[Video] Week 18 | Day 3 | fairly early in the day
[When the feed clicks on, immediately in focus is up-close face of a white-haired young man (ah, a scar with a starlike mark on the left side of his face). Apparently he's setting the Hitomi on something so it's propped up while he takes a step back, peering for a moment at the image as if making sure it's angled right. The trim black and red jacket he wears might be familiar, even hastily buttoned as it is. The usually present golem on his shoulder is... strangely missing, though.
Next to him is a young woman who is looking at him, then at the Hitomi curiously and like she's anticipating something, fishing a stray strand of hair that hasn't been bound in her braids from her mouth. Behind them is the sight of a large ryokan - an old-fashioned Japanese inn, lodge - and... a lot of people milling around. You could swear one or two identical (not really) lookalikes of the white-haired teen walk past in the background, too.
And the boy smiles then - the bright, sort of forced kind of someone putting on a good face because he has to - both for everyone else and himself - except it's so very natural and easily worn most would never think anything odd about it from that brief flash. Though really, he looks somewhere between tired and somewhat frazzled (literally - he looks like he rolled abruptly out of bed that morning and has forgotten to even brush his shaggy and too-long hair). Yes, for those that know Allen Walker, he looks a little older - something in the range of 18 perhaps, though here he's even less certain of his age - and in bad need of a haircut.
But the Exorcist coat's the same; the smile's the same. And valiantly, he attempts a slight (just a little nervous) wave. ]
Ah, hello who's just arrived. Chances are we haven't met [ At least THIS him.. ] ... I'm Allen Walker, and this [ A smile, polite gesture with one hand to the girl. ] is Rin. [She nods to that.] Welcome to Kannagara.
[Said Rin is looking directly at the Hitomi now, shoulders squared subtly, signaling a very conscious manner. She clears her throat and smooths the still-expectant look out of her face into an expression that is largely neutral.]
Welcome, newcomers. We understand you must feel confused about finding yourself here, and due to our understanding this, we have decided to give you a bit of basic information about this world.
As Allen said [pointing a hand toward him], this world is called Kannagara. It is run largely by a bunch of deities, who also brought you here. [For a second Allen frowns, like he wants to correct that, but he doesn't interrupt.] We don't know how they select the people they pull to this world, but they claim the purpose of it is to teach us to be better human beings. Make of that what you will.
It should be noted that they like to put obstacles in the way of that. Monsters linger in the wild, for example. For those of you who are capable fighters, however, this would be of advantage, as in the stomachs of the wildlife, you will find money. It's quite real and it's not a trick, so feel free to use this as a financial starting point.
[Having talked quite a lot, she pauses and glances over to Allen, on order to pass the word back to him.]
[He nods for a second to her at the unspoken implication before looking back to the Hitomi and continuing on rather pleasantly. Not cheerful, but the kind of helpfulness that comes with a smile.]
A lot of people say it's like Japan or China. There are people native to this world, but if you're seeing this then you've just woken up here like many of us. Some of us have been here for quite a while, like Rin and myself. While some people do seem to "go home" from time to time... Please don't panic. You haven't left your worlds behind... Not exactly. You're... both here and there at the same time. I know it probably doesn't make sense, but time seems to continue on back home regardless of what happens here. [Rin perks up at that, as though she has to say something, but decides to let him finish]
We know it doesn't really make it easier or especially reassuring, but... please believe me when I say most of us really don't want to be here, but it's not as simple as being... trapped. It's more like being two places at once.
[His expression flickers for a moment at that - a little unreadable - before it's replaced by an 'ah, and what else-' kind of wry twitch of a grin.] Everyone here communicates by the device you... well, I'm sure you've already found it if you're watching this, but the one that appeared with you when you woke up here. It's called a Hitomi and you can reach anyone else who's been brought here with it or post messages like this.
Ah. It also... records everyone's dreams from time to time. [A little uncomfortable, his eyes flick back to Rin for a moment. Not exactly ducking this particular topic or even suggesting she take over, but-]
[Rin sees that he is uncomfortable and decides to speak, again. A little unspoken relief crosses across his face at that; unpleasant topic? No, not at all. Thank you.]
Such is the case. It's not very pleasant for any of us, but I assure you it happens to all of us who are "newcomers". You might feel unusually compelled to watch the dreams of others, as well.
