~ 35 [Action]

[fonon_professor]

[A woman is wandering into the village of Luceti. A woman with white hair, dressed in a rather official-looking uniform. She will look familiar to some

Comments

[action]

[offallingsnow]

[A woman with yellow hair is taking a break from the amusement today to shop a little - or there will be no food in the house by the time this 'fun' is over. When she catches sight of the design on the front of Gelda's uniform, and then a better look at the person wearing it...

...Someone ought to remind Nephry that it is considered impolite to stare like this.]

[action]

[demon_colonel]

[Gelda soon catches Nephry's gaze. Overall, it isn't too strange that she's being stared at- there don't seem to be any other representatives from the Order of Lorelei around. In fact, everyone is wearing such strange clothes, one might think they're all from an entirely different country.

Considering this woman is already watching her anyway, she might as well walk up to her.]

Excuse me?

[action]

[offallingsnow]

[Nephry you are staring.]

Oh! ...Yes, ah...is there something I can help you with?

[Not many people get to see her flustered, either.]

[action]

[demon_colonel]

[Good grief. You'd think this woman has never seen an Oracle Knight before.]

I am Gelda Nebilim, Locrian Colonel and commander of the sixth division of the Oracle Knights. It is of the utmost importance that I return to Daath as soon as possible. Can you advise me on the fastest route to take?

[action]

[offallingsnow]

I'm afraid that won't be possible. Do you recognize where you are now?

[action]

[demon_colonel]

["That won't be possible"? Such an answer is unacceptable to Gelda and her face shows it, but she'll hear this woman out anyway.]

No, I do not.

[action]

[offallingsnow]

This village is called Luceti. It isn't a part of Auldrant.

[action]

[demon_colonel]

It... isn't a part of Auldrant. [She repeats it in a rather bland voice. Clearly, she doesn't believe Nephry. Who would?]

[action]

[offallingsnow]

I know it must sound as though I'm lying to you. I have no reason to be less than truthful with [beat] a member of the Oracle Knights, especially in these circumstances. What would prove it to you?

[action]

[demon_colonel]

You are suggesting this is a world other than Auldrant? Then, how about a complete topographic map of this world, along with proof that it is correct?

[action]

[offallingsnow]

The library may have such a map, but solid proof will be harder to find. ...You could wait until nightfall and observe that the stars are different.

[She doesn't want to suggest a reading of the guide, because Gelda is in the guide.]

Have you noticed anything else strange, since finding yourself here?

[action]

[demon_colonel]

These should qualify as strange, I'm certain.

[She turns lightly to show Nephry the wings on her back. Another strange thing is that she was wearing a ring on her right hand, underneath her glove. A ring she's never seen before. Such matters are trivial in comparison to wings, though.]

[action]

[offallingsnow]

They are fundamental to your survival in this world. We all have them.

[Nephry turns to reveal her pair, and tries to remember that she's talking to a soldier, not her beloved professor]

The situation here is more complicated than being on a world that is not Auldrant. ...That is...my home, also.

[The place looked like home recently enough to sting a little, still.]

[action]

[demon_colonel]

[Wings that are fundamental to your survival... That's good to know. If she encounters an enemy, she'll be sure to aim for their backs.]

... Where are you from?

[action]

[offallingsnow]

Keterburg. [a partial smile] I am unused to this weather, even after years of living here.

[action]

[demon_colonel]

[Ah... Keterburg. Gelda was born there. Very nice town. She'd like to return there some day, if she can. It doesn't make her trust Nephry any more, though. That's why she'll point out the most obvious contradiction in this story.]

The Score hadn't foretold anything like this occuring.