- Studier of Caws and effect -

"You were a fine subject!" (( Connected to Princess Bubblegum - residing in Room 1S.))

[inkerdot]

► love always, THIEF X

There was absolutely no sign of them anywhere.

In what some might of considered a bit of panic, the young assistant ruthlessly tore apart the large collection of art supplies in the recreational room. She tossed an easel to the side, paintbrushes and used tubes of oil paints in tow shortly behind them. The sound of paper crinkled into the oddly quiet room as she shoved a stack of loose-leaf notebooks into a corner. Next went the erasers, the mechanical pencils and even ballpoint pens were strewn around the carpeting. She pushed aside some of the larger blocks of clay used for sculpting, mindful not to disturb any half-made creations in her destructive wake.

Once she was sure that she had checked the entire supply closet, she decided it would be best to check again.. and again.. and again.. and again.

Despite her best efforts and countless hours of frantically and then meticulously checking the entire room, she had come up short on what she was seeking. 

Chiyo Sakura sat in the midst of a mess of art supplies, her hands clutching the side of her face as she stared unseeingly into the aftermath of her rampage. 

How could they have just disappeared like this?! There’s no way that they could of just gone missing! Did I leave them somewhere? No..! I couldn’t have! I checked the apartment and the library and the cafeteria..

The assistant let out a frustrated squeak, lowering her hands and shaking her head furiously. No, there was no way she could of lost them! How in the world could she of lost something so precious to her? She always was very attentive — okay, well maybe not always.. but it wasn’t like her to just leave something somewhere! After all, these were very special to her! They were something that she just couldn’t accept that she’d lost and move on with her life.

Chiyo let out a shaky sigh and began to clean up her mess, making sure to put everything back in its place before she went about searching the furniture again. The item in question that was currently missing was nothing really expensive, but it was very dear to her - a collection of colored pencils that her partner had given her a few weeks ago.

They can’t just get up and walk away like this! There’s no way that they could of just fallen somewhere. I don’t sit by any windows or anything like that.

She was sure that there were plenty of other tins of pencils about the art supplies, but these were ones that Haise had given to her. She wasn’t sure where he had gotten then — maybe from a staff member — but he had personally delivered them to her. And given the fact that precious and personal things were difficult to come by in the facility, she’d swore she’d take good care of them.

And now they’re gone.. someone must of stolen them! Chiyo thought as she finished putting everything away and dove on the floor to check beneath one of the nearby armchairs. She probably looked a bit silly doing so, but this was an urgent matter — and she wasn’t about to give up!

[logicaleludicatormage]

In his search for supplies to make the posters which Lucina had suggested for himself and her both to make to perhaps garner more people who also wished to escape, the most logical place to start was unknown to the mage: he might have made a quick observation of the castle in general for escape, but this meant that he had not observed 'smaller' rooms that he deemed would be unlikely to hold a manner of escape.

As such, he had been casually going from smaller room to room to observe them as well: not only to learn more about them as well, but to find materials to make the supposed poster. At least he was learning something - if only something small - from each room he observed, so he would not call it a waste of time. A clattering of noise as he walked slowly - to not miss anything - down the halls interrupted him, however.

Hm? It seemed as if the rooms he'd been observing weren't all empty, after all. Out of mild curiosity, he headed towards the room where the noises seemed to be emitting from, spotting a madam seemingly in vivid search for something or other once he entered said room. She was clearly in search for something - and from the strange supplies and paper around the room, it seemed he'd found supplies for poster-making by pure chance.

Still, the worried looks of the other in the room were of more concern right now, and the mage stepped forth. "Excuse me. I do hate to iinterrupt but - you are clearly in search of something or another. Would you wish to have another pair of eyes aid you in your search?"

It seemed the right thing to do, to offer to help.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

"Such things are usually difficult, yet I will be here to make sure you look after yourself," a satisfied nod follows. If only she could heed her own advice, although perhaps in helping Laurent she could also make efforts to look after herself more. A balance truly was the key, yet it was a difficult path to walk, but true that attempting such was wise in their current situation. Although she hopes they wont remain here that long.

    Magic even more powerful than Thoron? That was a troubling thought. Not only did they possess the means to travel across many universes, but magical capabilities to prevent their escape. It’s in circumstances like these that she wishes her mother was present, no doubt she’d be able to concoct some scheme to get them out of this mess. Alas it fell to them to figure this out, and she intends to do just that. "An electric fence more powerful than our strongest tomes…it doesn’t bode well does it?" A lithe finger gently tapping her chin in thought. "The people in charge must have a place of operations, somewhere where they watch over us," yet this facility was so large she fears they’d never find it. That’s where her idea came into focus.

    "I do imagine not everyone here is so friendly, yet I’d like to believe we’d all have a common goal…to be free of this place," perhaps they could put aside their differences for this common cause. "Perhaps we could begin rallying support via posters of some kind? And those interested would then come to us, while those disinterested may remain uninvolved."

[logicaleludicatormage]

"I, too - shall endeavor to always stand by your side and offer such support - not just the support to stand by your side as an ally, but to ensure you do not take up too many burdens alone. That, I promise you." A sincere nod from the white-haired mage followed that speech, and with that fragment of something positive, the serious conversation that followed - while serious - did little to diminish the determination in his own thoughts and mind.

