❧ Of Gods & Magic [video]

[leveilleur]

[ It takes a moment for Alphinaud to set up everything just right but once he does, the video feed goes live revealing the faces of elven twins solemnly gazing into the camera. Alphinaud Leveilleur towards the right dressed in blues and whites with his sister Alisaie, dressed in red and khaki, towards the left. They look identical in every way but there are subtle differences that only a keen eye would notice. Nevertheless, Alphinaud takes a moment to clear his throat before finally introducing himself. ]

Greetings & Salutations to All,

I am Alphinaud Leveilleur and this ---[ He gestures to the girl standing at his left. ]-- is my sister Alisaie.

[ Alisaie raises a hand in greeting. She seems to be regarding the device with some skepticism, and so she's a bit more subdued than normal. ]

Greetings to you all.

[ The boy doesn't feel the need to address that they're identical twins since he's certain the audience has eyes. However, if anyone makes any rude comments about their appearance, they'll be promptly blocked. Alphinaud doesn't have much patience for those who make fun of his allegedly girlish looks. ]

We hail from the realm of Hydaelyn, a wondrous world plagued by both strife and great unrest. We are members of a faction known as the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, peacekeepers if you will, who strive in earnest to bring an end to the bloodshed that plagues our world.

-----------

Due to great circumstances, we've been summoned to Prismatica along with all of you, by unknown powers. It has come to my attention that this fantastical realm is chock full of wonders, many of which we Moonblessed fail to comprehend. With that said, I wish to hold a forum regarding these wonders in hopes that we can further understand more about this world.

[ Alisaie leans in a bit more, cutting off Alphinaud from view for the moment. ]

-- We're interested in talking about where the Moonblessings supposedly come from. These beast gods, Sanguis, Iris, and Cordis. It's not the first time we've heard of such things.

[ She glances knowingly over to her brother.]

Not the first time-- [He states looking somewhat remorseful now.] Nor will it be the last, I fear.

[ Alphinaud comes into view again looking rather grim now. This not a light topic meant for the faint of heart. ]

In the region of Eorzea and even beyond her, false deities called “primals” offer succor in the form of blind fanatical servitude promising the moon and stars to all who worship them. Their promises are nothing more than lies told to bewitch their followers into supplying them endless aether in the form of great sacrifice.

The payment---one’s own life.

[ His gaze narrows some as he ponders about the deities of this realm. The more he thinks about these foreign gods, the more they truly sound lime “primals” to him. ]

We know naught if this payment would be the same in regards to the deities here within Prismatica but servitude certainly seems to be one of them.

[ Alisaie speaks up now. ]

Think about it. We are 'blessed' by these gods and they ask that we generate energy in return. Sound similar? The energy itself is benign so far, but then they twist and change our bodies and call it a gift.

[ She shakes her head. ]

I realize the people of this star depend on Chroma, and that it changed their way of life. I also know this life is better for some of you. But we deserve to know why we have been brought here and changed, not just be given some blind venerated explanation.

[ Her voice gets more earnest as she speaks, ending with her slamming her fist down on the surface the video device is propped on. She has to right it after it tilts, and then stills, taking a deep breath. Alphinaud takes over. ]

This is all we ask.

[ He chimes in after a moment of thought. It seems there’s something else on his mind but the boy hesitates to state it. Instead, he directs this introduction to a swift end. ]

We ask to know and understand the meaning behind our arrival here so that in turn, we could perhaps undo what has been done.

[ Alphinaud takes a breath. This is quite the intro and it will surely gain them some scorn. Nevertheless, he’s content. ]

I open up the forum for others to speak.

Comments

[mcring]

[ Well, that's an embarrassing way to meet somebody, but at least he doesn't seem too pissed off? He probably gets this a lot. ]

Uh, I haven't seen any other twins around, so maybe? I'm just more surprised because Alisaie is a friend of mine. Or, um. She was.

[ Are they... even still friends? Does she remember him? Does Prompto know about this? Wow, this is a whole hornet's nest Noctis just walked himself right into, but there's no walking right out of it now. Just gallantly forward. Or something. ]

She disappeared a couple months ago. You and I never met, but she talked about you a couple times. I'm Noctis.

