10/12 - forward-dated

[strangeandunusual]

[Lydia turns on the video feed while she's sitting in the middle of the garden outside the Graven Image Gallery. She's wearing a black and red dress that looks like Dracula turned a medieval court lady, and holding a notebook shaped like a coffin, her pen topped with a big fuzzy spider with google eyes.]

Hey, everyone! There might be a couple of you I haven't talked to a lot yet, but I'm Lydia Deetz ... one of me, anyway, the one who's been here the longest. There's another version of me, but her hair's shorter and she wears a lot more safety pins on her clothes.

Anyway. I was one of the first Apprentices through the mirror, and I've noticed that trainings have had fewer and fewer people show up. This isn't good, you guys. If the Corroded come by again, or if something else happens? We might not be prepared.

I'm not trying to take charge, and I don't want to. But I was hoping I could at least get people thinking about their powers, and the skills you have that aren't tied to magic. If we put it all here on the network, that way, if anyone does need help for any reason, they know who to ask. And how to find them.

I'll get it started: I'm a Princess, which means I can heal if anyone gets hurt. I can also purify Corroded things, and if anyone's magic needs a boost, I've recently learned how to do that, too. My problem is that if I keep it up for too long, I get dizzy, and if I really push it, I faint ... so I like to have someone around who can help me with that just in case. I can also sew, and bake, and I've been told I give a really good pep talk. So if you're feeling down, don't hesitate to give me a call!

I don't want any of you to think you don't have anything to contribute. Just because you think someone might not find your love of, I don't know, building models? useful, doesn't mean we can't use that for something else. You could help rebuild broken things. Bigger scale, but still applicable, right? I feel like some of us have been living in our boxes for a while, since the last time we had to bring Dreamfinder back. We had a lot of people come and go, and it's ... it's been hard, I know. But we're still here. And I know each and every one of you is here for a reason, and that you can do great things.

So if we can do all those great things separately ... think about what we can do together.. I know we only had one new person show up a few days ago, so training might not officially get set up. If it doesn't? Please consider finding some way to train anyway. The Blue Bayou missions are all done, which means we've got some heavy lifting coming to purify something, the same way it happened at the temple. We need to be ready. And we will. I believe in all of you.

Also: this is less important, but I still wanted to tell you ... the Graven Image is having an anniversary party on Halloween Day! I scheduled it so it wouldn't cut into any parties that might happen at night, but costumes are welcome! I'm remodeling the Gallery to add a new wing, and I think you're all gonna be really excited when you see the surprise. No meeting, no bringing presents necessary, none of that. Just come by and get some cider or cocoa and have fun!

((OOC: She has a top-level in her log post for anyone who wants to meet in person after this, too.))

Comments

Video

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Crowley was feeling especially idle as his wing tips trailed lightly over the surface of the pond. He lounged, quiet lazily on a bench, just laying back to look at the sky like he hadn't a care in the world... and hadn't heard anything inspirational enough to move him. ]

People stopped showing up for training because it sucks. Who wants to show up for pain, being dropped off in the middle of a bloody jungle, or sent on some tediously boring errand...

[ He sighed as his hand dropped into the grass. ]

Appealing to their better nature isn't going to work. You have to give them something.

[strangeandunusual]

Hey, Crowley.

[she tilted her head at him. sure, he was usually kind of lazy, but something seemed a bit off. maybe it was the sigh.]

I have two questions, then. One: what would you offer? And, two: is everything okay?

[serpentinthegarden]

What to offer depends on the person doesn't it? Beetlejuice would do it if you were in trouble, Michael would probably do it just because some one asked, Mal would do it if it would piss some one off... Me? There is nothing that would make me even consider doing anything that stupid again.

[ Or so he says not for a second considering how powerful an angel's batted eyes could be. ]

I don't know why you bother asking, everything's fine.

[ His wing stretched out into the water, diving those feathers deeper into the pool. ]

Bit of a disagreement with the new recruits but nothing I can't handle. I know how to deal with that sort.

[strangeandunusual]

Crowley....

[why was he being so difficult all of a sudden?]

That's the problem. Everything isn't fine, we're all just acting like it is. There's still Corrosion out there, and we aren't supposed to just be sitting around ignoring it!

Video

[phoenixwiz]

Hi Lydia. It’s been quite a while since we last met and I do appreciate you helping me in healing that bruise on my nose. If you’re looking for some decor for the Halloween party, you can find me at the Emporium later today. We’re having a large inventory of those stuff right now.

