melodiesofkupo | video; August 12, early evening

[ Ashelia is sitting in her room, straight-backed as ever. The edge of her deep red peasant blouse can be seen a couple inches below her collarbones. Thankfully, she's chosen to doff her frankly gigantic red mage hat, the tip of the feather barely visible in the frame behind her. ]

You're sure it is working? How is one supposed to - ah, I see.

[ Ahem. ]

Good evening, everyone. I hope this message finds you well.

You're not writing a letter, it's a video! Relax!

[ The moogle gets a sharp look that says, "don't interrupt me." It works. ]

Firstly, I owe several people an apology. I deceived you; my name is not Alma Beoulve. I am Queen Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca. I am newly come to Vaikuntha, but before being brought here I was one of a number of Heroes of Light on Crystallis.

[ She looks down for a moment, brows furrowing. This is clearly hard for her.

'Twas not my intention to lie. I simply felt...as though I could not continue on as myself. I was amongst the first group of Heroes to be brought to Crystallis, but was taken by the Calamity before seeing the conflict through to its end. As the founder of the Heroes' Guild, I failed my comrades. I was ashamed. I still am. However, there is work to be done, and thus I appear to you all in this manner.

[ Ashelia takes a sip of water before continuing. ]

I now see, as I learn to use this device, that the girl Ashelia has appeared to others. The true identity of the girl is Princess Sarah of Aqures Ixen, the kingdom the Heroes of Light first appeared in. She appeared to me in the garden the day I arrived here.

She...she is scared. She seemed scared. [ She shakes her head. That's not the point. ] She is being kept by someone. Who knows the danger she puts herself in when she visits us. [ Though, sneaking out against the wishes of others is very in character for the young girl. There's the beginning of a smile at the corners of Ashelia's lips and eyes before she continues on. ]

As for the identity of her captor, I couldn't say for sure, though I have my guesses. The Princess said her captor is a woman who has forgotten happiness. And wants everything to end. We...we must save her. If nothing else, she once again holds the answer to the riddle that is Vaikuntha. I promised her I would come for her. I intend to keep that promise.

[ There's a pause as she considers whether or not to say this last bit. ]

She also asked me to look after you all. I gave her my word that I would, and I do keep my word. Just...know that.

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Very well, as you wish. Perhaps that tavern you so graciously led me to would be to your taste? I imagine the cafeteria is closed at this hour.

[He seems to consider it for a moment, before nodding.]

That could work. I'll meet you there.

[He bows his head again, before the feed cuts. And as promised, he will be sitting there in the back, manila folder and a notebook resting on the table and not drawing any attention to himself. Though he rises when he sees Ashelia enter.]

[ Ashelia sees Takeshi almost immediately and nods back before motioning for him to oh do sit, please. She makes her way first to the bar, where a couple hushed words are shared with the bartender, and then winds her way over to the table. ]

Good evening, sir. I do so appreciate your meeting with me on such short notice. [ She takes a seat gingerly, crossing her legs. ] I do trust that this week or so since our last meeting has seen you well?

[He nods in acknowledgement the once, but makes it look as though he was retrieving something from under the table (he didn't, but he'd hidden a pen in his sleeve for that cover) before he shits back down. Sorry, he's far too used to being a spy. Even if his hair makes him stand out like a sore thumb in most gatherings.]

Just Takeshi is fine, my lady. [He smiles faintly, an amused glint in his eyes.] And it has, considering preparations for the Festival.

[Speaking of which, he taps a finger to the folder in front of him, before sliding it and the notebook over toward her. Now that she's close by, she'd be able to tell it was the same notebook he pulled out when they first met.]

Work's kept me busy, what with how many are buying items beforehand. Just in case.

[ Ashelia nodded. ] Better to be overcautious than the alternative. Although, I somehow doubt we are in any immediate danger...if anything, I believe we stand more to gain here. The Empire is the only nation that seems to observe the same Festival of Light that Aqures Ixen did.

Yeah, and... it's a little strange. [More like a lot, but he won't have his paranoia overrun this little meeting of former Heroes of Light like this. They didn't even really speak to one another back then, either.] How've you been settling in?

[It's the only thing he'll ask, until she reads the two items he'd slid in her direction.]

video; August 12, early evening

private video;

private video -> action?

action;

no subject

no subject

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