.] And the other residents?

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

What of them? Seems all types are present. Those worse than you to those like Cecil.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

In other words, these "Malnosso" have no care for the temperment or alignment of those they bring here. Interesting.

... Given the situation, I cannot say I see any point in unnecessary conflict.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

You'll... not be asking me to destroy these people in your name?

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

I have yet to determine what course of action I will be taking in this world, exactly. However, let us review what we know of the situation.

We are far from our own world, and if the information you've given me is accurate, we are essentially prisoners here. What would we gain from assaulting our fellow captives?

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Nothing more than grief and hatred.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Precisely. There would be no point.

And you know, Valvalis, that I do not do anything without a reason.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Very true, Master Golbez.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

I will research this world on my own for a time, and inform you when I have decided on my course of action. Until then, you may as well act as you did before my arrival.

Speaking of which, what actions had you taken prior to my appearance? Have you made enemies here? Or allies?

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Mostly allies. I most people I speak with are friendly toward me. Only one seems at the slightest apprehensive, only by knowing their kin.

There are those I've let get... closer to me...

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Good. That keeps our list of problems to a minimum. We may wind up allying with the populace at large here, after all. [He laughs, clearly amused by the prospect.] How ironic that would be...

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

They are not an unkind lot.

Many have been here contently long enough they've begun families. By reproduction or otherwise close ties.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

So had those we attacked to retrieve the crystals, you realize.

But then, we had a purpose. An objective. A reason for what we were doing. Now... a new purpose must be found. And the means to it may be radically different than the ones we've used in the past.

... I take it you would not be opposed to this.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Opposed to an alliance? No, Master.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

I shall take your position... into consideration. [It carries more weight than she might realize, since she's his only ally here.]

I believe I have located the shop where my armor is, so I shall close the line for now. Be well, Valvalis.