(Then feels understandably sad about the lesser amount of people and departures)

On the other hand, I’m deeply sorry that the arrivals became lesser each time and people disappearing. I did arrived with three other people last month, not much by any means to be fair. It really sucks, but I had to deal with many people dying in my world. (Takes a deep breath) If there is anything I can do help, just let know me.

[strangeandunusual]

Harry! Don't mention it, it's what I'm supposed to do here, remember?

[she smiled] I'm so glad to hear you found something you like. You must be working with Eleanor - she's the manager there, and I've known her a long time. She can be kind of blunt sometimes, but she's a great person.

[when Harry mentions the people dying, she gasps in dismay] Oh, no! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that anyone here died! When Apprentices here disappear, it usually means that they've gone back home to their own worlds: that either they did what they were supposed to do for the Kingdoms, or their imagination wasn't as strong as it originally seemed. At least, that's what Merlin told me once. ... But you lost a lot of people? That's terrible, Harry. It must have been really hard for you.

[phoenixwiz]

Yeah, she is my boss. Eleanor has been really kind to me at work and has shown me the ropes when I first got the job. Oh, so you must be a friend of hers? That’s brilliant.

I know that it sucks to lose people, I had went through a major civil war in my world that led to the loss of lives over there, including friends. Granted, people disappearing from the Kingdoms is not as dramatic as people dying in war, but it still hurts nonetheless, especially you know many of them for such a long time.

[strangeandunusual]

Yeah, she helped me do some of the training a couple of times. She's really great at Fairy magic and enchanted something for me so that the other Princes and Princesses could practice their purifying.

But ... [she hopes this doesn't come across as insensitive] Surviving war and loss isn't exactly the sort of thing I meant when I was asking what people do. What kind of talents do you have? Other than having fought in the war. Not that I don't think that means anything...

[connie_maheswaran]

I'm always training, actually. I do have a part time job, but outside of that I do try to keep up on what I was trained to do back home: I wasn't doing that for a little while because of preparing for college and, honestly, I hadn't been needed to fight for two years.

But in case other people don't know, I'm a sword fighter, and if that can be helpful in a beneficial way, like fighting the Corroded when their in their more feral state, I'm happy to help.

It's bad that people aren't showing up to training, but I haven't really seen people gathering the training of warriors, I think the focus has been more on heroes. That's fine, we do need them, but warriors also ought to get some attention again, right? I've come to some of the training sessions anyway though, so I can test my skills against some of the other apprentices, and get to know some of the new ones if I can.

Wait, costumes? Cosplay?

...And what's Halloween?

[strangeandunusual]

That's because you're one of the handful of Apprentices who - [she mentally cut out a few words] - are really motivated, here. We used to train all the classes every single month, but ... lately it's just been training whoever shows up on whatever class they are. That's probably why the Warriors haven't had ... ugh, "formal" training.

And it's not just about the classes, either - we all need to get to know each other so that if something like The Moth Incident happens again, we all know what we can do as a team. No matter who's there. Everyone should know what everyone's capable of. Once we all know each other, the Corroded won't stand a chance.

[and then Connie says two words that negate the entire rest of this conversation.]

But if you don't know what Halloween is, I think we have some much more important, very intensive training to do. You've only got eighteen days. [what would JACK say if he were still there? he'd be beside himself, she just knew it]

[connie_maheswaran]

[Connie was curious about what she was going to say but let that go].

I mean, I've had to be, I've been a little out of practice! I didn't know this was going to happen, and I spent so much time on college I didn't get to keep up with my skills. But I do hope we get to training with warriors again. I'm very good but I know there are others here who probably have trained longer, and I'd love to benefit from their instruction.

I agree, actually. I know you don't WANT to be the leader and rallying person for this, but in a way, you kind of are already? I mean, I think most apprentices think of you in that way. Still, if it's a little overwhelming to have that title, I'm sure there are some here willing to lend a hand too.

[Hint hint].

It sounds like I'm missing something important then? Is it some new event that happens here I don't know about?

[strangeandunusual]

They ... you really think I am?