Lucina was incredibly concerned to hear that none of his magic could affect this electric fence, and he shook his head at her somewhat theoretical 'question' there. "Indeed: on the subject of place of operations, the room where everyone wakes up before going 'into' this strange castle properly - perhaps that may lead to the place of operations? It seems to be hidden, however - though I am certain I checked the area where I remember it being, I saw no door. As if the room never 'existed' in the first place, and yet that cannot be, because I awakened there. Perhaps facts that point towards more magic being used."

To 'cloak or hide' something from view or being picked up sounded like dark magic to him.

"Posters? Hm, that seems a sensible idea: that way, nobody would be forced into joining if they did not wish to - but then, how would the people interested in the posters 'find us'? Perhaps we should also place on the poster a room of meeting...?" More sensible ideas, there.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

    "Well if your father spoke the same then it would be wise to heed council," it’s easier said than done she knows, but she understands he’ll take small steps towards looking after himself. She wonders if she can do the same, so wired in her ways that changing would take a considerable amount of time. "I do know, I’d not ask you to stop caring completely, just use some of that care for yourself." 

    Carefully placing the books in her arms back where they belonged, listening to his musings on the matter. It’s true that they would likely have sensed something, yet this world didn’t necessarily play by their rules, maybe they had a way of masking it? The possibilities were truly endless in a world they knew nothing about.

    "I suppose, yet you said so yourself this place is rather large and from what I’ve gathered we can only venture so far…what if the gate lay beyond?" A fence blocked their path and she can only guess severe consequences awaited them if they were to try and bypass it. Mayhap if they were to find a way around it? "If we could perhaps shut down the fence to explore further we might find it…however I’d not know where to even begin with such an operation." If it were easy then someone would have tried it by now. If more of their comrades were present maybe they’d stand a chance, yet she’s unsure with just the two of them. "I fear our number is too small…we could attempt to rally allies in the matter? Surely others wish to be set free."

[logicaleludicatormage]

"Indeed - though it may be certainly not the easiest council to heed, I shall endeavor to do so as well as looking out for everyone else in equal measure. Balance is exceedingly important, after all." It would not be easy, especially in such a already complicated castle as this, but in such a place as this where they knew nothing - and an experiment where there was much uncertainty and possible danger -  following the advice to 'watch out for yourself and be kind to yourself' was sensible.

That foremost discussion placed aside, Laurent paused to consider Lucina's next words in deep consideration as he stacked books. "There is indeed a strong possibility the Outrealm gate, should there be one - lies beyond the fence. When I first found it and conducted some experiments, it repelled any of my magical efforts: so perhaps that same power that repelled my magic may 'hide' the presence of any magic beyond it, logically speaking. However - touching the fence would be a terrible idea."

The mage adjusted his glasses, before musing: "It holds powerful electric abilities far beyond even Thoron - a young madam by the name of Usagi called it 'an electric fence'. Therefore, your idea would have to come first - shutting it down somehow. I am uncertain as to how we would do this, either..." If his magic alone had failed, the course of action was uncertain right now.

Rally the others? Hm, now there was an idea, but it brought up a thought: "Indeed, but we would need to ask carefully. Not all people might be in the best of moods being trapped here, after all."

Sensible advice.

[manuscriptures-deactivated20150]

"Get on with it already," Rohan spat, irritating spreading across his features. So much for wanting to enjoy his food alone; this guy looked to be the rambling type, and when combined with his incessant stuttering, it was clear any interaction with him will waste precious, precious time. Time that could be used to draw, or to be put to investigating the facility.

"Look. Before you open your mouth again, listen here. If you’re not going to be to the point, don’t even bother talking. I’m not going to stand here forever waiting for you to pick your words," pointing a pair of chopsticks towards the other’s eyes, as if it would emphasize his point. 

With a flick of said utensils, the hat atop the opposing man’s heat was tilted ever so slightly, to an angle where it could slip off at any moment. Without waiting for a response, Rohan turned back to his food, gathering it onto a tray, and carried it out to the seating area.

[logicaleludicatormage]

Despite the situation making the mage incredibly abashed on the 'rudeness' of waltzing in, it was clear the stranger sitting here was not about to put up with that - in fact, not about to put up with any sort of uncertainty or stammered apologies at all. His words were bluntly to the point, and despite the harshness, there was truth to them. No stranger would stand and wait for him to stop and think the best course of action in such a place. If he wanted to listen to Lady Lucina's advice in rallying others that may wish to assist in escape: he had to try to be more forward.

Sigh - it was a lot harder than it sounded, though. At the flick to his hat, the mage grabbed at it and tugged it straighter so it would not fall firstmost, before pausing to consider things. The other had gone to the area where those of the strange castle sat and ate their food while he had been doing this - and there were two options. He could simply leave the other to his business, and some part of him certainly felt like doing this right now.

Considering the barging in he'd done, and his polite mannerisms, that part of him was certainly loud. However, his desire to assist and help those close to him for a means of escape was stronger. Steeling himself with a deep breath to calm his rattled nerves, he headed to the seating area where the other had headed.

Once he ascertained where the other was in that said seating area, he would stride over, red gaze looking less shaky this time. "I must apologize - the fact there was only a single person here caught me off-guard. It won't happen again. The reason I am here is so I can hopefully find others who wish to escape - are you one of those people?"

Laurent did hope he was a bit less socially awkward sounding this time, but he wouldn't be surprised if he still DID sound awkward. 

[manuscriptures-deactivated20150]

»logicaleludicatormage

[manuscriptures-deactivated20150]

Of all things, Rohan found himself cooking himself a meal, despite all the readily available options laid out in the dining hall. Perhaps nothing particularly appealed to him, or perhaps it was only a desperate attempt to stave off his occasional pangs of homesickness. (Though nothing he can make is even close to the absolute deliciousness of Tonio's cooking, stand abilities aside) 

His bored poking at a bowl full of cooked noodles ceased when the soup seemed to be about ready; a small bowl was filled and held to thin lips, the liquid inside poured inwards so that the mangaka could have a taste. Could use a bit longer, he decided, turning down the heat to prevent it from boiling over, then taking the pot lid off the counter to cover it up. 

Minutes passed, and a second taste test was done. Satisfied, Rohan took the noodles and promptly dumped them into the soup, followed by sliced tofu, two boiled eggs, leaves of napa cabbage, and a handful of corn. 

When the noodles were finally lifted from the stovetop and placed into a large enough bowl, he placed a square of butter into the soup, watching it dissolve into the broth. Lifting his head up slightly from the steam continuously wafting out of his food, Rohan’s eyes unexpectedly met another pair, barely hidden under the shadow of a..rather outlandish kind of hat. As if it stepped out of a fantasy land of some sort.

[logicaleludicatormage]

With his search efforts for a potential means of escape redoubled in sheer determination now that Lucina was here, Laurent had been recently pondering over certain things. In all his observations aimed to try and find escape, he had not spoken to a good deal of strangers here. Perhaps speaking to them may prove useful in finding eventual escape, and also, he could potentially prevent others suffering loneliness he had gone through. The force of many together was mighter than the force of few working alone, so there was nothing to lose by trying.

The problem was, with being so observing of the surroundings and potential escape routes, he had not paid much heed to places others liked to go. Where on earth could he find others to speak to and try to  help? A sudden delicious smell slowly lilting through the air was most distracting to his search as well, sigh. He did not wish to bother someone most obviously making a meal for themselves in the dining hall, but perhaps there were others there as well?

All eating together, and he wouldn't disrupt anything. So the mage rather apprehensively entered, but froze on realizing there was only a singular person there, and they had looked up from the cooking to see him. "I-i'm exceedingly sorry for so rudely barging in...I assumed there might be others in the dining hall to converse with who weren't busy. Evidently, that assumption was wrong - I should go..."

Laurent fidgeted a little, and made to back away - unless the other said something, in which case he'd pause to listen because after that rude barging in he would owe the other that at least.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

    "I don’t expect you to suddenly change your ways so abruptly, but it would ease my mind to know you are thinking more of yourself." Whether she meant it or not, one couldn’t easily tell, but she could be rather mischievous with her words sometimes. Just how she purposely lost her training match with her father in an attempt for them to spend more time together, she knew Laurent would be more inclined to heed her advice knowing it would ease her. Her intentions, of course, are nothing so manipulative as one might think, she only has his best interests at heart. “I should hope my presence will remind you more often, and since I am here you have no need to be concerned over me.” Although part of her thinks he will regardless.

    Picking up a few more books to stack them in her arms, she intently listens to his words. "Well the cover was intriguing," although she suspects it was nothing special, "if you feel so inclined to climb up there to see it for yourself," a small gesture to the very top shelf whereupon she’d been previously. A small pause in her book collecting as she contemplates his words. How had they managed to pull information from all manner of worlds? Perhaps they too had the ability to use the Outrealm gate. "I would think it means they have the power to move between worlds to collect such a wide variety of information, perhaps they can utilise the Outrealm gate?" It seems like a long shot but if that were the case, then mayhap a portal was open somewhere in the building.

[logicaleludicatormage]

The mage closed his eyes at the first sentence from Lucina, finding the slight irony of it when he thought about certain facts quite akin to deja vu. "Hah. Father said something along the lines of that when I encountered him for the first time here and explained matters - that I placed too much pressure on myself. If two people who's opinons matter a great deal to me say the same - if not strikingly similar - facts, I should be very rude and impolite to not listen." Opening his eyes once more after that bit of musing, he adjusted his glasses so to not lose them off the end of his nose, before speaking once more.

"Is it not customary for friends to show concern to one another, however? I understand your meaning in that you wish for me to not worry, but...as well as being my ally, you are still a close friend to me. I cannot act 'serious and devoid of emotions' when my friends are involved, but you know this already. Perhaps I am silly to muse of things you already know but that aside - I will happily get the book for you once this mess is cleared up."

That said, Laurent began to pick up the books strewn about the floor to carry as much as he could and then put them back. As he did so, the mention of a possible Outrealm gate made him shake his head. "That would be a possibility, but then why haven't I picked up on any massive natural magic energy if that is the case? Better yet, if there was an Outrealm Gate, wouldn't everyone see it...?" It was a thought-provoking subject, to be sure.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

    "You certainly are," though she agrees there is a kind smile present, suggesting she meant no offence by it. Yet it was true, he would place blame upon himself then speak that she should not when they were equally guilty. Although in truth they were guilty of nothing, they had no control over the situation, thus couldn’t have done anything to change the events that somehow brought them here. "If you would ask that of me, then I ask you not blame yourself either," it was only fair of course. "Yet I fear the way we’re going we could stand here till the sun sets, still insisting the other be blameless yet take the blame ourselves." He was certainly correct in saying neither of them had changed during their time apart. 

    "Then correct you I shall and perhaps one day we’ll cease burdening ourselves so," although she thinks it’s a habit she’ll not soon shake off. It’s something all of them shouldered, some more than others perhaps, yet all her comrades carried baggage of some kind. She dips her crown in agreement, in a way they all resembled their parents in some way, although the sparks of Miriel she saw in Laurent were a little more obvious than others. "It is unlikely we’ll find anything to help but it’s worth looking, there was an interesting book I saw before our encounter," however it was still perched on the highest shelf she was unable to reach.

    "Hm?" A slight tilt of her head at his reaction. She remains rather oblivious, while she had felt a little uncomfortable it was likely for different reasons. "All right then let’s see…" bending down to retrieve the first of many books. "I do wonder what these contain though, if not information on this facility then what?" She questions as she idly flips through one of them. "I presume you’ve spent a good amount of time here yourself? If not detailing the ins and outs of this place, what have you found within their pages?"

[logicaleludicatormage]

When even Lucina herself was agreeing to the fact that he was probably the worst offender to 'not having changed mentally' in the time they'd all been apart, it just added to the wry 'humor' of it all. Hah - no wonder Lucina and the other future children had recognized him so easily after him being separated in the desert for five years from them, if that were the case. Though it was a bad thing he was so stubborn and inflexible, in a way, to his 'true nature', if he had changed would they have recognized him? At least he could be glad for that of the many faults his seriousness carried. 

"Indeed, we could well waste an immeasurable amount of time with refusing to back down in taking the burdens of others - blame included. Just as I take on the burdens of others to help them not feel alone, so they do not have to struggle with it, you do, too - but I still recall the time you told me of 'the only person I could stand to help more in the camp being me myself'. I evidently need to do a bit of a better job following that advice. Though doing so will be quite easier with you here." It was odd, but they were so much alike they helped 'balance' out their own seriousness and tendency to place too much on themselves, in a way.

...Laurent had to admit, he liked that a lot - that they could help each other like that. That topic aside: the subject of the knowledge of tomes gave the mage reason to pause, folding his arms in thought. "An interesting tome? Do tell - if it holds potentially useful things, I should very much like to share in it's information. As for the other books - what I have noted so far is they say many different subject - perhaps about the worlds that others in this castle come from? Oddly enough, in any kind of language you can imagine - I spotted Yilessiean and Plegian dilect, as well as olden Feroxi tomes. What exactly does this mean, that they know of our language, I wonder....?"

[dreamelodies]

Ores? Stones? What was this person talking about? How could he not know what a land mine was, or—or what its function was? Things like that were usually mentioned once or twice in history books—especially chapters focusing on wars.

… Though, the boy in front of him was a little…he looked like a character out of an RPG. B-ka had heard things in this place, even seen things he couldn’t always explain, so maybe…maybe that was why…—? Maybe he came from a different reality, like others claimed to—one where things like magic were possible.

It was still mind-boggling to think on for too long, but…

"A-Ah, no, um…I-I think we should stay…inside…for now." He lowered his eyes to his shoes a moment, fidgeting before lifting his head to add urgently, "L-Land mines are really dangerous devices… They explode if you set one off, and that would be—if someone got hurt, it’d be horrible…!"

[logicaleludicatormage]

Laurent's gaze turned concerned - as was atypical of the mage - on the serious talk the stranger had to say, even more so considering it was stammered out, nervous. It the stranger was nervous, there must indeed be a good reason for it: and it seemed that was very much true, from the explanation given to him.

"Explode like Elfire magic - that does indeed sound most dangerous. Perhaps too dangerous to just approach lightly with other magic. Thank you kindly for the warning, sir...sir...goodness, what is your name? I would like to express my gratitude, but it would be rude of me to call you a title not your own. My name is Laurent. I do apologize if my choice of dress seems odd. I am unsure why, but many of this strangle castle say that to me..."

As polite as ever, though the fact of why his clothing was 'odd' to others escaped him.

[dreamelodies]

"Wh-What’s all this I’ve been hearing about land mines? Why would—Why would someone do that…? Why would they set them?

"…… and…are there s-still any around…?"

[logicaleludicatormage]

"Lhand...liend mines? Are those tiny little holes in the ground from which someone could obtain fascinating tiny ores and stones? I have no idea what they are, but...I could use my magic to see if there are any, stranger."

Laurent blinked in obvious bewilderment and confusion of the issue, but it seems the stranger is quite concerned about this. As of such, he will extend sympathy and try to help, despite...being confused.

[princexheart-deactivated2015012]

|♚| At the question, Dirk pushes his shades up and smirks. Well that’s a new question. To be honest, he was expecting a quirk of a brow. These are nothing but pajamas to him. 

❝Something like that,❞ it’s not a lie but not the truth either. He’s sure the other is more of a mage. ❝I’m guessing you are. It can explain the hat.❞ He says looking up to the large hat. And the rest of his attire of course. I’m sure he doesn’t get cold in the winter, but in the summer? 

[logicaleludicatormage]

"So my statement is neither fully correct, nor completely wrong? There is much of this strange castle I am unused to, I feel - normally, back home, only mages would wear robes like that. This realm is a continuously different and unique experience to me, I suppose. Ah, I'm rambling - do forgive me, sir. Despite the fact I would much rather be at home, the strange differences are fascinating, I cannot lie."

A pause, before Laurent nodded in confirmation of the second statement. "You are correct in saying this. I do suppose my hat is...rather 'common mage wear', but it holds importance to me. I don't go anywhere without it. Does your apparel similarly hold personal importance?" A curious question, not overly prying - and nothing more. It almost seemed innocent, given the mage was a medevial-times person who didn't know much of this time.

[bereavedandstarving]

There were so many people here. Dozens of them, everywhere she looked, each as alien as the one beside them, everyone out of place, not belonging. Perhaps that’s what made them belong here. Maybe not.

This place was huge, and there were too many people. Too many. Wendy kept careful track of her thoughts but she couldn’t just un-feel to anxiety, the tension that compounded with things that never should have been overwhelming, stacking every little stressor she could have normally let go. There were too many people, it was too crowded. She felt insecure. She felt vulnerable. She felt threatened.

Wendy’s senses craved for her companion, whom she had been trying to avoid for…some reason. Defiance for defiance’s sake, mostly. She had done ok for a while, but she was losing her resolve. The mood swings from the other’s feelings invading her own didn’t help, and there was no real way to keep them from affecting her without the ability to really concentrate. Couldn’t fight it. It was just a battle against her own stubbornness now, and while great, it wouldn’t hold out much longer.

Wendy wandered directionless throughout the compound, only half aware of her surroundings. Just wanted to stay away from all those people for now, stay independent for as long as she possibly could…

A leg. That’s a leg. Ow. There’s a person here…Wendy considered fleeing immediately, holding that spear (a chair leg and a piece of a broken vase) a little tighter than necessary, considering where to flee to if it was needed…

[logicaleludicatormage]

With the most recent arrival of his leader and perhaps one of his closest friends, Lady Lucina, Laurent felt even more of a reason to observe every nook and cranny of the place they currently were stuck in, for obvious reasonings. If he, his father, and his closest of friends were all trapped here - he owed it to them to look all the more vigilantly for a means of escape. As such, he had been walking along much faster than he usually did when observing the place - but still keeping an eye out for people in the halls of the strange castle.

It would be rude to knock into someone again, after all. He'd learned to watch where he was going in this place - but it seemed as if other people weren't as used to the crowds as he might be, and he almost stumbled at a stranger knocking into his leg. It seemed as if they were carrying some make-shift spear of sorts? "Peace, madam. I have no ill will - are you quite alright? I was doing my best to try and not get in anyone's way, so I do apologize that you walked into me. Obviously, I wasn't doing a well enough job...if you are injured anywhere, please let me know so I can help you..."

Concerned mage mode strikes again.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

    Her expression reflects his own. He was placing blame upon himself when he was blameless, whoever was behind their kidnapping went to great lengths to keep them trapped. She would not expect Laurent to find a way out on his own. "Then the same could be said of me, to be so easily captured, it’s wretched…" She was a leader, it was her duty and desire to protect and lead her comrades, yet she was easily bested and now she could not lead or protect anyone. "You have nothing to make up for, I know you’ve done the best you can and that’s all I ever ask," and she need not ask as her comrades always did everything to the best of their ability. A dip of her head follows in response to his thanks, to be concerned was never childish.

    "Perhaps it is not only your minds that are similar then," if her hat fit him so well as she presumed it was originally tailored to Miriel’s size. "I believe that would be a good idea, I’d feel bad leaving such a mess, despite the owner of the this library being the one responsible for us being here." Pursing her lips as she voiced that thought, she ought leave the books where they lay, yet she’s not so petty as that. Although his following words delay the cleaning process, a little surprised but no less grateful for them.

    "Thank you Laurent, your words are a great comfort to me," even if she already knew. Wholly aware of how lucky she was to have friends who would always remain beside her through thick and thin. She doesn’t like to think where she would be without them. At first she’s a little perplexed as he extends his arms, then understands he was offering comfort in a different form. Truthfully she’s a little hesitant, yet doesn’t want to dismiss his attempt at easing her troubles. So lithe arms accept the embrace, while brief on her part, she is thankful for his efforts. "Haven’t you always? But you are right, I’m certain together we can make sense of this and return home."

[logicaleludicatormage]

Laurent's harsh words to himself about the matter had been nothing more than truth, he had thought - and yet, when Lady Lucina mirrored similar words, it made his entire being balk, want to exclaim she needn't blame herself. Was he simply placing unnecessary blame on himself, too? It was hard to believe considering he felt he had personally let their leader and friend down by being trapped here. "Lucina..." A soft sigh escaped the mage, there, all this serving to etch his face with more concern - but a more gentle expression of it this time.

"I do suppose you are only sharing the same view as me, but I feel as if you mustn't blame yourself for circumstances beyond control. Perhaps I have no right to say this given I still feel the weight of guilt on my own shoulders but...I suppose both of us have not changed any in the time we were apart, my dear friend. I am a terrible offender of it, aren't I?" A slightly wry smile as he poked a bit of fun at himself, there - for Laurent to joke even like this was a rarity. "You and I always had the bad habit of taking on so many problems to help others and be harsh on ourselves. If anything, though, we can correct each-other when we do it as per usual."

That said, the serious conversation being peppered with that more 'light hearted' sort of conversation helped, and Laurent found himself quite unable to hold back something even rarer than his genuine smiles - a bit of a honest chuckle, there, he musing: "Well. I do suppose people who state I am very much like my mother are correct in more ways than one, hah. That aside, perhaps in placing these books back, we may find some that give further information. It is admittedly unlikely the owner of the library would place any books detailing escape in here, but we can hope for clarification, if anything."

It was a logical enough hope, though Lady Lucina reacting as awkwardly as he felt about physical contact made the honest attempt to make his words feel more genuine as awkward as he felt. Well...er. It was the thought that counted, and Lucina had appreciated it. That was more than worth any potential embarrassment, in his own private opinion. "Yes...er - rather...quite! S-shall we get to organizing the books, then?"

He was still not going to get rid of his own embarrassment about that any time soon, though. It was almost laughably amusing.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

 "You sell yourself short," as usual "Morgan may have a tenacity for such things but no one is quite as observant and analytical as you." It seemed to be a reoccurring theme in their conversations for them both to be far too humble for their own good. While Lucina could praise her comrades until the sun went down, she was far more critical of herself and the same could be said for several of their companions, Laurent included. Pearly whites are made visible as her smile broadens as he notes his rambling, he often went off on tangents but she was used to it.

    "I wouldn’t say it was a bad habit, it’s good to be concerned for their well-being" if he were to care little that’s when she would feel apprehension. Although perhaps he did tend to worry more than needs be. "But trust in their skills, we’ve all come so far haven’t we? Being temporarily separated wont bring us or them to our knees." Yet she would admit those two years without them were difficult, not knowing if they were safe or made it to the past in one piece, there had been many sleepless nights.

    It was rare indeed that she would jest, yet she was more than capable. "That does beg the question to how exactly it stays on?" Her little joke becoming a genuine question of curiosity. “I suppose you are right about the books, still I feel no less foolish for making such a blunder” for one usually so careful she had made quite a mess of things. There’s a brief look of relief as he speaks of his time here, that while he was trapped, he hadn’t been alone and that brought some comfort. "I’m sure those four weeks haven’t been easy, yet I am glad you were in familiar company…a part of me hopes to see the others here, yet I cannot wish that upon them for my own selfish wants…still, it troubles me that you haven’t found much in regards to an exit."

[logicaleludicatormage]

"If I was truly as observant as you say I am...I would have found a way out for you by now or not been trapped in the first place, Lucina." His expression there was sad, guilty, not a happy one at all, there. After all, if Lucina and the others saw him as their 'advisor' - what kind of 'example' was he setting for them, in not having found a way out? In getting nabbed in the first place? He had held much guilt about that in first awakening here, and seeing his allies here was but a stark reminder of it in a way. "But I will make up for my failures in that regard, I promise you this. Nonetheless, on a happier note: to know my concern is not seen as a childish thing is heartening, despite it. Thank you."

Despite still feeling horrid about his 'failures' spoken of there ( and part of the reason he was unable to entirely accept praise in this situation), he couldn't help but smile. ...Lady Lucina frequently gave him reasons to not be as serious all the time. He certainly hoped that he could provide as many reasons to stay positive despite the situation to her, too. It was the least he could do.

"Well, my mother's hat has always been a bit too big for me, hence why it stays on so well...it naturally sticks to me, I do suppose. As for the books, if you are that concerned of them, I can assist you in picking them up and making the area neat again? It will be as if the accident never happened - and I, for one, hold no ill will against it."

A pause, his red gaze flickering downward as he nodded to that last statement.

"Indeed...I can understand the desire to not wish to be alone. Yet, if it helps, I shall always stand by your side - not only as an ally, as a friend. You needn't feel alone, I assure you. You never are alone." He paused to consider the situation - he didn't wish for anyone to feel the loneliness he felt, not at all - but how to show his words there were not just idle ones? Ah...he knew. Despite the slight awkwardness in his motions (personal contact always made him a little flustered), he outstretched his skinny arms to give Lady Lucina a hug if she was so willing.

"It may be true I failed to find an exit out alone. However, if we work together, none can stop us, just like old times. Allow me to be the wind at your back!"

It was fitting, considering wind was an element he was strongest with using.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

    Bewildering seemed to describe the situation rather well. Not only to be essentially kidnapped, but put in a place so different than what she was used to. The strange technology that was found throughout the facility, the embellishments, everything was unlike anything she’d seen. She liked to believe she could adapt well, having gone back in time and meshed herself within that period rather seamlessly. Yet this was wholly different and she finds that she’s still trying to grasp it all. It was likely to become easier now that she knew she wasn’t alone, her faithful companions had always given her the strength she needed to do the arduous tasks she faced. She still doesn’t wish they would end up here, it was selfish to desire such, yet she cannot help but want to see them all again. 

    "Quite so, and what would we do without your meticulous mind?" A smile is present, and while it seemed she was jesting it was evident that she was being truthful. Each one of them had valuable and irreplaceable skills and knowledge, Laurent was no exception. "I am certain the others can look after themselves during our absence, we must focus our energies on a means of escape," and though her concern would remain she would do her best to mask it.

    The light chuckle she’d been withholding escapes as he comes to realise his hat was no longer where it should be. It truly was unusual to see him without it, much like it was odd to see Lucina without her tiara or for Minerva not to be present in Gerome’s company. All of which were mementos and reminders of their long deceased parents. "I had thought it was permanently glued to your head," this time her jest was genuine. "Apologies by the way…for knocking all those books on you," as she was the reason he stood before her now a little embarrassed. 

    "Hm? Oh yes, well no I’ve only been here a few days…your words suggest it’s been much longer for you?" A worrisome thought. "And I’m to guess none of the others are here?" A relief as she’d expressed earlier, but part of her does feel a little disappointed. It seems so long ago since they were last all together.

[logicaleludicatormage]

"Aha - you flatter me, but I am hardly the only person of the army with such an eye for facts - Morgan is also quite good at it, but you and I both know they also have the tendency for chicanery in equal measures with their talent for tacticianing. It is still a great mystery to me, and seems like there are two different Morgans, but I digress. I am rambling and should move back to the previous topic." As usual, Laurent was quick to act rather humble in the face of praise - especially so from their leader and one of his friends who he felt he could talk to most honestly and evenly due to similar outlooks.

"Indeed, you do have a point...they all have an immense amount of knowledge and power in their hands, but they are still friends as well as allies - I suppose it is rather bad habit I cannot help but worry all the same. You know as well as anyone I have that bad tendency, aha." How many times had he unnecessarily worried about Lucina, again, only for her to reassure him? (Five years alone did that to him, sigh.) Thankfully, the serious topic diminished somewhat at a rare bit of joking from Lucina, Laurent unable to mask a slightly bemused smile (a rare geniune smile at that) in response.

"I should very well hope it was not glued on, otherwise my hair would be even more of a mess and washing it would be a nightmare. As for the hailstorm of books, if you had not knocked them over, you would not have gone down the ladder and spoke to me - and we might not have reunited, so in a way, it was both a mixture of good luck and bad luck, logically." Well, that was one way to look at it, anyway. "Let's see...I have been here about four weeks, searching and trying to observe a possible escape; and thus far - my father Henry is the only person I have seen here from Yilesse other than you yourself. Though other allies could be here and I have not seen them. This strange place is quite large, so...it could be possible others are here...I am afraid I cannot say for certain though. Many apologies." 

An apologetic nod at the end of that information, there.

[princexheart-deactivated2015012]

|♚| His eyes focus on the male with the strange attire, although he has no room to talk. He is wearing his pajamas. But this guy, he looks like he came right out of one of Roxy’s weird novels. The thinks are hidden.

When the male drops that book he always carries around so close, Dirk takes this opportunity to talk to him. So without any hesitation, the blonde walked up to him and picked up his book for him.

❝Oh shit.❞ The book is heavier than it looks. What the hell? Dirk hands the book to he other and raises a brow. ❝Don’t worry. I’m not interested in your magic.❞

[logicaleludicatormage]

Perhaps it was because of staying up a little too late last night, or that he had decided to carry several books from the library as well as his tome - either way, his usually iron gripon his tomes had slipped, resulting in a soft sigh from the mage himself. He should honestly be more careful. However, he had not expected a complete stranger to move close and retrieve the book for him, his eyebrows knitting upward in a brief momentum of surprise. The stranger with scarlet pink robes surprised by the weight of the book, but handed it to him regardless, eliciting a thankful, grateful nod from Laurent himself. "Ah, thank you...I do apologize for you having to take time out of your busy schedule to retrieve my dropped tome. No doubt you have other concerns on your mind. ...I am curious about something, however. If it is not too...forward of me to ask, are you a mage, too?"

Those pink robes were indeed quite curious and reminded Laurent of his own apparel.

[exaltess-archive-blog]

♔ - -{ logicaleludicatormage

[exaltess-archive-blog]

    The library seems like the best place to gather information on this world and perhaps the facility itself. Although she doubts the individual in charge would leave valuable information regarding their experiment just laying around for anyone to pick up. That’s why she’s atop one of the ladders looking through the uppermost shelves, mayhap there’s a dusty old book they’ve forgotten to discard. It’s a long shot she knows, but it isn’t in her nature to simply sit around and do nothing.

    Regardless, even with the added height of the ladder she still finds it difficult to reach the top shelf. As one not so tall in stature the task is more arduous than she anticipated, balancing precariously off the top step, the wooden frame creaking ever so loudly. There’s a book she’s extending for with an intriguing design on it, yet it remains out of her reach even with her somewhat risky balancing manoeuvres. "Almost…" she speaks quietly to herself as fingertips brush the spine of the book, all seemed to be going well considering, until she stretches too far that balance is almost lost, and it’s only by using her hands to steady herself does she not fall. However, in doing so several books are pushed off the shelf below, yet they don’t hit the floor with the thud she was expecting. It was more of a thump, a disgruntled groan then a quieter thud as they land on the floor. It’s evident she’s rained down a hellfire of books on someone. "Are you all right? One moment!" Clambering down the ladder, only to be faced with a most unexpected individual.