[ This is a disaster, can he take back the last two minutes of his life and try again? Where's the reset button??? Take him back to a prior save. ]

[leveilleur]

[Surprisingly, he does. Alphinaud won't mention all the embarrassing times he's been confused for a "girl" nevertheless confused for Alisaie. However, it typically goes both ways since most people can't tell them apart.]

You knew my sister?

[Well, isn't that something. He peeks over at Alisaie briefly before peering into the phone again.]

So my sister...was here before? Here in this realm?

[Alphinaud furrows his brows a little in thought. It seems that time flows differently than one would expect or something nefarious is afoot. He gives the dark-haired lad another glance.]

Interesting. I don't believe my sister ever mentioned visiting here before but clearly you knew of her.

[He gives Noctis an appraising glance before greeting him with a friendly smirk.]

Well met, Noctis. I do hope my dear sister spoke favorably of me.

[mcring]

[ Considering they look pretty much exactly the same, they're really different, aren't they? Like he'd figured that from the way Alisaie described her brother, but to see someone with Alisaie's face pause and look thoughtful... Weird.

Noctis nods to the questions before shrugging at that last one. He kind've figured he'd get a question like that, so a casual answer is easy to give. ]

Yeah. I mean, most of the time. There was this one thing you did, she said, that she never forgave you for. When you two were kids.

[ She never told any story like that but LOOK



Okay yeah, he's got no excuse other than being a huge troll. Sorry, Alphinaud. ]

[leveilleur]

W-Wait! I beg your pardon?!

[ Alphinaud rapidly blinks his eyes like a chocobo in headlights. It doesn't dawn on him that this overgrown brat is pulling his leg. No, not at all. If anything, he looks a little dismayed at the thought of his sister holding a childish grudge against him. Then again, she is the emotional one. ]

Goodness, what did she say? Come now! You can't possibly say something like this and not offer more context!

[He's positively freaked, clearly.]

I've done nothing wrong other than laugh at her poorly crafted machinations.

[mcring]

[ Wow he's... Really nothing like his twin. It's kind of hilarious. Noctis has to really struggle to keep a smile off his face (but lbr, for Noctis, looking more miserable than he feels isn't much of a struggle). ]

Maybe the laughing is why she didn't forgive you. Or maybe you were just so young that you don't remember? But I don't know how you could forget doing something like that. I never would.

[ How long can he milk this for??? Probably not that long, but it's funny for right now. ]

[leveilleur]

I certainly don't remember doing something so grave to warrant such trauma!

[ He states while looking a tad baffled and oddly defensive at the same time. This poor boy is slow to the uptake sometimes. He's easy prey for pranks. ]

Honestly, what was it? How do you even know all this? Alisaie is not the type to easily confide in others.

[If there's one thing Alphinaud knows about his sister, it's that.]

[mcring]

[ Poor Alphinaud. Maybe Alisaie will see this conversation and take pity. Because Noctis sure isn't. He's had too much shit roll down hill from other people not to take an opportunity to dish it out like this when one comes up. ]

Yeah, I mean, she was dating my best friend, so we got pretty close. But this was really a big deal to her, because it was about you. I'm not even sure I should be talking to you about this, now that you mention it.

[leveilleur]

...

[Alphinaud rears his head back and just stares at Noctis as if he just grew a second head.]

My sister was dating your best friend? [He scrunches up his nose at that seemingly bizarre claim.] Impossible.

That's clearly a fib.

[swordfighting]

[ someone peeks over at her curiously, which gets alisaie giving him an odd look and then looking through the post.

and ah, that's noctis. prompto had mentioned him during their conversation in the game, and she appears in view, looking apologetic. ]

Hello, Noctis. I'm afraid I must apologize, as I don't remember my previous time here.

[ she gives a little shrug. ]

But I know the same thing happened to Prompto, as well.

[ she has been in touch with him, since arriving here, though purely by accident. ]

[mcring]

[ Well, that answers one question (It sucks. It's the sucky kind of answer.) and raises about a dozen more. ]

Hey, Ali. So he told you about it, huh? Did he tell you about the 6,000 demichroma you owed me before you left, too? Because a thing came up, and I kind of need it back sooner than later.

[ She absolutely didn't owe him any money but come on. Between the options of asking "so how badly did Prompto already embarrass himself this time" and messing with her, he's going for the high road. Besides, that story will be way better out of Prompto, anyway. Alisaie doesn't take being teased half as well, and Noctis isn't in a rush to lose vital parts, video call or not.

