[Alex had been as surprised as the rest of his party to hear that they'd been in the tunnels for nearly a months' time when it had only felt like a few hours while they were walking around in them
( Read more... )
[Oh hi there new voice! Alex looks interested and curious, his blue green eyes settling onto the page of the book like he's looking right at Aara.]
Beneath the Keep .. the great Lord Deior opened them to us when the dust storm swept over the area so we'd have someplace to get away from it. A few of us met down there and went exploring .. what we thought was a few hours turned out to be nearly a month above ground.
There's a few people still missing..
[And he's really not happy about that, being as how he was certain they included Derek and Chloe. He sighs and shakes his head.]
Hopefully we'll hear from them soon, but until then there's not much we can do.
[He then refocuses on fact #1: new voice = new person.]
[After a bit of fiddling, the video turns on, a confused expression on Aara's normally calm face.] Is it working? The reflection thing? I see your reflection but... are you able to see mine?
A dust storm? That sounds dangerous. Do these storms happen often?
I did not think it was possible--no. Maybe that makes more sense than it doesn't. [Here she is thinking about the Rift.] How many people are missing? Is there anything I can do to help find them?
[A soft, breathy and somewhat sheepish laugh at that.] I am that obvious? I have been asking quite a few questions.
[Alex's eyes brighten as the fair haired young woman appears on his own journal page.]
Yes, you're doing just fine and I see you as clear as the day.
As to the storm .. it was the first time I'd seen anything like it since my arrival here and I've been here for months. The staff seemed well enough prepared for it, but I doubt the same will be happening again soon.
[He listens to her muse, his head tilted slightly to one side, his expression curious.]
I know of two, but I'm relatively certain there are a few more in their party. But we've no access to the tunnels any longer, as they've been sealed shut once again. I think the only thing we can do it wait, and I hate that.
[His brows knit and he looks unhappy. He'd much rather get back to where he'd caught a slight trace of Derek and Chloe's scents and actually do something to find them. He was kicking himself for letting that chance escape him.
Then his expression relaxes again, his smile wan as he nods.]There's nothing wrong with asking questions. It's much better to do that
( ... )
...Was the storm awful? Were many hurt? It's a relief to hear it should not happen again any time soon.
Hmm. Waiting is hard when friends have gone missing, or may be in trouble. [Still, she lightly shuddered at the thought of dark tunnels underground--being trapped there. She would have to avoid them if at all possible.]
It is good to know. Allow me to ask something else, then. Is there anything I can do to help locate those missing? [A minuscule smile, head tilted slightly.]
Alex. [A light blush steals across her cheek bones at being obvious.] I am Aara.
[He gives a half shake of his head, his expression a mixture of resignation and concern.]
None were hurt that I know of .. the dust made it pretty much impossible to venture outside, though. If you tried breathing out there in it, well .. you really couldn't. People just kind of stayed holed up wherever it was that they were.
[A tight smile and a bit of a nod.]
It's hard, yeah .. worse part is the waiting for them to show again and being concerned that they won't. People don't vanish often, but it does happen on occasion .. Not sure if they return to their own worlds or what, but .. [He shakes his head, looking unhappy.]
So long as they come back in one piece I'll be happy ..
[He pauses as she asks her question, a smile warming his expression ever so slightly.]
I'm honestly uncertain .. I can't smell them anywhere that I've looked. [Yes, he said smell.] But .. If you happen to see or hear from either Chloe or Derek, I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know?
[The flush adds a touch of color to her light complexion and
( ... )
That is good to hear. Not something anyone would want to be out in.
...Some have vanished? Do you believe our worlds still exist, then? [There is definite weight to her question, and waxing hope in her expression.]
[A warm hum-like purr vibrates lightly across the audio as Aara gives a small, close lipped smile.] I understand. It is always a relieve when loved ones are safe.
I will certainly stay on the alert. Seems I will be keeping my eye out for many loved ones here. [Her tone is warm as she says this.]
I have not been here long at all, though sometimes it does not feel that way. This is an oddly confining place.
No, not in the slightest .. With any luck, we won't have to deal with it again at any point.
[He can't miss that flicker of hope in her voice and he exhales slowly.]
I don't know .. I hope they do. For all the things wrong with my world, I'd at least like for them to have the same chance as me. No one deserves what Deior hints at ..
[He pauses at that sound, head tilting curiously as his blue-green eyes study her. It wasn't a particularly human sound, no matter what she appeared to look like.]
It is a great relief, yes .. More so when they finally get around to showing themselves again.
[Alex chuckles softly, his lips quirked in amusement as he nods.]
