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Beginning
One moment you were elsewhere, surely speaking to your friends, fighting in a battle of your life, dying, or even in a state of non-existence in its entirety. It doesn't matter now, since when you open your eyes it’s become clear that not only is everything around you foreign and unfamiliar, so is everyone. And there seems to be a fair lot of you, at that.
It's easy to discern a few things upon a cursory glance, once you pick yourself up from the field of grass you're resting on. The place you've awoken in seems to be fairly tranquil, for the first few moments at least, and the view of a newly budded sakura tree is among the first that will greet you. In the distance, is a towering castle that manages to look all at once both imposing and welcoming at the same time. There's also an odd pendant around your neck, which you'll find won't come off despite your best attempts. In your pocket you'll find a room key, engraved with a number.
The weather is currently cool, with the sun brightly shining in the sky, though there are a few too many clouds to make it a completely clear day. While most of them appear rather normal, every so often you might spot one that looks just a bit off— like a storm cloud that's completely lost it's way. Lucky for you, it doesn't seem like you're going to have to worry about any inclement weather anytime soon, as they'll vanish from your vision as quickly as they came.
A large stone wall surrounds the entirety of the castle, though it's anyone guess why that is— maybe it's for your safety, maybe it's to keep you trapped, or maybe it's for another reason entirely. The only breach in the wall is a single gate that looks like it certainly led to the outside at one point, but that too has been cordoned off by solid stone.
Fortunately, there's nothing to stop you from entering the castle itself, where you'll find it's pretty grand all things considered. The lighting inside is provided not by electricity, but by magical flame that adjusts to the time of day or night. Actually, if you're looking for anything electronic anywhere, or even a simple power outlet, you'll be sorely out of luck.
For now, it might be best to explore and make some sense of where you are and why you're here— maybe one of your fellow travelers might know something? There are some plaques in the Great Hall that might catch your interest given their focus, in addition to one ridiculously large golden one that seems to bear rules.
Welcome, fellow warriors, to your very long stay.
It's easy to discern a few things upon a cursory glance, once you pick yourself up from the field of grass you're resting on. The place you've awoken in seems to be fairly tranquil, for the first few moments at least, and the view of a newly budded sakura tree is among the first that will greet you. In the distance, is a towering castle that manages to look all at once both imposing and welcoming at the same time. There's also an odd pendant around your neck, which you'll find won't come off despite your best attempts. In your pocket you'll find a room key, engraved with a number.
The weather is currently cool, with the sun brightly shining in the sky, though there are a few too many clouds to make it a completely clear day. While most of them appear rather normal, every so often you might spot one that looks just a bit off— like a storm cloud that's completely lost it's way. Lucky for you, it doesn't seem like you're going to have to worry about any inclement weather anytime soon, as they'll vanish from your vision as quickly as they came.
A large stone wall surrounds the entirety of the castle, though it's anyone guess why that is— maybe it's for your safety, maybe it's to keep you trapped, or maybe it's for another reason entirely. The only breach in the wall is a single gate that looks like it certainly led to the outside at one point, but that too has been cordoned off by solid stone.
Fortunately, there's nothing to stop you from entering the castle itself, where you'll find it's pretty grand all things considered. The lighting inside is provided not by electricity, but by magical flame that adjusts to the time of day or night. Actually, if you're looking for anything electronic anywhere, or even a simple power outlet, you'll be sorely out of luck.
For now, it might be best to explore and make some sense of where you are and why you're here— maybe one of your fellow travelers might know something? There are some plaques in the Great Hall that might catch your interest given their focus, in addition to one ridiculously large golden one that seems to bear rules.
Welcome, fellow warriors, to your very long stay.
b. asch's plaque
Part of it has to do with the fact that he thought he'd be falling into death's embrace, not walking on his two feet. The other part might just be nerves, which he'd die before admitting. ]
You've been brought here too?
...Of course everything couldn't have gone according to plan.
no subject
[ she didn't even realize that asch was right there until he spoke. quiet as always! she turns around and yep. there he is. right there. ]
Yes, it seems I have.
[ she tilts her head, both confused and a little concerned about what he had said next ]
According to plan? Do you have some idea of why we were brought here, Asch? Or how?
1/2
[ He moves a hand to rub at his head, clicking his tongue, and trying to calm down. He's got this. Sort of. ]
2/2
... I simply meant that because you're here, I don't know if things are going back well on Eldrant.
If I had any idea about 'how', it'd be easier for me to find a way for us to return back.
no subject
Ah ... You were there as well, were you not? Do you believe the others will be alright?
[ now she's worried oh boy ]
You're correct. I'm sorry Asch. So ... you are a clueless as the rest of us it seems.
no subject
[ Asch is only worried if somehow everyone else got pulled here too and aren't listed on the plaques. But that's the only condition.
He's annoyed about being clueless, so he'll just move onto a question. ]
...Do you remember what you were doing before you were pulled here?
no subject
[ because this is... she's still not sure whether she should be glad asch is with her or not. yay for dependency issues ]
Yes. We had just finished fighting Legretta. You, Asch?
no subject
I was fighting with a couple of Oracle Knights.
[ Asch decidedly leaves out 'and I got stabbed several times, so I think I'm about to bleed out and die because I'm an idiot who doesn't carry gels on me'. ]
We should take a look around the castle. Unless, you've already familiarized yourself with your surroundings.
no subject
I see ... I'm glad you're alright.
[ ha ha ha ha ha... ]
Yes, that is a fine idea. I've familiarized myself with the outside of the castle but I've yet to see much the inside.
no subject
There's a small pause on his end, like he's debating saying something. Its more like an angry pause of sorts, but he'll manage... ]
Natalia... it's good you're alright too.
[ ANYWAY -- he'll quickly begin walking. ]
Let's hurry. It's best if we get this over with as soon as possible.
no subject
Oh!
[ and there he goes walking! she'll quickly follow him ]
Yes, of course. Where are we heading first?
[ she'll just follow like a duckling nbd ]
no subject
[ PAUSE. Wait. ]
Or if I could make something for us.
no subject
[ after all they are in a castle and shouldn't they be considered guests? ]
.. I suppose you would be in our best interest if we cannot find anyone to cook for us.
[ or rather for the sake of their lives. moreso asch's. ]
no subject
[ From Asch's POV, there should still be a servant or two running around here or two. Or at least guards. What kind of idiot leaves a castle unguarded? ]
Speaking of which, is there something you'd want? If we find a kitchen, I'm sure I could make it for you.
[ Asch doesn't want to die by Kitchen Nightmares, thank you very much. ]
no subject
[ ... though guess it makes sense if they were kidnapped. still doesn't excuse it! ]
I'll be fine with anything you make. I know it'll taste good regardless of what it is.
[ she's trying to say this casually but no she's blushing ]
no subject
[ Asch and his lovely expectations. But hey, they arrive into the kitchen! ]
Heh. Looks like I'm going to end up just surprising you, then.
[ He tries not to pass her a smirk, because it's not like his asshole smirks, but the closest to him trying to look ... cool? Or something. Whatever, he's just being a dork. ]
no subject
I suppose that is something to be grateful about.
[ she claps her hands together and smiles at the thought of asch's cooking, though. ]
Indeed! I look forward to what you cook for me, Asch! I'm certain that it will be delightful!
no subject
He'll die before admitting to that, though. But, he'll stride over to the stove and then after that, bring ingredients over. ]
Good. Luckily for us, there's a lot I can work with. It's really been awhile since I've had my hands on so much variety.
no subject
Natalia will watch him from afar. She wants to make sure not to get in his way ]
How lucky! We might not know where we are but at least now know we will be well fed.