Though he may be angling for that anyway with this joke, but oh well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. ]

[swordfighting]

[ she blinks, for just one moment, and then she smirks a bit. ]

Oh, that? He did mention it, but he might have mentioned something you did that was so embarrassing you'd agreed to waive the money, lest I go around telling people about it.

[ not true, of course. but she'll play along with him. ]

[mcring]

[ Noctis' expression doesn't change. Damn, she's sharp, though. He almost forgot about that. ]

Like I don't have a hundred embarrassing stories about him that he'd be risking if he tried it.

[ Since that first lure didn't work, onto the next cast with new bait.. ]

That thing he did on your birthday, for one.

[swordfighting]

Oh?

[ she does a good job of looking interested, but there's a glint in her eye. ]

Yes, that thing that I said I'd never forgive him for? It seems he's turned over a new leaf about honesty.

[mcring]

[ Well, that almost worked. Except— ]

Neither of you remember that, actually.

[ As tempting as it is to keep trying to win a match of wits he is absolutely doomed to lose, the reminder of just what she and Prompto don't remember is enough to have Noctis dropping the act, voice coloring with more genuine concern. ]

So, how did that go, for real? Talking to Prompto.

[ Does he need to go offer his friend a shoulder to cry on, or... ]

[swordfighting]

[ her smile falls a bit when he gets a bit more serious. but, she still seems happy to see him, so she gives a gentle shrug. ]

It was... quite the awkward first meeting, since he was told he was dating me previously, and I had no memory of any of the events.

[ blunt. ]

But, we spent some time in the game world, and it was quite pleasant. I think it is not as bad as it could have been, had one of us remembered the other.

[ she's sure either herself or prompto would have been heartbroken, had they been the two that were dating. ]

un: adagium

[profanation]

Why, Noct!

[ Who's this terribly worried sounding fellow? Why if it isn't your dear old (emphasis on old) Uncle Ardyn, Noctis. ]

If you're hurting for money my dear boy you can always ask me, rather than try to scam it out of pretty young ladies!

[ Oh he's concerned he doesn't even realize how embarrassing this must be! Oh dear! ]

What's family for? Tell me what you need.

un: getlostcreeper (j/k it's ratherbfishing, which is also valid)

[mcring]

[ Wow who just listens to other people's public conversations?! Why are all of you like this??? Noctis' voice goes a little lower with anger, not embarrassment. Yeah, we'll go with that. ]

I'm not trying to scam anyone, and it's none of your business.

the rudeness on display here. untenable.

[profanation]

Oh Noct, your well being is very much my business.

[ Come on. Tell him he's lying about that, Noctis. He'd be delighted to hear the justification for that being a lie. ]

How much do you need?

right?? but noctis is used to ardyn's rudeness by now

[mcring]

[ Don't remind him. Like please, he spends most of his time on Prismatica trying not to think about it. ]

So that means you can just go around listening to all of my conversations now? I thought you had a job. Isn't trying to weasel your way up Lunatia's government ladder enough to keep you busy anymore?

GASPS IN LUCIAN

[profanation]

Noctis, please. When a topic like this comes up, you and I have rather a lot on our minds regarding it.

[ You know he doesn't mean the money part of it, but like hell he's going to be specific. ]

My having a job is what's allowing me to give you a little allowance to tide you over between your paydays!

video ➤ un: academician

[leveilleur]

Noctis is doing what to my sister?

[Oh boy. Alphinaud doesn't look the least bit amused here and it shows.]

[profanation]

Oh I'm sure he doesn't mean it! [ Look at this smile Alphinaud! It's so doting on his little rapscallion of a nephew. What a happy family! ] He's just chancing his arm... you know how royals can be!

[leveilleur]

He's supposed to be royalty? [He questions with a raised brow.] I must confess, I'm quite surprised.

It seems this alleged princeling lacks a sense of propriety.

[mcring]

Don't listen to this guy. It was just a joke, Alphinaud, and Alisaie didn't even fall for it. You know I wouldn't actually do anything to hurt her, right? Even if she doesn't remember me, she's still a friend of mine.

[leveilleur]

We're strangers, aren't we? [He states evenly with a slight frown.] I don't know any of you and the same is for my sister.

[Although, he suspects Alisaie will be eager to befriend these cads.]

Therefore, I cannot judge but I certainly hope you honor that creed.