[mingle] the space (january).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably. Or did you get something back recently?

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble. It might've changed since the last time you saw it.

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin.

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[ittoryu]

Better than the opposite! I don't know what the future holds, but for now, we should keep our spirits up.

[lightmage]

... I don't like feeling so unprepared.

[ittoryu]

Hm. Can you fight?

[he just assumes there will be violence down the line because that's how he rolls]

[lightmage]

Yes.

Though I don't seem have a weapon. If they've taken them from everyone, that's a comfort in its own way, but... [ Still sucks being unarmed. ]

[ittoryu]

... Well, it seems that you've been struck with misfortune there, Miss—or Missus. [whichever. he pats the hilt of one of two swords hanging at his hip.] I appear to remain armed, for whatever reason.

[lightmage]

—Miss.

[ But more importantly. Hrm. Lux frowns. ]

How unfair.

[ittoryu]

[files that bit of info away. it may or may not be relevant in about ten comments.]

It is... Well, if you ever need any help, feel free to call on me! I wouldn't feel right leaving someone defenceless.

[lightmage]

Thank you... I truly appreciate it, but I wouldn't want to trouble you.

[ittoryu]

Nonsense! What kind of man would I be if I ignored someone in need of help?

[lightmage]

[ She doesn't have a good way to deflect that, so she just laughs lightly. ]

I suppose you have a point... Hopefully nothing will arise. And if it does, hopefully I'll be armed by then.

But if I do end up having to rely on you, I won't allow that debt to go unpaid.

[ittoryu]

Then, I'll trust you to have my back in the future. It's settled!

[lightmage]

You really are very...

[ Hm, how to put this politely? ]

Earnest.

[ittoryu]

Hahaha! That's a nicer way than others have put it before!

[lightmage]

[ In a way, that's a comfort? He knows it could be a flaw and it's been pointed out, but he sticks with it. So it's not, like, completely based on naivete? Maybe? Who knows.]

What do people usually say?

[ittoryu]

A reckless, shameless fool—I've heard a few variations!

[lightmage]

Well - how people appear on the surface can be deceiving.

Perhaps they should give you more opportunity to show off your better traits.

[ittoryu]

That's kind of you to say! But I don't disagree that I'm a fool, so I don't mind.

[lightmage]

I... I see.

[ Hm, her good manners don't quite know how to deal with that statement. ]

[ittoryu]

[not knowing how to deal with shigure is a common sentiment.]

That aside—do you mind if I asked you a few questions?

[lightmage]

Sure, I don't mind.

[ittoryu]

[run now]

First, are you unmarried?

[lightmage]

[ Hm. Bad! ]

I... [ Actually, let's not get into the details. ] Yes.

[ittoryu]

[he nods. cola stop this]

Second, do you like children?

[lightmage]

[ I wish I could stop this. ]

Of course. The youth are the future, after all...!

[ittoryu]

[COLA]

Well said! Third, are you interested in Eastern culture?