Yeah, this place has that kinda effect on a person. Feels like I've been here forever, even if it's only been a few months. You finding your way around?
[That odd hum again--this time shorter as Aara nods in understanding.] I hope so as well.
[Aara's expression darkens at that, eyes lowering as a frown tugs her lips.] No one should be made to suffer in such a way: watching their people die, or finding for some reason-- [She chokes off here, ducking her head and working to push back the strong emotions swamping her.] I do not know if I find it an honor Orr punishment if I have been chosen to live and so many have truly-- [She can't say it. She shakes her head, then finally is able to lift pained yet determined eyes to the near stranger before her.] I apologize. Being here is a lot to take in.
[She breathes a small sigh of relief at a new topic of discussion, an almost smile returning to her lips.] I can imagine what a relief that would be. I will keep an eye out.
...Honestly? [She ducks her head a little, ashamed.] I have barely left my room. [How she yearned to leave and explore, however. How she yearned to stretch her wings and fly.]
[Alex watches the shift in emotion that move over the girls' face. He makes a soft sound in the back of his throat, nodding slightly.]
I agree .. I can think of no one that deserves to go through this.
[He looks at her as she trails off, the pain clear in her voice.] Aara, if you are alive, then there is a purpose. We can't even begin to define it for what it is, but there is a reason. Never think yourself unworthy of surviving when and where others have not. We can't know how much of this is truth and how much of this is entirely accurate, but we damn well can keep positive about it. [A fleeting smile, then.] And never apologize for having emotions; their is nothing weak about showing them.
[He's just as happy to change subjects and smiles again, nodding his head.] My thanks.
[Then his eyes widen a touch, brows shooting up.]
Fair lady, you cannot stay trapped in your room for all of your days. Scary and new though this place may be, there are also so many to meet and things to explore.
[Gaze somewhat averted, Aara nods.] I still do not know what to make of this keep. I do know, however, that those I have met have made me truly happy to have this opportunity where I otherwise would never have met them.
[A soft, somewhat pained chuckle escapes her.] How is it so many of you here can be so kind? I know there is reason, or purpose. [Aara goes quiet for a moment, contemplating.] At the very least, someone believes me to be worthy at life...
[Now Aara can smile, meeting the blue-green eyes staring back at her with a warmth growing in her chest. She is mesmerized by his pale eyes and hair--much the same as hers, and has been trying desperately not to show it. Her hands shook with nervous excitement at finding someone who looked like she did. Her hand tremblingly reached out to touch the screen before she knew what she was doing, gasped, and quickly hid her hand back in her lap.]
I do enjoying meeting the people here... [A soft laugh erupts, and Aara's pale blue eyes glitter with excitement.] Exploring is one of my
( ... )
[Alex watches Aara with a fascination he cannot deny, even though he can only glean so much about the fair haired girl through the pages of the journal. Her words soften his expression and he nods, smile seeming almost ever present.]
The folks here are pretty great, for the most part .. Just be careful, mm? I haven't met everyone, but it's seems fairly safe to guess that the odds won't only bring the nice guys and girls here. I hate to be a pessimist, but it's a concern, you know? But, as you've said .. so far everyone I've dealt with has also been pretty okay in my eyes.
[Then a soft laugh and he shakes his head.] Our moms and dads just raised us right, I guess .. there's no point in being cruel or dispassionate when we're all in the same boat, you know? [Then his smile slips the faintest bit and he looks at her through the journal, puzzled.] Why would you ever think yourself unworthy of life? Of course you're worthy of life.
[He studies her curiously as she does the same to him, not missing as she tries to reach for him through
( ... )
I will be careful. [A little smile, touched by his concern.]
[Her smiles falters the smallest bit.] We certainly were brought up well, in any case. [Though it was not by any mother or father in her recollection. A quiet sigh escapes before she remembers she is not entirely alone, and she startles somewhat, finding a smile and banishing heavy thoughts.]
I am not unworthy of life, I know this... [Her words are breathy and soft.] It is simply that I wonder why I was saved...
The Green? It has been so long since I have seen anything Green. Is there much room for distance running? [her voice is breathy with anticipation.]
[And now Aara is blushing darker still, and attempting in vain to hide that fact.] Y-you are too good my lor--ah! Alex.
[Then she's laughing--all out laughing--and there is a lightness in her chest.] A stick??
[Alex's own smile warms as Aara seems to relax more and more into their conversation.]
You were saved because you were meant to be and it's as simple as that. We're a mixture of people and races from any number of worlds and I'm grateful that each and everyone of us are here.
[He considers the Green a moment, and the things done there, and decides to offer up another option.]
If not the Green, you'll find far more open area behind the Keep, between it and the lake. It should be open enough to suit the needs of running.
[He barks a laugh, canines flashing as his head tosses back.]
Well, maybe not a stick, exactly. How about we stick with Aara and Alex, lady fair?
[Her own smile warms in response, though his words and strength of conviction cause the smallest bit of unease. She wanted to believe Alex. Kanan would try to convince her of that very same thing--in his own small way.] Thank you...
...Different worlds and races? How... how many?
Thank you for your advice. I will do that. I am feeling...antsy within these stone walls.
[Those were some sharp canines. The thought crossed Aara's mind for a split second before it was gone and her blush was back in full force and she tried to duck and hide her face.] Ah...yes. That will do wonderfully.
...an entire month?
[Well now Aara is slightly creeped out.]
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Beneath the Keep .. the great Lord Deior opened them to us when the dust storm swept over the area so we'd have someplace to get away from it. A few of us met down there and went exploring .. what we thought was a few hours turned out to be nearly a month above ground.
There's a few people still missing..
[And he's really not happy about that, being as how he was certain they included Derek and Chloe. He sighs and shakes his head.]
Hopefully we'll hear from them soon, but until then there's not much we can do.
[He then refocuses on fact #1: new voice = new person.]
You new?
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A dust storm? That sounds dangerous. Do these storms happen often?
I did not think it was possible--no. Maybe that makes more sense than it doesn't. [Here she is thinking about the Rift.] How many people are missing? Is there anything I can do to help find them?
[A soft, breathy and somewhat sheepish laugh at that.] I am that obvious? I have been asking quite a few questions.
Reply
Yes, you're doing just fine and I see you as clear as the day.
As to the storm .. it was the first time I'd seen anything like it since my arrival here and I've been here for months. The staff seemed well enough prepared for it, but I doubt the same will be happening again soon.
[He listens to her muse, his head tilted slightly to one side, his expression curious.]
I know of two, but I'm relatively certain there are a few more in their party. But we've no access to the tunnels any longer, as they've been sealed shut once again. I think the only thing we can do it wait, and I hate that.
[His brows knit and he looks unhappy. He'd much rather get back to where he'd caught a slight trace of Derek and Chloe's scents and actually do something to find them. He was kicking himself for letting that chance escape him.
Then his expression relaxes again, his smile wan as he nods.]There's nothing wrong with asking questions. It's much better to do that ( ... )
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...Was the storm awful? Were many hurt? It's a relief to hear it should not happen again any time soon.
Hmm. Waiting is hard when friends have gone missing, or may be in trouble. [Still, she lightly shuddered at the thought of dark tunnels underground--being trapped there. She would have to avoid them if at all possible.]
It is good to know. Allow me to ask something else, then. Is there anything I can do to help locate those missing? [A minuscule smile, head tilted slightly.]
Alex. [A light blush steals across her cheek bones at being obvious.] I am Aara.
Reply
None were hurt that I know of .. the dust made it pretty much impossible to venture outside, though. If you tried breathing out there in it, well .. you really couldn't. People just kind of stayed holed up wherever it was that they were.
[A tight smile and a bit of a nod.]
It's hard, yeah .. worse part is the waiting for them to show again and being concerned that they won't. People don't vanish often, but it does happen on occasion .. Not sure if they return to their own worlds or what, but .. [He shakes his head, looking unhappy.]
So long as they come back in one piece I'll be happy ..
[He pauses as she asks her question, a smile warming his expression ever so slightly.]
I'm honestly uncertain .. I can't smell them anywhere that I've looked. [Yes, he said smell.] But .. If you happen to see or hear from either Chloe or Derek, I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know?
[The flush adds a touch of color to her light complexion and ( ... )
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...Some have vanished? Do you believe our worlds still exist, then? [There is definite weight to her question, and waxing hope in her expression.]
[A warm hum-like purr vibrates lightly across the audio as Aara gives a small, close lipped smile.] I understand. It is always a relieve when loved ones are safe.
I will certainly stay on the alert. Seems I will be keeping my eye out for many loved ones here. [Her tone is warm as she says this.]
I have not been here long at all, though sometimes it does not feel that way. This is an oddly confining place.
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[He can't miss that flicker of hope in her voice and he exhales slowly.]
I don't know .. I hope they do. For all the things wrong with my world, I'd at least like for them to have the same chance as me. No one deserves what Deior hints at ..
[He pauses at that sound, head tilting curiously as his blue-green eyes study her. It wasn't a particularly human sound, no matter what she appeared to look like.]
It is a great relief, yes .. More so when they finally get around to showing themselves again.
