ataraxion | [ video ]

Entry tags:

[ video ]

[ When the feed first begins, the crown-wearing woman on the other end takes a second to turn the device every which way. Despite looking quite exhausted, she still manages to look regal. Finally, upon deciding that she is doing this correctly, she smiles. Oh, yes, she is quite pleased with herself even she is still wary of this technology. If nothing else, it's at least helpful. ]

I have yet to become accustom to.. [ A pause, as she glances around. ] .. this, but I am certainly grateful that those who dwell here alongside me have been helpful. It is because of this that I feel I should apologize, even knowing I cannot help what I see. These glimpses and fragments of memories that are not my own..

[ And now she has to wonder what others may have glimpsed from her own mind. Her smile suddenly turns apologetic. ] Not all are pleasant, and I am sorry for that, but it is not my place to divulge the contents of them. I can only hope those memories are not a constant in their lives.

Are we meant to deal with such invasive happenings often?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Armin's been in his room almost exclusively since he arrived, partially because he doesn't trust this place yet, partially because he's been getting some "fragments" of his own. Very unpleasant ones. Ones that seem vaguely familiar, like they belong to someone he's met...

But he'll tread carefully and not mention them, instead opting to wave slightly at Igraine -- someone he recognizes -- then frown a little.]

If they are, it seems odd that they haven't been mentioned yet. [Oops, wait, manners --] And hello, how've you been?

I see..

[ Ah, a face that is familiar. The warmth in her smile grows as she mirrors his gesture. Even more-so than before, she finds herself worrying for him. It's a terrible feeling, knowing she is unable to do anything to prevent what is occurring. If others are experiencing this, then he must be as well.

At his frowning, however, she becomes concerned. ]

Hello, Armin. I am well, thank you. And you? Are you also afflicted?

[Armin quickly schools his expression into a calm, friendly one, not wanting to worry her any more than is strictly necessary. It's an unpleasant and frightening world they've landed in, and he wants to avoid upsetting her at any costs. Some protective, vaguely familial instinct, perhaps.

So he plays off the disturbing images he's been experiencing with a shrug.] A bit, yes. It's annoying, but nothing I can't handle, truly.

What...sorts of things are you seeing?

You know I cannot help but worry.

[ It comes with the territory, of being someone she has decided to watch over and protect while she is here. There is a tinge of sadness in her smile now. ]

It is not all terrible, but I do not recognize any of the faces I see. So much pain..

[He didn't know, honestly, and he looks a little taken-aback at that -- being worried about, being protected is such a strange sensation, still. After all, he thinks of that as his job.

But he smiles, almost shyly, the tips of his ears turning pink with pleased embarrassment.] O-Oh. Well...well thank you.

[Then he's all seriousness now.] It seems that this place has drawn in those sorts of people. People with hurt.

You needn't thank me, Armin.

[ This is something given freely, a promise that will never carry a hidden motive. It pains her to know that the simplest of gestures are so foreign to him. But they will be foreign no longer. ]

Yes. It would be naïve of anyone to believe otherwise. I would not have believed that there could be an evil greater than man had I not witnessed it through the eyes of another.

[He frowns deeper, browns knitting together, not liking the idea of her witnessing any evil, period.]

What...have you seen? If you don't mind my asking, of course.

[ Oh, she sees that displeasure. Her smile is one laced with apology. However, at the mention of this something, her expression changes. There is pain there, trying and failing to be hidden. ]

Fragments and only that. The only thing I am certain of is that many lives were lost, taken by something I once believed only lived in the cruelest of dreams.

That's horrible!

[Armin seems to have forgotten that...that's his life. But he's scowling, like he's planning to fight tooth and nail to keep those horrors away from Igraine. She already seems so sad, elegant and beautiful and achingly sad. It isn't fair.]

None, neither friend or foe, should be forced to suffer that. I cannot imagine..

[ She trails off, momentarily lost in thought -- unconsciously reliving what she had seen. In what world did people suffer so greatly? And why? It's only Armin's exclamation that startles her free of it all. Immediately, she feels guilty. ]

.. Forgive me. I should not have shared this.

