❧ 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

( voice )

[tayoru]

[ Just like Noctis, this subject poses a bit of a sore spot for Ignis, and he's initially honestly not all that interested in giving his two cents worth of vengeful opinions on "Gods". There is no need to pose a scene. But the mention of Alisaie is what keeps his attention on the discussion.

While Ignis is unable to see the feed of the video, he recognizes Alisaie's voice as soon as she speaks, and Ignis' immediate question is, of course, 'Does she remember any of her time here previously?' And if she doesn't, well... it's not the first time Ignis reunites with someone that used to be in the city that no longer remembers it, and he's had enough experiences in that regard that he has no real high hopes. ]

...I'm afraid it may be some time until you receive a proper response to your inquiry. I've been here many months, and not once have I or others gained so much as a hint of where the true source of our blessings resides, nor the means of transport from our world to this one.

[ Also, even though he is blind, mother is always watching, so Ignis feels like he needs to add on: ]

If I may, I must advise that as new arrivals, it would be best for you to refrain from exchanging Demichroma from other residents. Such a thing is impossible. And in this particular case, quite stupid of him to even try.

voice;

[leveilleur]

[ Instead of getting his dear sister, Alphinaud responds this time. He's been busy conversing with the other commenters here alongside Alisaie. It seems that this network post has caused quite a stir. This doesn't surprise him considering the nature of the conversation but the general unfavorable response isn't what he expected.

In all honesty, it's as if half the masses here have been tempered already. How else could one explain the general complacency of the Moonblessed here? Alphinaud is honestly quite dismayed. ]

Truly? [ He cannot help but sound a bit doubtful but if it's as this man claims--- ] How is it even remotely possible for the Prismals to remain so secretive?

Surely someone must know something about these blessings and the deities behind them.

[He trails off suddenly once that last bit is mentioned. Alphinaud has no bloody idea what he's referring too.]

I beg your pardon, sir? I...I don't know of what you mean by that but it's duly noted.

[tayoru]

Those within power only ever harbor two options. To share their knowledge and capabilities with others, or to shield them under their greed. It's quite clear the choice the Prismals have made. However I understand the frustration of this reality. The only location you may attempt to cover ground is through the Lunar Scientia, yet even that will prove a struggle.

[ But he's not one to just tell a stranger to give up, impossibilities aside.

Ignis has made a deal with old kings, has spurned ancient Gods and fought an immortal. He won't oppose anyone who wants to go against the system. Row row fight the power. ]

Ah, I do apologize. The final statement was a bit unprompted. Your sister seems to be having a curious conversation with an associate of mine.

[leveilleur]

So even if I focus my sights upon the Lunar Scientia's main facilities, I may still not find the answers I desperately seek?

[The poor boy cannot help but sigh exasperation. Alphinaud feels as if he keeps hitting a dead-end over and over again and he only just begun his research. It's as if the Prismals didn't bother to keep a record of anything out of sheer spite. While that's completely not the truth, Alphinaud cannot help but feel somewhat nonplussed about this already.]

Ah, an associate of yours?

[Alphinaud cocks his brow a little in confusion.]

If I may ask, how is it that everyone seems to know of my sister? [He's very confused about all that.] First this "Noctis" and now you.

[tayoru]

Exactly so, yes. It is a frustrating matter, but unfortunately the truth. You may potentially find others that can assist in your endeavors, but I must advise it would be best to keep your hopes reasonable for the time being.

[ Poor thing, so eager to play hero and yet all there is ahead is dead ends. Ignis has definite sympathy for him at least. ]

Pardon the confusion of my answer, for I'm sure it must sound like nonsense, but your sister was in Lunatia previously. Noctis and I knew her during that time. However it is to my understanding that she no longer recalls her stay here. This happens commonly.

voice;

[swordfighting]

[ her brother is handling the first part of the statement, so she doesn't feel a need to address it. still, when he mentions demichroma, alisaie responds, her tone in a bit of a laugh. ]

Do not worry, it'll take a bit more than that for him to pull one over on me.

[ her tone sounds a tad apologetic when she next speaks. ]

You are a friend of Prompto's then, yes? I am afraid to admit that I do not remember my stay here, so from my perspective this is our first meeting.

[tayoru]

I did not mean to imply his ploys would actually work, but I am relieved, thank you.

[ And that certainly answers the question he couldn't figure out on asking or not. It's a bit sad, but also, it's good to find old friends again. She's still as kind and courteous as he remembers her last. ]

But I am, yes. I'm familiar with the instance of those departing Lunatia only to return without their memories, so I must apologize if my familiarity causes any discomfort. However it is a pleasure to speak with you once more, Miss Alisaie. My name is Ignis.

[swordfighting]

[ she gives another chuckle, clearly delighted to see that noctis is in good company that calls him out. ]

You've caused no discomfort and needn't worry. And please, just Alisaie is fine. [ she's sure she's told him that before, she'd bet money. ] It's a pleasure to meet you again, Ignis. How do you fare in this land?

[tayoru]

I fare as well as one could expect. I manage. Sometimes the days are quite pleasant.

[ Other times they suck, a lot. It's a grab bag. Such is the daily life of a blind man. ]

I'd not known you had a brother. It is a pleasure to meet him as well. He sounds to be exceptionally motivated in discovering the secrets of this world, and I wish him luck. I do not possess as much information as I'd hope, but whatever you wish to know, you are welcome to inquire.

[swordfighting]

If there is anything you may need, I'd be glad to help.