Speaking of that, you may have noticed that a lot of people here have a mark upon their foreheads. These are the natives of this place. Most of them will treat you with at least basic civility, if not friendliness. This is the case because there have been some unfortunate tensions between them and "us", the "outsiders" lately. Due to this, you may experience some discrimination. In that case, there will most certainly be one of us who will be ready to help you out.
Among the people who are still on good terms with us, however, are the owners of the place from which we are sending this message. It is called Natsuno Ryokan, an inn located in Hisato that welcomes newcomers from other worlds especially. You should be able to find a place to stay here at first.
Be careful along the roads, though. There have been bandit attacks lately. Please be safe.
[And here she pauses, looking back at Allen again.]
[He continues on without missing a beat-] There are also various kinds of creatures as well that can be rather powerful. While death... [a flick of the eyes for a moment, a little subdued but it passes] isn't exactly permanent here, you shouldn't risk yourselves unnecessarily. Several of us have organized and will be going back and forth guiding people from the tree in Himorogi to the inn here if you're worried about that---though travel can be a little strange here anyway. Everything is quick to get to if you know where you're going, but [ehe - quick, almost contrite flash of a grin] it is better to know where you're going first.
Um. [A quick shift of expression, distinctly... less-than-pleased and a bit to the side. Twitchy? A bit.] There are... though this hasn't happened before exactly... Well, don't be surprised to see... duplicates of yourself, either. Or me. [How WOULD people tell him apart from others on the Hitomi? Hng, hadn't thought of that.]
[He receives an odd look from Rin. Maybe she'll have to ask him about that later.]
[Oh, god, please no, Rin. Grimace, grimace. Yet he forces it back behind a smile topped with a positive shine.] Anyway, if there's anything else we can do to be of assistance, please don't hesitate.
[And then his expression smooths; more genuine - sympathetic, a little apologetic.] As Rin said, please be safe. We'll do what we can to help.
[Rin, too, gives a tentative, but warm smile now.]
We'll be happy to answer any further questions. Please feel free to ask whatever may be the matter.
[Lastly, she bows curtly. He nods his head quickly with a quick smile at the Hitomi as well, before reaching forward again and clicking off the feed.]
[ooc: either will respond within! Action spamming them at the Hisato ryokan is a go as well. Please no 4th walling of them. Allen is fine for being trolled shamelessly with AUs and duplicates, though. Rin is as well and can be 4th walled a little with knowledge of her, but no telling her she's fictional.
People who responded to Allen's post about helping with guiding people a while ago---yes, you've probably already received word to drop what you can and help out.]
Next to him is a young woman who is looking at him, then at the Hitomi curiously and like she's anticipating something, fishing a stray strand of hair that hasn't been bound in her braids from her mouth. Behind them is the sight of a large ryokan - an old-fashioned Japanese inn, lodge - and... a lot of people milling around. You could swear one or two identical (not really) lookalikes of the white-haired teen walk past in the background, too.
And the boy smiles then - the bright, sort of forced kind of someone putting on a good face because he has to - both for everyone else and himself - except it's so very natural and easily worn most would never think anything odd about it from that brief flash. Though really, he looks somewhere between tired and somewhat frazzled (literally - he looks like he rolled abruptly out of bed that morning and has forgotten to even brush his shaggy and too-long hair). Yes, for those that know Allen Walker, he looks a little older - something in the range of 18 perhaps, though here he's even less certain of his age - and in bad need of a haircut.
But the Exorcist coat's the same; the smile's the same. And valiantly, he attempts a slight (just a little nervous) wave. ]
Ah, hello who's just arrived. Chances are we haven't met [ At least THIS him.. ] ... I'm Allen Walker, and this [ A smile, polite gesture with one hand to the girl. ] is Rin. [She nods to that.] Welcome to Kannagara.
[Said Rin is looking directly at the Hitomi now, shoulders squared subtly, signaling a very conscious manner. She clears her throat and smooths the still-expectant look out of her face into an expression that is largely neutral.]
Welcome, newcomers. We understand you must feel confused about finding yourself here, and due to our understanding this, we have decided to give you a bit of basic information about this world.
As Allen said [pointing a hand toward him], this world is called Kannagara. It is run largely by a bunch of deities, who also brought you here. [For a second Allen frowns, like he wants to correct that, but he doesn't interrupt.] We don't know how they select the people they pull to this world, but they claim the purpose of it is to teach us to be better human beings. Make of that what you will.
It should be noted that they like to put obstacles in the way of that. Monsters linger in the wild, for example. For those of you who are capable fighters, however, this would be of advantage, as in the stomachs of the wildlife, you will find money. It's quite real and it's not a trick, so feel free to use this as a financial starting point.
[Having talked quite a lot, she pauses and glances over to Allen, on order to pass the word back to him.]
[He nods for a second to her at the unspoken implication before looking back to the Hitomi and continuing on rather pleasantly. Not cheerful, but the kind of helpfulness that comes with a smile.]
A lot of people say it's like Japan or China. There are people native to this world, but if you're seeing this then you've just woken up here like many of us. Some of us have been here for quite a while, like Rin and myself. While some people do seem to "go home" from time to time... Please don't panic. You haven't left your worlds behind... Not exactly. You're... both here and there at the same time. I know it probably doesn't make sense, but time seems to continue on back home regardless of what happens here. [Rin perks up at that, as though she has to say something, but decides to let him finish]
We know it doesn't really make it easier or especially reassuring, but... please believe me when I say most of us really don't want to be here, but it's not as simple as being... trapped. It's more like being two places at once.
[His expression flickers for a moment at that - a little unreadable - before it's replaced by an 'ah, and what else-' kind of wry twitch of a grin.] Everyone here communicates by the device you... well, I'm sure you've already found it if you're watching this, but the one that appeared with you when you woke up here. It's called a Hitomi and you can reach anyone else who's been brought here with it or post messages like this.
Ah. It also... records everyone's dreams from time to time. [A little uncomfortable, his eyes flick back to Rin for a moment. Not exactly ducking this particular topic or even suggesting she take over, but-]
[Rin sees that he is uncomfortable and decides to speak, again. A little unspoken relief crosses across his face at that; unpleasant topic? No, not at all. Thank you.]
Such is the case. It's not very pleasant for any of us, but I assure you it happens to all of us who are "newcomers". You might feel unusually compelled to watch the dreams of others, as well.
Speaking of that, you may have noticed that a lot of people here have a mark upon their foreheads. These are the natives of this place. Most of them will treat you with at least basic civility, if not friendliness. This is the case because there have been some unfortunate tensions between them and "us", the "outsiders" lately. Due to this, you may experience some discrimination. In that case, there will most certainly be one of us who will be ready to help you out.
Among the people who are still on good terms with us, however, are the owners of the place from which we are sending this message. It is called Natsuno Ryokan, an inn located in Hisato that welcomes newcomers from other worlds especially. You should be able to find a place to stay here at first.
Be careful along the roads, though. There have been bandit attacks lately. Please be safe.
[And here she pauses, looking back at Allen again.]
[He continues on without missing a beat-] There are also various kinds of creatures as well that can be rather powerful. While death... [a flick of the eyes for a moment, a little subdued but it passes] isn't exactly permanent here, you shouldn't risk yourselves unnecessarily. Several of us have organized and will be going back and forth guiding people from the tree in Himorogi to the inn here if you're worried about that---though travel can be a little strange here anyway. Everything is quick to get to if you know where you're going, but [ehe - quick, almost contrite flash of a grin] it is better to know where you're going first.
Um. [A quick shift of expression, distinctly... less-than-pleased and a bit to the side. Twitchy? A bit.] There are... though this hasn't happened before exactly... Well, don't be surprised to see... duplicates of yourself, either. Or me. [How WOULD people tell him apart from others on the Hitomi? Hng, hadn't thought of that.]
[He receives an odd look from Rin. Maybe she'll have to ask him about that later.]
[Oh, god, please no, Rin. Grimace, grimace. Yet he forces it back behind a smile topped with a positive shine.] Anyway, if there's anything else we can do to be of assistance, please don't hesitate.
[And then his expression smooths; more genuine - sympathetic, a little apologetic.] As Rin said, please be safe. We'll do what we can to help.
[Rin, too, gives a tentative, but warm smile now.]
We'll be happy to answer any further questions. Please feel free to ask whatever may be the matter.
[Lastly, she bows curtly. He nods his head quickly with a quick smile at the Hitomi as well, before reaching forward again and clicking off the feed.]
[ooc: either will respond within! Action spamming them at the Hisato ryokan is a go as well. Please no 4th walling of them. Allen is fine for being trolled shamelessly with AUs and duplicates, though. Rin is as well and can be 4th walled a little with knowledge of her, but no telling her she's fictional.
People who responded to Allen's post about helping with guiding people a while ago---yes, you've probably already received word to drop what you can and help out.]