∴ 001 ∴ Voice ∴ Open ∴

[as_you_command]

Who is on this channel? [ The device was meant for communicating with others, that much was obvious. It would likely not allow him to communicate with any potential rescuers. The question, now, was: who would answer this stern call, the voice calm despite the man it belongs to being very much uprooted? Guilford's panic was stowed away, as he needed

Comments

[Audio]

[mem_more_rakke]

Greetings, Sir. I am Thanatos, a fellow captive of this place, Demeleier. [The voice that responds is deep and steady, cold and calm. He speaks directly and without a hint of hesitation behind his words]

I am sorry to inform you that this place is a prison and you are it's latest addition.

I implore you to please calm yourself as best you can, and I will assist you so that you may best begin to understand the situation.

[as_you_command]

A prison? [ That was laughable, but there was only the barest hint of amusement in his tone. This place looked nothing like a prison. ]

Very well. [ And he was calm, it is just that in times of crisis and uncertainty it was difficult to keep his authoritative air from coming to the forefront. ] Explain. [ It's what he asked for, after all. ]

[text]

[mem_more_rakke]

I will do so by way of showing you this, the information complied by myself and Prince Schneizel of Britannia.

There is also a list of residents which you may check to see if anyone you are acquainted with is all ready here.

[text]

[as_you_command]

[ Schneizel? That he was here seemed impossible -- but the presentation of the data was not unlike the other man. It took little effort to figure out the document links and skim over them. ]

This information will be quite useful.
It appears that a number of those from my world are present here.
Thank you.

If I am caught here as well, am I to register my name with you, then?

[ Even if so, he signed that reply simply as "Guilford", for now. ]

[Audio]

[aknightmustrise]

Suzaku Kururugi responding. Sir, are you injured in any way?

[as_you_command]

[ There was a long silence while his recognition set in. His was a voice Guilford had never expected to hear, ever again.

Plus, the way he called him 'Sir'... something was out of place. Was he put up to this? Is he even, possibly, behind all this? Too many questions, and not enough answers.

He was trying to sound calm, but all his words were coated with skepticism that Guilford could not hide. ] Mister Kururugi... What is the meaning of this?

[Audio]

[aknightmustrise]

I'm afraid I don't know, all I can tell you is that you're in a place called Demeleier, and the crown upon your head is a means of protection. There is a village south of the temple where you ought to come if you are a new comer.

[Audio]

[as_you_command]

[ He sounded innocent enough, but even with the information Guilford has received, he thought it prudent to be cautious. ]

Demeleier. [ Speaking the name, as if testing it. Then there is rustling as he -- perhaps foolishly -- dislodges the crown and examines it. ] What an artfully crafted prop.

[voice] I DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS HERE.

[akingmuststand]

[Another familiar voice. It could be another, but given a few thoughts Schneizel's been bandying around, that seems unlikely. The surprise that was there is, of course, not present in his voice.]

Would I be correct in believing that this is Lord Guilford, knight to the Imperial Princess, Cornelia?

[The question is a formality beyond all else - what he's really wondering is how much the knight will remember.]

LIES

[as_you_command]

[ That voice! It can't be. Kidnapping a secondary character soldier like Guilford was a stupid move, but him? These people must have powerful connections, or an absolute lack of sense.

The question stings more than he expected it to. Now he was wondering what would become of her, now that he was here. Not to mention, bringing up his old title always threatened to open old wounds. ]

Former knight. [ Curt and informative. Schneizel, of all people, should be aware of the changes to status, since he is one of those with the most lost because of it.

His tone is subdued; apologetic. ] They have captured you, as well, Schneizel.

KANA IS OUT TO GET ME DON'T LISTEN TO HER

[akingmuststand]

[Former knight. That's answer enough. Unseen, he inclines his head, jaw propped up on fingers.

It's entirely unsurprising, really, that he follows Cornelia so closely. In fact, he has to smile at that - but it is not present in his voice when he answers.]

Myself and several others you may know, Guilford.

[Just going to let you mull that over.]

[as_you_command]

How can that be? [ The man sounds awfully calm about all this -- not that it should surprise Guilford. ] Whoever is behind all this must either not be aware of the consequences of their actions, or not care.

The locale they have chosen is also... unusual.

[Audio] that guy above totally knew it was here

[a_la_turk]

It is regrettable, but I'm afraid all that Thanatos has told you thus far is true. The place in which you've found yourself is a prison in that we are limited to the village, Demeleier, and the surrounding area. Attempts to escape to an area beyond them or more ideally to our proper places of abode has proved impossible.

[ An appropriate pause follows, short and quick, yet polite. ]

My name is Valeria. Like yourself and others you will surely communicate with on the network, I was brought here against my will. I presently head the Watch, an organization made up of similar individuals that dedicates itself to the safety of the community here.

[+TEXT] I believe you'll find the following text to be very helpful, mister...?

[as_you_command]

[ The greeting might have seemed verbose, but that information is exactly what he was looking for. Even if it was hard to swallow. There is a long silence as he skims the text he was given, and any longer of a pause and it might have seemed rude.

But just when it seemed like he might have ignored her, altogether... ] This is a lot to take in, Valeria. I thank you for forwarding me this document.

[ Now that he has finished skimming, he takes a deeper interest in the text. But then he realizes he was being rude, and not offering up anything in return, so it was time to fix that. ] My name is Guilford. If this is accurate, I am to believe this all is the work of... fairies? [ Trying not to sound disbelieving, but that was rather hard to fathom. ] The only fae I have ever encountered were in works of classic literature.

[a_la_turk]

Although I wish we could have met under better circumstances, it is a pleasure to meet you nonetheless, Mr. Guilford.

Of course, the same could be said of myself. I understand it's difficult to believe, but I have no doubt the reality of the claim will make itself apparent to you soon. These beings are not what most would consider the stereotypical faery, I'm afraid. Benevolent action from them is rare and it is generally best to exercise caution, something I'm sure you gathered from reading the document.

[ She pauses, albeit briefly. ]

There's also no need to thank me. I'm happy to do what I can for those here, so please, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me. I will answer to the best of my ability.

[as_you_command]

[ Guilford appreciated the prefix, being quite used to people (still) putting "sir" or "Lord" where it no longer rightfully belonged. ] This place has no doubt created many such awkward meetings. It is good to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstances, Miss Valeria.

[ He pauses to sigh a moment, after she further expounds upon the behaviors of the fae and offers her advice. The frustration, however, was not aimed at her. ] It would do me little good to ignore such warnings, when the evidence to the contrary is ever-mounting.

[ Taking note of the modesty, and saying no more to that end. However,... ] Tell me, then... this document suggests methods of protecting ourselves from these beings, but no way to combat them. [ His tone betrayed the unsung question: was that an oversight, or is there no way to fight them? ]

1/6

[knightmare_hime]

[This is-]

2/6

[knightmare_hime]

[But it can't-it can't be...]

3/6

[knightmare_hime]

[The voice is one that she would recognize from anywhere.]

4/6

[knightmare_hime]

[Even if a decade, or even two, had passed, it is one that has been committed to her memory for many years now.]