[ she doesn't know he's blind, but... after talking to prompto, she feels a little like she owes it to that version of herself before to make sure they're all doing okay. she liked them well enough the first time, apparently.

she shakes her head, though ignis can't hear it. ]

Exceptionally motivated describes Alphinaud well, I will admit. Should we have many questions we'll be sure to ask you.

This is not the first time we've been whisked away to another land, but this is the first time it's been so different. It's an adjustment.

[tayoru]

[ That certainly is an interesting detail, not that Ignis hasn't experienced hearing others say they've been to other worlds prior to arriving in Lunatia. Coincidentally, that was exactly the position he recalls Prompto and the former Alisaie being in. It does pose a whole lot of new questions... ]

It's a very curious circumstance to find oneself in, especially someone like yourself who has been through this experience prior. A bit disorienting. I'd find myself rather disgruntled to be removed from a place I'd begun to grow accustomed to. Yet I assure you, there are many here willing to lend their assistance. The primary precautions to keep in mind is the manner in which the Moonblessings work, learning your own Moonblessing and its effects, as well as keeping in mind things within the city and even outside tend to become a bit... hectic.

[swordfighting]

I suppose it is comforting that there is no impending calamity falling upon this star. That could be... refreshing.

[ at least she knew norvrandt was in good hands, and saved of the calamity besides. as for his statement, she frowns a bit. ]

A relevant question. My brother and I have no idea which of the three either of us falls under. As twins, I would normally guess the same, but I suspect that fact doesn't hold true here. Do you know of any way to anticipate it?

[tayoru]

[ Girl, same. ]

Unfortunately there is no known way to predict what one's Moonblessing happens to be until the Moonphase occurs, but there are three known variants with their own unique attributes and physical changes. Sanguis is first, followed by Cordis, proceeded by Iris. Each phase lasts a week, and at the end of Iris there is an event referred to as Triple Moon, in which all three of Lunatia's moons are visible and within power, which causes all Moonblessed to experience their phase at once. This occurs only for three days, but as you can imagine, it can be quite a distressing experience if one is not prepared.

[swordfighting]

[ the world is not dying, it's a frickin' miracle.

she listens to him intently. for them to be familiar with the gods, she'd researched some of the common appearances of the moonblessed that fell under the specific deities. it had been interesting. ]

It does sound quite distressing. I heard tales of very mild transformations and ones that seemed to twist the entire body, when we researched the effects.

[ a beat. ]

Do you mind if I ask which moon you fall under?

[tayoru]

The degree of the transformation does vary from person to person, yes, and it can change through the time one's phase is active as well. I myself am currently Iris, though there was a point during my earlier months here in Lunatia that I was Sanguis. Moonblessings themselves can change, but with equal lack of predictability.

[swordfighting]

By the Twelve, what a headache.

[ there is a heavy sigh from her end of the feed. ]

I shall endeavor to prepare either of us for the worst, then, and if it is less than we should be grateful. I ... would it be too forward of me to ask for your assistance should we require it?

[ she hastens to add: ]

Not for anything intimate like moonlacing, mind you. Just in case any questions come up for either of us.

[tayoru]

My sentiments exactly.

[ He used to just have to worry about being very irritated and furry during his moonblessings, but at least he could make it easily through the days as a wolf. Now he's got heats and he turns into a tiny feisty, horny rabbit. It sucks. ]

And please, I certainly do not mind. Some have misconceptions of what moonlacing entails, however any degree of physical contact helps, such as embracing or simply holding hands. It also provides the currency which is used in this world, known as Demichroma.

[ She and her brother are considered friends, and one takes care of their friends. ]

[swordfighting]

[ now it will be she who gets to be irritated and furry during her moonblessings. poor alphinaud will share the curse of the rabbit with ignis instead. ]

Ah, I was aware. It just seems odd to request to hold hands with someone, as absurd as that sounds. But we are aware of the mitigating effects it should have on the moonblessings, and the currency it generates.

[ listen she still wants to take care of these people, she owes it to former alisaie. ]

I suppose the offer is extended in reverse, should you require it.

[tayoru]

It does sound like a ridiculous request to make of others, yes, but those of us known as Moonblessed understand the intent. And I kindly thank you for your assistance in return, Alisaie. I tend to manage well, but extra never hurts.

[ Plus now that he has a business to run, spare Demichroma to help with funds is a big help. ]

I do also provide a more convenient avenue for contact, in cases of those who are reluctant to offer physical contact. I cannot see, which means I cannot judge others for how they wish to offer touch.

[swordfighting]

You're very welcome, Ignis.

[ extra definitely never hurts. she and alphinaud had managed some spare demichroma by winning the maze contest, but it was something she was already paying close attention to.

there's a small noise of understanding when he speaks. ]

Ah, I was not aware, but I am glad to know it. My friend Y'shtola is as well. [ except y'shtola cheats and uses her aether to sense those around her, but alisaie has still learned how to help (or how to not unless requested). ]

[tayoru]

I've a tendency not to announce such unless necessary, though I would say it becomes a bit obvious when I meet others in person.

[ He carries around a walking stick, which is the first major hint, but when you watch how he moves and interacts with people it tends to be easier to figure out. ]

You've already a better understanding than I could ask for however.

[swordfighting]

And yet I doubt you'd be surprised how often it goes overlooked or forgotten.

[ how many times had sayuri gone to show y'shtola something, only to be met with a droll gaze and an explanation? it boggled the mind. at least sayuri seemed to remember now. ]

You speak highly of me! [ -- of course, he did know the previous alisaie. ] I'll have to live up to that.

not here

[mcring]

[ This sudden but inevitable betrayal?!? Ignis, whose side are you on???? ]

[tayoru]

[ He does it out of love. ♥ ]