ataraxion | un || video

Entry tags:

un || video

[ Your resident 19th century cynic is overdue for an introduction. But, in his defense, it's taken him a while to figure out how the hell to use a smartphone-- there are a lot of things to get used to for him here, okay?

The first thing that appears is his dark eyebrows knitted together in a face that's obviously puzzled but intelligent looking. He's rather enjoyed the challenge of tinkering with this thing, and he shows a triumphant smile when he realizes he's done it. ]

Wonderful. A strange piece of equipment, but nonetheless remarkable.

[ Clearing his throat. ]

Hello, all of you unwilling citizens of this terrible place. You may call me Grantaire. I suppose this is an introduction of sorts since I have only arrived a few short weeks ago and this is, I'm sure, the first time many of you have seen me. I appeal to you because I'm looking for some... [ he hesitates over the word "friends," but he's not sure he qualifies for that endearment amongst some his group from home. ]

...acquaintances of mine from my previous life, who I've been told are on board but I have not met in this vast place as of yet. Given the violent and, apparently, tumultuous nature of existence we seem to be in here, I think I should find them before the next "jump" sees fit to do away with them. Odd, isn't it? How fleeting everything is. Well, at least we have use of these to find each other; it's certainly a helpful tool.

[ Tapping his screen emphatically as he speaks. The communicator makes an electronic noise as the camera turns around and back to him, making his eyes widen with surprise. He raises his hands away from it, afraid of making another error. ]

...My apologies, I'm still trying to master the use of it. I won't bother you all any more, in any case. Should you have met anyone by the name of Bahorel or Combeferre, please inform me. Or if you are one of them listening here, that would make this exceptionally easy.

[ With a smirk, the feed ends. He did figure that bit out well enough. The big red circle was certainly eye catching. ]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

You again!

Yes, I know them both. I have met all here from the barricade. And many more who have never heard of it.

Grantaire!

[Combeferre is rather happy to see any of their number, and to see them outside of that horror show that had happened in the halls as well. He might have otherwise thought that he was meant for someone else to follow, or, well, he doesn't know, but he is offering a smile as he stares into the camera, though his gaze is a little unfocused due to the current lack of spectacles.]

Forgive me for not finding you sooner. Everything has been, well, rather odd at the moment, and I am never quite fit company after jumps anymore, but I am pleased to see you. Bahorel ought to be as well.

[The thought of mentioning Enjolras occurs to him, but Combeferre casts it aside for now, not wanting to distress him further than he likely is. Likewise, mentioning that Grantaire was among them once seems somehow wrong, considering Eponine did not remember anything of her time here. Overloading his mind is NOT a good idea just now, so he'll hold back unless those topics come up.]

Shall I come and find you, then? [While he's never quite known what to make of Grantaire, Combeferre does wish to make him welcome, as he is still one of them, and, given that pressing topics are now over for them all, it seems high time to have a proper conversation.] I can show you to anything you have not found. This ship is a remarkable place, really.

It is good to see you settling in, however unnerving the tenure may be here. Have you any need of anything, beyond Bahorel and Combeferre?

[A pause, and then a knowing nod, with a little burst of confidence generally rare to his air.]

Ah, I know. I have some things of your previous possession. You gave them to me on a wager, but with regards to the fact that it is a wager you cannot recall now, I would feel it too ill-used to drink such a fine bottle.

[He was by no means to prompt Grantaire's love of drink, but the liquor had been his own, and from home. Perhaps some article from Paris would be welcome.]

Indeed. [ With a smirk that's more of a smile. ] I am glad to see you-- For a time it seemed unlikely for some of us to make it out of that labyrinth alive.

Truly, you have met us all? I am correct in believing that there are just the eight of us that come from the barricades of Paris and thereabouts? Unless, of course, the next jump brings another of our number, but that isn't for a little while longer.

[ Breathing a sigh of relief at the familiar face on his screen. ]

I was beginning to think you were a ghost! Though perhaps, in our case, that is a poor choice of expression to use.

[ Grimacing at his own joke. He drinks to drain the remainder a glass of clear, slightly carbonated liquid. It would seem R found a new hobby in exploring the other beverages available aboard the Tranquility. He winces over a swallow, but looks like he need it more than ever. ]

If you are near this-- [ waving his hand to his surroundings. ] lounge, it is one of the few places that seemed worth a thorough investigation. I am sorry to say my eagerness to explore was dampened significantly by my days trapped in the corridors, but with a companion I think it seems less... daunting. Please come! Or tell me where I can meet you.

You are quite a gentleman indeed, Prouvaire. If you insist, I would, of course, not object.

[ Raising an eyebrow and leaning into the screen for effect. Or because he needs to lean on the table for support. One of the two. ]

Perhaps I could interest you in sharing a glass with me?

[It does get a snicker out of Combeferre at least, though it IS a slightly nervous one, given whatever the hell happened to them lately.]

Ah, not a ghost at all. Wandering the corridors and such myself.

[And then Combeferre is eyeing whatever is in the glass and frowning a little. And, in fact? That definitely is a wince.]

