034 [Voice, AU Event]

[vulcanblazer]

[ Sometime during the afternoon, Prince Adell will grow tired of merely sitting in his quarters reading a book.  He had already completed his morning exercises and sharpshooting practice, though regulars in the barracks will notice the prince is not as into it as his normal counterpart, so he could find very little else he desired to do at the

Comments

[voice]

[littlestdevil]

[Koakuma generally overheard part of Adell's exchange with Mom earlier, and from that has already discerned that there is something different, mostly in his behavior as far as she can tell. She doesn't want to actually bother him about it due to friendship and/or respect, but it will take her a moment to begin forming some sort of response to his question since the thought of his having changed is mildly distracting to her.]

Um...what...kind...of distraction did you have in mind? Is there anything in particular you wanted to do?

[Voice]

[vulcanblazer]

Not as such, no. If I had an idea, I would have suggested something myself. I simply wish to pull myself away from this den for some time.

[voice]

[littlestdevil]

We could...go to the lake or something, maybe just to walk for awhile? Or to the library? I don't know what to suggest because I still don't really know what kind of things you like to do.

[Voice]

[vulcanblazer]

[He pauses to consider her suggestions for a moment. He had no desire to go swimming at the moment, and even less to go to the library, oddly enough. But perhaps...]

Yes. I do believe a stroll will be sufficient enough distraction for now! Will you accompany me, Koakuma?

[eidolon_soul]

[Unfortunately, Rydia's attention has been elsewhere for the past couple of days. Avoiding the house for now, she nonetheless needs some target practice appearing. Bringing along her bow and arrow, Rydia heads over to the barracks.

She's about to head over and enjoy some quality time with her weapon, when she pauses, listening to Adell talk into his journal. That raises an eyebrow.]

What kind of distraction?

[And then she gets a better look at him, shoulders sagging.]

Oh, not you, too.

[vulcanblazer]

[His tone won't pick up in haughtiness, but it will pick up that tinge of noble frustration. No, he's not going to bite your head off, Rydia. He likes you enough to let any slight that may have been slide entirely.]

...I can only assume that means you too remember me differently than who I actually am.

This is happening far too often.

[eidolon_soul]

[She nods, understanding frustration well enough.]

Right. Your clothing and eyes are different, at the very least. I'm sure you've heard that already. And I'm willing to bet you remember me differently, too.

[vulcanblazer]

Most likely. I remember you as a powerful magician and summoner.

[What goes unsaid is that he also remembers Rydia is kind and optimistic and generally very pleasant to be around.]

[bullet_dance]

[...Adell, you are acting somewhat like how Tsubaki is speaking now. Is this a conspiracy.

Wait.

Adell. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME SHE SPOKE TO HIM?]

...Adell, is that you?

[Voice]

[vulcanblazer]

[...That... that voice! Is it...

There is great surprise in his voice. But for a noble, the loss of composure here is actually a sign of elation, though the tone likely does not reflect the degree. ...You have no idea how happy he is to hear your voice, Noel.]

N-Noel! Noel Vermillion! I... I was under the impression you had been sent back to your own world! You have returned?! My word, I was never informed!

[Voice]

[bullet_dance]

Sorry. I just returned a week ago. I...probably should have said something, huh? [You'd think she would. She can't really think of any consequences that could have transpired by it, so why didn't she... eh, whatever.]

It's good to hear from you again, but...did you always talk like that?

[Voice]

[vulcanblazer]

[He gives a quick answer, hurried and quick as he struggles to regain his composure. It is not snappy or harsh or rude, though.]

Yes, yes, I can assure you of that. I believe the Malnosso have been responsible for altering people's perceptions of others. I've been getting that question a fair amount.

[But switching gears, because he doesn't want to waste his breath explaining it again. Not when he's seeing someone he cares a lot about again after worrying that he never would see her again.]

Noel, are you perchance available at the moment? I would enjoy seeing you again in person.

[Voice]

[hotheadedidiot]

[Stahn is totally unaware Adell's been acting differently from usual, so...!] You got anything in mind?

[Voice]

[vulcanblazer]

[Well. His tone definitely sounds different. And his face doesn't have scars in the picture. And his eyes have pearl pupils. So if he looks carefully enough, he should see the alterations.]

If I did, I would have made a suggestion. Have you any ideas, Stahn?

[Voice]

[hotheadedidiot]

[Stahn, unfortunately, is dumb, even when AU'd, so he won't notice the differences right away.]

Hmm... Well, we could always hit up the bar! They have really good chicken there!

[Voice]

[vulcanblazer]

[...This is a response he should've long learned to expect from Stahn. So predictable. Would it kill him to be less obvious?

But either way... he'll answer after a light, frustrated sigh.]

I have no better suggestion. Very well. I shall meet you there.

[vulcanblazer]

[...Who is this girl? She looks... familiar.]

Yes? I beg your pardon?

[vulcanblazer]

I frankly have no idea what you are talking about. I am how I always have been.

[... ...Give him one more moment to realize who you are. That horse will cross the finish line eventually.]