Edited 2013-10-19 07:55 (UTC)

Oh no, no, no, please, don't feel badly.

[He falters, twisting his fingers together, an anxious gesture, an attempt to comfort himself, calm himself down, to keep the feeling of helplessness at bay.]

I only...I wish I could do something to help.

Oh, Armin, but you have. More than you know.

[ Any and all traces of anxiety and hurt melt away as, having picked up on his worry, she decides to bury her own displeasure. There is a familiar kindness in her smile. ]

And I am most grateful for it.

I have?

[He frowns, but it's more puzzled than upset now.] But I...I haven't done anything. I didn't even stay with you. [This is softer, more guilty.]

Edited 2013-10-20 00:58 (UTC)

It is enough to talk, to be distracted so I do not think about their fates further.

[ She touches two fingers to the device, meaning to reassure him despite their distance. ]

So, you see, you have done much.

Oh.

[He's quiet, considering this for a moment, before smiling encouragingly, reaching out to touch his screen too.]

Then I will never stop talking. Have you seen the gardens here?

[ Much better. Were it in her power to do so, she would never seen him unhappy. ] It is settled, then.

I will look forward to our conversations that will be both numerous and without end. The gardens? Yes. I have seen them, but only for a moment.

I apologize in advance for any earaches, and will set about finding you some earplugs, presently.

[With a smile, he bounds up out of his chair, which reveals that he's been seating surrounded by data pads and bits of machinery.]

They're magnificent! Like nothing I've ever seen! It's a brilliant idea, having a forest to facilitate breathable air. I only wish they'd managed to add an ocean as well...I've never seen it, you know.

[Granny still doesn't trust this gadget. But she's getting accustomed to it]

First time this happened. Been other meddlin' before.

Then we are all at a disadvantage.

[ She sighs, but is quick to shake off the sudden burst of unease. ]

Thank you for speaking with me. If I may, what sort of meddling?

Last month is was not sleepin' enough. Month before that, sleepin' too much. Neither's a good plan.

Then there is little chance to prepare for what may follow..

I am sorry you were made to suffer through this.

Ain't yer fault. Better off tryin' to get to the bottom of it.

Even so, none are deserving of this.

[ A pause, then she bows her head a tad. ]

And I hope we shall. I am Igraine.

[Granny bows to no one. It's a witch thing.]

Mistress Weatherwax. Whoever's doin' all this ain't terribly fussed 'bout deservin'.

[That's life for you.]

Nothin' like this has happened as long as I've been here. At least as far as I know.

[He smiles apologetically.]

As for messin' with us in general, it happens a lot. Better get used to it.

If I may, how long have you endured here?

[ Her own smile is a tad on the playful side as she continues. ]

With time, I will. I am more resilient than I appear.

[He scratches his head.]

That's... kinda hard to answer, considerin' there was that one jump that was supposed to last a year. But I've been here since the 11th one.

[He'll let her work out the math; it's slightly frightening, but he's started to lose count of how long he's been here.

He smiles weakly in return.]

Good. Just don't take too much time for it, okay? You never know when something screwed up will happen, so you need to be ready.

I am not as well-informed as I would hope to be, but I am sorry it has kept you.

[ And she is, truly, judging by the change in her expression. ]

I will do my best, you have my word.

No need for you to be sorry unless you're actually the one behind all this. And if you are, I'd suggest you keep that to yourself, unless you wanna be torn limb from limb.

[He's joking, at least in suggesting that she could be causing all this.]

I guess that's all anyone can ask.

Honestly, I don't think there's much you can do about the screwed up mental stuff they do to us, but if you don't already you should carry a weapon. There's dangerous stuff out there.

[ Though brief, she can't quite stifle her amusement at his former statement. With an almost unnoticeable tilt her head: ]

Fortunately, I am not. That may be the only thing I can say with any degree of certainty here. [ She sobers instantly at the mention of weaponry and danger, however. She is no warrior but, should the need arise, then she ought to be prepared. ]

I do not yet have one in my possession, but that will change.