[Alex chuckles softly, his lips quirked in amusement as he nods.]
Yeah, this place has that kinda effect on a person. Feels like I've been here forever, even if it's only been a few months. You finding your way around?
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[Aara's expression darkens at that, eyes lowering as a frown tugs her lips.] No one should be made to suffer in such a way: watching their people die, or finding for some reason-- [She chokes off here, ducking her head and working to push back the strong emotions swamping her.] I do not know if I find it an honor Orr punishment if I have been chosen to live and so many have truly-- [She can't say it. She shakes her head, then finally is able to lift pained yet determined eyes to the near stranger before her.] I apologize. Being here is a lot to take in.
[She breathes a small sigh of relief at a new topic of discussion, an almost smile returning to her lips.] I can imagine what a relief that would be. I will keep an eye out.
...Honestly? [She ducks her head a little, ashamed.] I have barely left my room. [How she yearned to leave and explore, however. How she yearned to stretch her wings and fly.]
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I agree .. I can think of no one that deserves to go through this.
[He looks at her as she trails off, the pain clear in her voice.] Aara, if you are alive, then there is a purpose. We can't even begin to define it for what it is, but there is a reason. Never think yourself unworthy of surviving when and where others have not. We can't know how much of this is truth and how much of this is entirely accurate, but we damn well can keep positive about it. [A fleeting smile, then.] And never apologize for having emotions; their is nothing weak about showing them.
[He's just as happy to change subjects and smiles again, nodding his head.] My thanks.
[Then his eyes widen a touch, brows shooting up.]
Fair lady, you cannot stay trapped in your room for all of your days. Scary and new though this place may be, there are also so many to meet and things to explore.
Reply
[A soft, somewhat pained chuckle escapes her.] How is it so many of you here can be so kind? I know there is reason, or purpose. [Aara goes quiet for a moment, contemplating.] At the very least, someone believes me to be worthy at life...
[Now Aara can smile, meeting the blue-green eyes staring back at her with a warmth growing in her chest. She is mesmerized by his pale eyes and hair--much the same as hers, and has been trying desperately not to show it. Her hands shook with nervous excitement at finding someone who looked like she did. Her hand tremblingly reached out to touch the screen before she knew what she was doing, gasped, and quickly hid her hand back in her lap.]
I do enjoying meeting the people here... [A soft laugh erupts, and Aara's pale blue eyes glitter with excitement.] Exploring is one of my ( ... )
Reply
The folks here are pretty great, for the most part .. Just be careful, mm? I haven't met everyone, but it's seems fairly safe to guess that the odds won't only bring the nice guys and girls here. I hate to be a pessimist, but it's a concern, you know? But, as you've said .. so far everyone I've dealt with has also been pretty okay in my eyes.
[Then a soft laugh and he shakes his head.] Our moms and dads just raised us right, I guess .. there's no point in being cruel or dispassionate when we're all in the same boat, you know? [Then his smile slips the faintest bit and he looks at her through the journal, puzzled.] Why would you ever think yourself unworthy of life? Of course you're worthy of life.
[He studies her curiously as she does the same to him, not missing as she tries to reach for him through ( ... )
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[Her smiles falters the smallest bit.] We certainly were brought up well, in any case. [Though it was not by any mother or father in her recollection. A quiet sigh escapes before she remembers she is not entirely alone, and she startles somewhat, finding a smile and banishing heavy thoughts.]
I am not unworthy of life, I know this... [Her words are breathy and soft.] It is simply that I wonder why I was saved...
The Green? It has been so long since I have seen anything Green. Is there much room for distance running? [her voice is breathy with anticipation.]
[And now Aara is blushing darker still, and attempting in vain to hide that fact.] Y-you are too good my lor--ah! Alex.
[Then she's laughing--all out laughing--and there is a lightness in her chest.] A stick??
Reply
You were saved because you were meant to be and it's as simple as that. We're a mixture of people and races from any number of worlds and I'm grateful that each and everyone of us are here.
[He considers the Green a moment, and the things done there, and decides to offer up another option.]
If not the Green, you'll find far more open area behind the Keep, between it and the lake. It should be open enough to suit the needs of running.
[He barks a laugh, canines flashing as his head tosses back.]
Well, maybe not a stick, exactly. How about we stick with Aara and Alex, lady fair?
Reply
...Different worlds and races? How... how many?
Thank you for your advice. I will do that. I am feeling...antsy within these stone walls.
[Those were some sharp canines. The thought crossed Aara's mind for a split second before it was gone and her blush was back in full force and she tried to duck and hide her face.] Ah...yes. That will do wonderfully.
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