You know that they have decent drinks here, don't you? Or at least, they did when I was there last. I can certainly come find you all the same.

It would not have been my first death, had I not returned.

I have! Even some that were not there, though I wish to god and the devil that I had not. [No one likes you, Cosette. Go home.]

[The brief outline of a pleased smile before glancing down and shaking his head softly.]

I should feel very sorry, robbing you of your own possession. But if you insist it is sharing between brothers, then I will accept the invitation. Thank you.

Please do! [ Opening his arms genially. ]

Yes, I have been finding a few to my liking. The wines, of course, leave something to be desired compared to our selection at home, but there is plenty more to be had here, it seems.

I'll await you here while I find something new to fill my glass.

Shall I come and find you or would you prefer to meet me here in the lounge? I am quite flexible; I would simply need you to direct me to where you are.

Forgive me, it will take me a few weeks more to get the layout of his strange place memorized.

[ Rather soberly. ] Death is no stranger to any of our company from the barricade, that is true... But it would still be a very sorrowful experience to lose any of our number for a second time.

But enough talk of such a dreary topic; of whom are you speaking?

A young woman my same age. She speaks with courtesies and grace, but you must know, do not believe any of it. She is the reason my family lost all that we had, that Gavroche grew up in the street. Her name is Cosette.

She is the one Marius loves.

Ah yes, Mademoiselle Fauchelevent. [ Grinning now. ]

I nearly ran her over in the midst of our arrival, unfortunately quite literally-- It seemed we both were brought here the same day. But, forgive me, how was she the cause of your parents' misfortune...?

She seemed like a charming, if not naive, young woman when I spoke with her.

Oh, it is a trick, I tell you! She is not nearly so naive. She grew up with my family, we took her in out of the kindness of our hearts, and worked to give her everything that the rest of us did have.

We had very little to begin with, and she was a great cost on us all. A sickly girl, you see. One Christmas, a man came, her father, in his great yellow coat. He gave my family money for her, but the very next night, came and stole it while we slept! Our inn was not long after that.

[Eponine. Eponine. No.]

This man has used that money to dress her up like some doll. I do not believe their relationship is as pure as she would have us believe. I fear she shall hurt Marius, if he has survived the barricade.

Oh the wines here

[Combeferre is making a face, a rather disgusted one at that. Because, well. Some of the ones he's chanced to come upon have not even been good for cooking.]

Well, they are not often my favorites, but sometimes we've found that the ship likes to send us...gifts...for lack of a better word, of our things from home. Perhaps you may get lucky on that front.

That said, some of the other flavored things are not so bad. There are some vodkas that are rather interesting in terms of flavoring.

And that sounds well then. I shall be right on my way.

[A broad and lopsided grin -- no, literally, just that, at first, before the video feed is pulled out to see the full face of a happy Bahorel.]

Ho! You return to us again, do you? I had come to believe that you may only have been some bitter, inebriated dream, that you'd left us so silently the first.

[The image would jiggle a little, clatter a touch, that he'd be propping the device up against the table until the feed properly displayed him like a Greek bust. Speaking all the while, a little furrow now at his brow, half in concentration, half in concern.]

Though the sound of it goes such that you suffer a loss of memory...

[Tapping his chin with a bit of a frown.]

Not unthinkable, I suppose, with Éponine of the same affliction. How much do you recall, if anything at all, mon ami?

If you are ill at ease with the funny loops of the hallways and the unfamiliar corridors, better you stay where you are and let me venture to you. Getting lost is a harrowing ordeal, and I would not see it befall so dear a friend.

I can come to the lounge presently, if it suits you?

[ Furrowing his brows. ]

But if he gave you money for the girl, surely he gave your family enough to cover her debts for the doctor's visits if he is a good father...?

Wonderful, in the meantime I'll find us something good to drink.

[ turning off his video and doing just that while he waited for Combeferre to find him. ]

That would be wonderful. Considering the latest horrors of the halls we all seem to have experienced... Getting lost in them again is not something I hope for.

[ Grimacing. ] I'll await you here and find fresh glasses for to share our drink with.

Oh, no, he did not. We were left in quite a debt.

[ Returning the grin with fervor. Bahorel was always very well liked in Grantaire's book, of course. ]

Sadly, not a thing! I do wish I had, so I could have prepared myself better against what we've had to face thus far in this place.

[ A nearly imperceptible shudder. ]

I am glad you replied I would soon have wondered if one of the beasts that lurk here had dragged you off before I could find you... [ With a good-natured smirk. ]

How have you been getting along here?

[ Clucking his tongue. ]

The way that the Cosette speaks of him I would have thought him much more thoughtful than that....

Did they not want to lose Cosette?

No, not at all, m'sieur! Cosette was like a daughter to them, as much as I am! We cared dearly for her. She was my best friend, you see. The loss of her was devastating!

Have you at least been able to reconnect with her here, then?