Glad to have that cleared up.

[He allows himself a small smile before he tries to look serious.]

You already know where to find one? I think there are a few people who make weapons here, if you need it, but I'd assume you'd need something to trade.

As am I.

[ It's a simple gesture next, as she shakes her head in regard to the question. ]

I do not. I arrived with very little but I do not think it will be difficult to barter. Thank you for your assistance.. [ She only trails off after realizing they have yet to be introduced and, as such, her smile is a tad on the apologetic side. ] Forgive me. To whom am I offering my gratitude?

I am Igraine Pendragon.

Worst comes to worst you could steal knives from the kitchens. It's not the best, but it's somethin'. I don't really have anything I could offer you to trade with somebody--unless you think you could get something with poker chips.

[Well, he does have his knife, but it'd take a lot to get him to part with that. He knows it wouldn't do a lot against some of the bigger monsters out there, but it makes him feel secure and it's a reminder from home.]

Firo Prochainezo. Nice to meet you.

[Or not, considering their circumstances.]

That's very thoughtful of you.

[Merlin manages a weak smile for her.]

It's enough keeping your own secrets. Keeping the secrets of others is another burden entirely.

I would not want my own to be on display for all.

[ The effort is both noted and appreciated, but when she cants her head her own smile, though sad, almost seems to reflect a deeper understanding. A secret she dares not share where all can see. She understands the former all too well. ]

Some are made to shoulder that burden more than most.

I guess destiny chooses us accordingly.

[He wasn't born to be a great warrior a king. But secrets...he can carry them in spades.]

To answer your question, this is the first time this has happened. But it seems there's always something trying to make our lives difficult.

Yes, it does.

[ One can only imagine, she only has the Merlin of her world for comparison. Though she does not push the subject, her curiosity isn't quite sated. ]

Then I would do well to not be caught unaware. Thank you, Merlin.

[Abby looks better now that she's slept. She's not as on edge as she was. She still isn't quite herself, courtesy of not feeding properly, but she looks better.

Not that this woman would know that, considering Abby's never spoken with her before, but it's because the lady is new that she replies at all.]

From what I've been told, there's almost always something going on that we have to deal with but I think what's happening right now is new.

[ Another child? Even before she speaks, Igraine is quietly committing her face to memory -- another, now with Armin, that she will attempt to watch over. Whether the two are aware of it or not.

Oh, if only she knew. Her smile is kind. ]

Then, I shall be on guard. Have you been here a long while?

[Oh, Igraine. You poor, sweat dear.]

This was my second jump. Last month was a lot worse than this month has been so far, though.

[Don't even get her started on not sleeping. That was awful and she frowns slightly at the memory before pushing the thoughts away and offering the woman a small smile.]

I'm sure you'll be fine, though. People seem to like to help each other, at least.

I can help you learn to use these devices, if you wish. When I first arrived, I was fortunate enough to have someone extend that kindness to me.

I would be forever in your debt. I do not know what I could offer in return but I will return your kindness.

You needn't offer me anything in return but your friendship, if you wish to give it. The least I can do is pass on what little I know in honor of the friend who once taught me.

My friendship is freely given, it was yours even before your offer. May I inquire as to the name of my newfound friend?

[ Despite not being in the presence of him, she is ever mindful of courtesy. After bowing her head slightly and straightening with a smile: ]

I am Igraine.

Robb Stark, of Westeros and Winterfell, though I don't expect the names to be familiar. Most find them strange.

Well met, Igraine. I hope you've settled as well as can be possible here.

Unfamiliar, but I do not think them to be strange.

Well met, Robb. I have, thank you, though my short time here has offered a great deal of surprise above all else.

I wish I could tell you that you grow accustomed, but you shall be continually surprised by this place. Though the events of this past month are like none I've seen before in all my time here. It makes for a very poor welcome, my lady.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ video ]

video;

video;

Re: video;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Video

video;

Re: video;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[video]

[video]

[video]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Video

no subject

no subject

no subject

Video

Video

Video

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject