Video + Possessed Technology

[godchild]

[The Dreamberry hits the ground and flickers on, the red light blinking as the video call starts to record.

[A few seconds before something blunt pokes at the phone. A scoff, followed by another jab. Is that a cane?]

...

[Another keysmash and resulting series of beeps, then a frowning face comes into view]

What the devil?

Comments

[loyal_judas]

[He's slowly figuring this thing out as well, but he definitely recognizes that voice.]

...Lord Cain?... Is that you?

[godchild]

[And the cane drops with a clatter. Instead of addressing the face on the Dreamberry, Cain turns around to call out to the voice - not having made the connection yet]

Riff?

[loyal_judas]

[Riff wants nothing more then to go through the screen to his Lord.]

No, My lord, the device, it serves as a phone, but with moving pictures as well. How about I come find you instead?

[godchild]

[Cain turned around again, considering the device on the ground. Then he knelt down in the grass, obviously not concerned about his dress pants. He frowned at the little screen in concentration.

[It looked so like Riff, and the voice - perfect. It was strange, but undeniably reassuring]

Where are you? [He inquired, then squinted back up at the sun for a moment, touching his forehead as if feeling for evidence of a wound]

I don't remember leaving London.

[loyal_judas]

You won't. I didn't remember when I first got here either.

As for where I am, I'm almost to where you are, don't move.

[He' been walking the whole time, sensing that he was nearer, almost there now.] Are you unharmed?

[godchild]

I'm fine. [Dismissive, returning his attention to the Dreamberry, fingers knotting in the grass]

But are you well? [He was concerned for his health not long before arriving, so it's not just a formality]

[loyal_judas]

I feel fine, this place has a restorative effect from it's very nature.

[Riff finally comes into view and his smile widens as he looks from Cain on the dreamberry to Cain in person.]

There is no need to worry for me my lord.

[godchild]

What do you mean by -- [Cain begins, but then he hears the grass crunching before his ears recognize the difference between an electronic voice and the reality. The startled look on his face flashes to one of relief, and then a stern expression he doesn't quite mean as he rises from his awkward kneeling position in the grass, disdainfully brushing the debris from his trousers]

I don't remember giving you leave to quit your post and wander off. [Cain reprimanded, in his way -- that is to say, an odd sort of affection that shows in his eyes as he approaches Riff in person]

[loyal_judas]

[Riff didn't really know what possessed him, but seeing Cain there after being sick with worry for what felt like forever combined with constantly being haunted by the events leading up to and in the tower made him overflow with emotion. Gently he reached out and pulled the younger man into a tight hug.]

I apologize, Lord Cain, it won't happen again.

[godchild]

[Cain's eyes widened again, but the look of shock was forced into his servant's shoulder and within a matter of stuttered heartbeats, he was closing his eyes and curling his fingers around the rough material of Riff's jacket]

See that it doesn't - [Cain replied, words still firm even though his voice was small. His fingers tightened a little more, not giving him license to move] Riff.

[loyal_judas]

[Riff really didn't want to let go, a little afraid that, if he did, Cain would vanish again, but he knew this was irrational and that there were still somethings to work out.

So, for now, he released his tight hold, but remained close.]

My lord, what do you remember last before waking up here in Somarium?

[godchild]

[Cain's brow quirked as he glanced the few spare inches up to Riff's face, confused as to what prompted the question. Did he not remember it as well?

[His pale eyes moved over Riff's features once more, looking for signs that he might be ill in spite of his refusal. Maybe he should have insisted he see the doctor]

We were leaving for the Commemorative Party. [An offhand gesture to his rumpled evening clothes. It certainly wouldn't be his choice for the warm afternoon or the outdoors]

And then I was wandering around this village alone.

[loyal_judas]

[So the rumors he'd heard had been true, time was not always linear in this place. He had to make a decision, fast.]

Of course, I was merely making certain what I had guessed. There are apparently instances where people are brought here with their timelines out of sync.

Oh, and this village is called Espoir.

[godchild]

Espoir? [It sounded French, though it reminded Cain of a peaceful scene from a storybook, at least on first appearances]

What do you think? Are there any wolves waiting in the trees? [Cain inquired, only half-serious. Why yes, that's a play on Little Red Riding Hood and he's also asking Riff's opinion on whether or not this place is as innocent and safe as it seems.

[In the interim, he moves to retrieve his cane and pick up the curious device, nothing at all like the phones he's accustomed to]

[loyal_judas]

It seems innocent enough. Of course, I haven't been here long.

From what I've been told, we are currently in a state of dreaming, consequently, I don't believe any harm could come to us here, as solid and real as everything seems, it is still, in essence, a dream.

[godchild]

[The teasing left Cain's face as Riff spoke, unable to see dreams as quite so harmless; sometimes they could be very real, indeed.

[The young earl still planned to sleep with a pistol under his pillow; that is, as soon as he acquired one here]

At any rate, I'd like to change. [Cain said, efficiently changing the subject while schooling the haunted look from his features. He started walking briskly, though he had no idea where he was going]