exsilium | {Video; 1st Story}

[It takes Estelle a little tinkering to get used to the idea of the tablet. But she thinks she sort of gets the idea, managing to open up a video feed.]

Oh! There, it seems like it's working now. [It's almost like seeing Rita working with her blastia research a little....

[She pulls back a little from peering closely at the tablet, smiling almost triumphantly at having figured it out for the most part and giving a small wave.]

Hello everyone! I guess I'm one of the newer arrivals and my name is Estellise. Oh, but you can just call me 'Estelle'. I might not be quite as aware on the situation as others who have been here longer, but I'll help as best I can. War is a terrible thing and I'd like to do my best to prevent it escalating if possible. I've done some fighting back home and I wouldn't like for things to get too out of hand, with children or civilians getting hurt and caught up in this.

[She's worried there, obviously upset at the situation from what she has gathered. It's not quite as dangerous as back home with the threat of the Adephagos, but even so, this is still serious and it seems like they are bringing in a lot of people to help out the Initiative.]

Though I guess all of this might take a bit of....getting used to. This is quite different from Zaphias back home. I can heal, so if there is some sort of clinic or something I'd like to offer my help if I can.

Oh! I'm not sure if there are any books here but I'd still like to hear some stories! I think this is a wonderful chance to learn so much with people from such different places! I've never heard of 'Earth' before I came here so I'd love to hear more about it.

I wanted to also thank everyone that helped me when I first got here too. I think I'm getting used to things here now.

And....I'm sorry if Yuri caused anyone any trouble. It's...not necessarily his fault but trouble sort of seems to follow him sometimes.

[A light, almost sheepish smile. She knows what Yuri can be like at times and even unintentionally how often he ends up in the middle of things.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Cut it? But--

[That would be so painful. And then how would the person talk, or sing or anything?]

. . . Shall I tell it, then?

Even though it doesn't end well for the mermaid, perhaps you can tell me what you might've done differently.

Oh, I'd still like to hear about it! I don't think I've heard this story before.

Then . . .

Ah, are you familiar with mermaids at least, Miss Estelle?

They are sort of...half fish and half people that live underwater in the ocean, right? At least I think that was it. It's been a while since I had the chance to read about them.

Yes, you're correct.

Imagine, if you will, a kingdom full of them, of sea dwelling creatures and fish that can talk.

And then, imagine a castle made of pearlescent shell and vividly colored coral, the home wherein the mermaid king lives. [ a beat, timed and poignant. ] And so, too, does the mermaid princess.

A palace of coral....and she was a princess?

[Like Estelle. Except the obvious that Estelle is not a mermaid and has no idea how different it might be ruling under the sea. It still intrigues her nonetheless, as she settles down to listen.]

One of many. She had sisters, you see.

[ there's a smile in his tone, nearly gentle. ]

Her father was very protective of all of his children. He forbade them from breaching the surface of the ocean, and ordered them to stay away from the two-finned land creatures -- humans -- who might then bring them harm.

. . . But there was a ship wreck, a man was thrown into the stormy sea where the little mermaid dwelt.

[ . . . ] What do you propose the mermaid did?

Well....she couldn't just let him drown? Unless she really was scared of them like her father. I'd like to think she would help save him. Does she?

The story can be whatever you make of it. After all, don't you wish to write the happy ending?

[ it's curious (and almost almost patronizing) the way he asks, but... he continues evenly, patiently and without reproach. ] But you're right.

In the story, the ocean helps her decide. The waves push the drowning man into the mermaid's arms and, disobeying her father, she takes him to shore.

Unconscious, but still breathing. A beautiful young man and the mermaid girl.

. . . And this next part, I feel, you cannot rewrite.

So she does save him! I think most would probably want a happy ending. I mean, that's the reason people read for pleasure, to escape for a while into completely different and exciting worlds and characters.

The next part? What happens next?

I wonder what purpose this story serves, then.

. . . For you see, our mermaid falls in love.

In love? With the human prince?

Indeed.

It's unfortunate, isn't it?

How would that be possible for them to be together if she's a mermaid though?

[To love someone and be separated like that....it's heartbreaking, really. Estelle can only imagine how hard that must be.]

Witchcraft . . . supposedly.

[ he's skipping a few steps -- or a mood, a sentiment perhaps. ]

Impossible achievements require impossibilities. She visits an old sea witch and asks her for legs.

So this witch could make her human? That's amazing!

[Estelle has either entirely forgotten about the tongue thing or pointedly ignoring it in favor of being thrilled for the mermaid, her chance to walk for the first time.]

[ . . . and of course, there's a pause to allow for the thought. ]

Not without the price, I fear.

"I know what you want," said the sea witch. [ he doesn't heighten the pitch nor does he change his voice remarkably -- but it's drawled, almost crooned, something to signify the places where he quotes. ] "It is very stupid of you, but you shall have your way."

Oh. What price? What does the mermaid have to do to get legs and become human?

[Because Estelle needs to know okay!]

{Video; 1st Story}

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