[ Sympathetically. (Grantaire you naive little-) ]

It is upsetting, what became your family after her departure, but surely you do not hold her responsible? The father is the one who took her after all... She was just a girl at the time, no?

I assure you she is most kind as I know her.

I have! She plays naive as she did then, but I know otherwise. Oh, I am polite and what-you-will, but I know the truth.

[She nods.]

Thank you. But if it is pity you wish to give me, I do not want it. Her father, herself, they are the same. His sins should be visited upon her, should they not? My father's have been visited upon me over and over. No, she is cruel, behind her sweet facade. I should show you the marks she had left on me from Montfermiel! Best friends, of course, but that did not stop her cruel heart.

That, I can certainly agree with.

[You know, as long as you don't get him so drunk he's ranting about unicorns being illogical. Which happened that one time. ]

[ He fiddles with some bottles for a moment, reading them carefully before settling on two and pouring them together into two glasses over ice. He then splashes a soda over both of them. ]

Who knew it would be so easy to produce ice one day, eh? [ Shaking the glass to make the cubes clink as he hands one to Combeferre. He takes a seat and breathes a contented sigh. ]

Perhaps the future is not so terrible after all. What should we drink to, my friend?

[Combeferre accepts his glass with a grin at that.] Oh there are so many things here we would never have imagined, yes. I do admit I ah...spent some time starring into the ice maker my first few months here. It all seemed like something out of a fantasy.

And no, it certainly does have its moments.

Perhaps to the future itself. May it continue to bring good, instead of bad.

[After all, the arrival of Eponine and then Grantaire have started to bring back the good they had been lacking for a while.]

To the future, then. [ Grantaire nods, taking a drink. ]

Now, there is something I can't figure out, and that's why. Why bring hundreds of people here to reside and work here if only, apparently, to subject them to horrors while also giving them luxury?

[ Taking another drink from his glass. ] Additionally, I don't understand their logic in who they are selecting either... You have been here for a time, so I've been told, which is why I pose you the question. Forgive me if you are as ignorant as I am, I do not assume you have every answer.

[That is something of the major question here, really, Grantaire. Combeferre is shaking his head already in response to it, more a frustrated shake than anything else.]

Ah, if only we knew the reasons for such things as that. There is a being, Monsieur Smiley, who seems to delight in wrecking havoc and Hell upon us all. A...artificial being of sorts, which I suspect is someone's puppet or another. But why?

[there's a shrug, as Combeferre takes a swig of his drink.]

That seems to make as much sense as the basis of selection here does, really. There IS no common pattern that I've found. We come from all centuries, all places, places you and I could never have dreamed were true. I've known vampires, magicians, those who have lived on planets very different from our own. The only thing at all that seems in common is that none of us were members of this ship's crew. They vanished entirely, rather without a trace. There have been...a few glimpses since. Recordings and the like, but...

[Here, he's just shaking his head.]

I would suspect we are a game to whoever controls this ship. Surely, someone must be doing it. It would be impossible to think the ship was doing this much on its own despite the advance in years.

If only I didhave some answers. If only someone did, I think we'd all be rather better off.

[An understanding tilt to his grin.]

Alas, there isn't much to prepare oneself for when each jump brings a new terror. You must simply be quick to your feet!

[A burst of laughter.]

No beast could keep me from greeting my friends properly! It is good to see you all in one piece, as well; it is easy to get lost in the depths of the Mademoiselle.

I've done well enough! There are plenty of stories to tell, though shared better over a drink than over a tiny screen. And a lot has changed since, well, you know, Paris.

[Waving it off a bit, and moving on quickly with a subtle shrug. If one was careful, or knew him well enough to catch it, one might see a brief touch of embarrassment in the nonchalant way that Bahorel thrust the topic aside -- different from when he'd first arrived a year prior; in some ways fonder, and in others more sheepish. That easy grin was back in a flash, though.]

And you? Have you managed to be quick enough on your feet, then? I see no claw marks on you.

[ Drinking from a bottle and raising his eyebrows at the question. ]

Quick on my feet... Probably a touch more luck than skill, I daresay my reflexes are nothing to boast about. In fact, the young mademoiselle Thenardier saved me in a particularly tight spot soon after I first arrived here.

[ Grinning with a bit of chagrin himself. ]

I agree; if you come and find me I will share my few stories I've to tell, if you will share yours, my friend. It feels like it has been years since I've seen you, so much has happened since we've last spoken!

Oh? She is a spritely one, that petit loup of ours; then it is good she was nearby!

So it seems, indeed. [A moment to ponder.] Perhaps even a year, if one assumes a jump to emulate each month! You have arrived on my twelfth, if I am counting correctly, just in time to celebrate the anniversary of my own arrival. Fortuitous! I will take the gift of your presence with great cheer.

No, it is far from a pleasant sensation...

I am on my way, then.

[ooc: Log, or handwave? :D I'm happy with either!]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

un || video

no subject

Video:

[Video]

no subject

video;

video;

Re: video;

no subject

[Video]

video;

video;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

video;

[video]

[Video]

no subject

no subject

video;

no subject

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

[Video]