[that takes her by surprise, and yet it doesn't. Connie isn't the first one to say something like that. Lydia just doesn't want people to think she's got some kind of ego about it, because she absolutely doesn't ... it's simply a case of No One Else Doing It versus how much she cares]

Halloween isn't new where I'm from, it goes back centuries. Every October 31st, the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead gets a little thinner and lifts just enough for all sorts of mysterious and spooky things to happen. It's a time of superstitions and disguises ... at first people used to use them to hide from their fears, and then to mock them ... and now it's all just for fun. Because really, being scared can be a lot of fun in the right environment. It's my absolute favorite time of year!

video;

[prodigalmess]

[ Being new, Malcolm listens to all of this in order to try to gather more information about the place that he now finds himself in. Merlin was some help, but he's also of this world, not an outsider like he is. ]

You sound like you know a lot about this place. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? I'm Malcolm, by the way. I'm new here.

[ Did she hear the ruckus that Drake made over the mirrors? Probably. Literally everyone had to have heard that. ]

[strangeandunusual]

Malcolm? .... Oh, no. You're Drake's roommate. I ... I feel like I need to apologize. He's ... he's usually wound up pretty tight. Are you okay?

[cough.] Sorry, I'm being nosy. I'd be happy to answer your questions.

[prodigalmess]

[ Malcolm sighs. Of course. ]

Yeah, I'm fine. To be fair, I had just arrived and I wasn't in a great headspace either.

So... apparently I'm in the Hero class and I was given a sword. I fenced in college, so I'm pretty good with a sword, but I've heard that we combine physical combat with magic?

[strangeandunusual]

That's exactly how it works. A couple of my best friends are Hero class, but out of the two, Atem would be the best teacher. He's been here longer and, uh ... let's just say he's easier for most people to get along with.

What kind of sword did you get? I love seeing what the Kingdom chooses for people. I got this...

[she leans in so Malcolm can see the shining, oil-slick scarab jewel hanging on a velvet choker ribbon around her neck]

[im_a_hugger]

Well, I'm always willing to lend a claw if someone needs a training partner. I mean, if nothing else, I'm pretty durable, you know?

[strangeandunusual]

I knew I could count on you, Scorpia! You're the best. ... Any ideas on how we can encourage people to come and train more, too? I feel like we're going to need some.

[im_a_hugger]

Well, I'm guessing the Horde's method won't really work here, so... maybe people could take turns bringing snacks? I mean, everybody likes free snacks, right?

video

[princess_weia]

[Leia grins proudly.]

This is a great idea, Lydia! It's good to figure out what we can all do to help each other and the people here.

Like the thing we were putting together trying to teach everybody Aurebesh. We kinda forgot about it with everything that happened when Mr. Dreamfinder went missing, but once we get the Bayou fixed up, I think we should get that finished up too.

[strangeandunusual]

Yes! Oh my gosh, Leia, the Aurabesh. You're right, it's almost been a whole year, and we really do need to get back to that. I'm so sorry I forgot to mention it.

[princess_weia]

It's OK; there's been a lot of other stuff going on. And we did get a lot done before that happened; it shouldn't be too hard to finish what we planned to do.

Video

[voidalviera]

[[She knows she's been quiet recently, knows that something odd happened between times that she can't quite remember. She...

Well. It's nothing so new for the voidsent. It's possible that she simply hibernated for something to the tune of two months, and she does feel sheepish about it. And so, when Rice picks up her mirror, she's adorably mussed. Her hair is unkempt and tangled around her horns and she's ensconced in her duvet, scales trying desperately to cling to the soft fabric and making no purchase.]]

Lydia?

How- Hm.

I must apologise, I believe that I have been... hibernating?

[strangeandunusual]

RICE!

[relief and excitement spring to Lydia's face and start warring for domination, along with a blush she's completely unaware of because ... well, the Voidsent Apprentice is still in whatever bedclothes she wears.]

I'm so glad you're awake! I was afraid you'd fallen into the same awful sleep as a couple of my other friends. ... How do you feel? Do you need anything?!

[voidalviera]

[[She's covered, but inasmuch as a camise counts as being covered? She yawns, trying to not face the camera dead on, but you still see her fangs and her face stretches and her eyes scrunch up]]

I'm fine, just feeling a bit heavy, I guess. I know that this place takes care of all of my bodily needs without Aether, but I think it's rebelling a little bit.

[[She laughs, already feeling the need for a full body stretch as she starts to wake up. Without so much as a warning she reaches her arms out infront of her and bet butt sticks up, much like a big would bow. Thankfully (or perhaps not), the duvet covers everything apart from the general shape of her, though Lydia can see Rice's tail swinging lazily back and forth. She let's out a deep breath, and then arranges herself to sit up cross-legged on her mattress.]]

Sorry about that, ha. It's been a while since I hibernated. What's been going on? Not many people coming through the portal this month?