text; Update

[promiselisting]

Eyyyyyy newbies. And I guess some older folks might care about this too.

First, this place still hasn't invented the actual internet yet so here's my bi-monthly copy of my notes on different things I've noticed and thought might be worth looking into:

file:vaikunthanotesmk2

If you're new this might help with some catch-up. Or something. Seemed like a good idea what with the fancy imperial meeting coming up. Feel free to mention anything that might need to be added. Or do some research into this stuff too. I wasn't able to poke around as much since I've had a few projects of my own to work on since last time.

Seriously though, please. We keep figuring out new things to ask questions about and while I'm used to digging through huge amounts of information looking for answers mostly by myself, it's not fun. And again. Other projects. Which also take time. How did I end up with so much stuff to do, anyway? (ʃ⌣́,⌣́ƪ)

[ Futaba "that sounds like work" Sakura, everyone. ]

Anyway....

Now that that's out of the way it's time fooooor.....

Ashelia Watch 2kXX ☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆

This one especially is going out to all you new guys that just got here! If you happen to see a little girl, around ten years old with blond hair who tells you to call her Ashelia, we're currently hoping to speak to you! And for any of you second wave people, if she spoke to you two months ago and you didn't say anything then, we still want to talk to you!

Seriously, she says weird and sometimes creepy stuff that seems like it could be important. You'll know if you've talked to her.

[ That just about covers things, she thinks. Except... one last note is tacked at the end, a bit more... lacking in false cheer and bravado that she's only been able to maintain thanks to text anyway. Bless text as a medium, seriously. ]

Oh right, one last thing. Hey Curti Center folks, did you and the moogles ever find out what's going on with these random disappearances? Asking for a friend.

[ She is, in fact, referring to this thing, which she always wondered about but uh. Between Morgana and Shiro and Hunk it's. Gotten a lot more relevant to her lately. ]

text; another mystery to uncover...!

[alborada]

[ The look on Sylvarie’s face could be nothing other than apprehension as she looks down at her slate resting on the floor between them, chewing her lip softly. ]

Do you think this is a good idea? Should we maybe ask the Director first? Or even Mogaruru?

[ Lean shakes his head in response, regarding Sylvarie with a slightly amused expression. ]


It’s okay. Given the circumstances, we’re doing them a favour. Press the button when you’re ready.

[ Well, could she really be ready given they have absolutely no reference for who they are dealing with other than a dislike of Comic Sans (a wise choice)? Breathing out, Sylvarie looks to Lean straight in the eyes despite the low lighting of her bedroom. ]

If anything happens to my slate, may I borrow yours? [ Either way, her finger is hovering over that button. ]

[ There’s a moment where the young man visibly hesitates, feeling uncomfortable with the notion of sharing his personal data with someone else… but seeing no other options, Lean eventually agrees.]

F-fair enough. As fair as I know, Moogles can fix anything on the spot, though. [ Either way, he’d rather hope nothing happens, commenting with a nod. ] Go on.

[ Then the real message begins and their feed goes live, in text format to start for the sake of politeness. ]

> Excuse us, um..

a2lsbGVyb2Z3b3JsZA==

We do not mean to disturb you if it is a late hour where you are. We were simply wondering if, as someone with whom we share this Linkshell, you may be willing to discuss some questions with us? Regarding the greyed names.

> We have been aware of your presence for a long while now, yet you have decided not to reveal your true self. Why? What is your purpose?

[ Lean, you are getting a Look. ]

And if this format doesn’t work for you, we may do video instead? ヽ(´o｀；

[ What? An emogi might help relax them all. ]

((ooc: though addressing killerofworlds specifically, you are welcome to threadjack and add a few questions! fellow coworkers, feel free to seek out your night owls. ))

video; August 12, early evening

[desertbloomed]

[ 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.