    "Laurent?" She’d recognise that hat anywhere, and she need not properly face him yet to know it was him. Although when she does much relief fills her features, though tinged with some sadness. She had hoped that none of her comrades had become trapped as she was, yet it was apparent such wasn’t the case. "As glad as I am to see you, I can’t help but wish you weren’t present, I had thought to be the only one of us here and I…" a pause as lips press together as if she were holding something back. "Ah Laurent your hat…" the large covering having become misaligned due to her accident. The upwards curl of her lips suggests she finds it quite amusing.

[logicaleludicatormage]

As the matter stood in this strange place - Laurent had been here quite a while now. Perhaps almost a month and yet no matter how much he observed and intelligently thought out a possible route of escape, he had yet to find any. Hmph, it was clear the 'scientists' who dragged them all here had well-though out the place's designs, at best. Yet no matter how much time passed, he refused to give up.

His allies - friends back home might miss his assistance, and furthermore - Yilesse couldn't be left all on it's own with no aid, goodness no. Also, he wished to help his father escape too. As such, he had decided to further investigate the library: many of the books there he had not read. Perhaps there was knowledge of some kind of teleportation magic so he could set up a portal of some kind? Then again, he and portals didn't have the best track record.

Perhaps he had been too concerned in his own line of thought, for he hadn't noticed the person looking for books on a ladder above him - and thus, the hailfire of books suddenly clattering down was a complete surprise, thee mage only able to let out a surprised yelp before more books fell and knocked his hat and glasses about. Ouch. Well, that wasn't too pleasurable of an experience. A soft groan escaped as he fixed his glasses clumsily (unable to see well without them, but managing slowly), before turning to see the person from the ladder who appeared to have been responsible for the books falling - except it was no stranger.

He would have recognized the leader of their ' future travellers' - his friend - anywhere, even without his glasses, and his red eyes widened in obvious surprise. "Lucina!"  He had hoped that his father would have been the only one trapped here, but on the other hand, he was most relieved to see her safe and well again. Not that she needed his worrying mind. "I share the same sentiments, I assure you: this is a most bewildering and confusing 'castle' to be entrapped in. I would not wish it on anyone, especially not such a reliable friend as you, but on the other hand, I am happy to see you are safe. I worried a great deal of you and the others while I was trapped here."

A pause, there, as he realized from Lucina's slow smile that his hat was indeed not just askew, but had been knocked off his head completely in the kerfuffle. "...A-ah. I really should be more careful with my hat, shouldn't I?"

The overly long words flickered back, due to the mage feeling a little bit flustered at that. His hair probably looked really messy without his hat, and it had belonged to his mother, after all. So he looked around quickly on the ground, found his hat and placed it back on.

"A-anyway. Have you been here long, like myself, or have you just found yourself here?" It seemed he was quite eager to shift that embarrassing display behind them, bless his soul. 

[yatoblood]

"Take Care When Handling Otaku"

[yatoblood]

   laurent was essentially talking to a brick wall, unfortunately. she was far more engrossed with perfecting her psuedo-kamehameha technique and yell, rather than the many questions the poor mage had. kagura would eventually answer them. eventually.

   luckily for the yato, she had committed far worse nonsensical acts that embarrassment simply wasn’t a thing to her. staring, sniggering strangers weren’t a bother to her; she experiences them everyday probably, not that she takes notice. in fact, kagura was more disappointed at the lack of giant blue beams shooting out of her palms. standing properly again, she gently kicked at the ground, arms on her hips.

   ”ehh… pattsuan 2.0, what did i do wrong?” she grumbled, breaking the more-than-awkward silence the male was experiencing. and, for once in their introductory meeting, kagura actually paid heed to his words. no magical ability? so that was it? what a let-down. her lips pouted. “hm, thanks, i guess… so, all that really was magic and not some fancy special effect? cosplayers can really go for it if they want to, yup!” she leant in towards where laurent’s hands rested, squinting for any signs of a pipe or… something! nothing. 

   ”seems legit, yup! so, wow, you’re like… a fairy godmother as well! pattsuan 2.0 really is bigger and better than the last version, yup. can you conjure up as much rice as i want whenever i’m hungry?” a finger lightly drummed her belly. “ms. kagura’s feeling kinda peckish, yup!”

[logicaleludicatormage]

It seemed that - as awkward and cringe-worthy as that event had been to watch, the madam was actually listening to him now, so Laurent supposed it wasn't all bad. Still, he really did hope nothing else awkward happened. He was attached to his stoic and polite demeanor, he really didn't want to have it broken via that second-hand embarrassment again. "Yes, it was real magic. I am uncertain what else it could have been - do you mean to say people can make things that look like magic in this realm, but not exactly? How strange."

He paused to raise one of his gloved hands to his face in pensive thought, but as much as he thought about that and his several other unanswered queries, he could logically deduce no answer. "Ferrey godmother? But how could I be a godmother to anyone? I would be a godfather, if anything."

This was all increasingly confusing and bewildering, and the musing about being able to magic up food was even more so. "I wish I could use magic like that. But I cannot make food appear, which is a shame because I could then ensure my friends and allies had good meals all the time. I do know where the food in this strange castle is kept, however. Would you wish for me to show you directions?"

Even if she was most terribly confusing, Laurent still was too polite to ignore someone in need of aid. ...He didn't want anyone to feel lonely like he had.