(no subject)

[illuminescent]

[Hey, it's Lucy. She's in a dress that can only be described as over the top - gold and tissue and swirling around her, and she has so much in the way of jewelry that it's hard to imagine how she's holding her head up. She looks like she's just been at a fancy renaissance faire version of an even fancier party.]

It is a truly odd sensation, to imagine an entire world exists that you can only remember when you preside in it, that there is an entire universe of friends and those you imagine to be like family who you can only hold dear when you are near them.

I had forgotten you, and now I remember it all, and there is so much-

[She's smiling, though, she's happy to be here.]

If you, my friends, will forgive me for forgetting you, and be so kind as to provide me with the answer of how long I was away, and if you are still here, I would be so grateful.

And more, if someone might be able to help me, as I have found myself missing a slipper.

Comments

[ video ]

[enucleation]

It's one of the things about this place; we leave and there is no trace of it in us, as if it never mattered.

[ video ]

[illuminescent]

Oh, that's rather-

[A pause.]

Well, that's rather pessimistic. How sad to think so.

[ video ]

[enucleation]

The fact that we need to apologize for having forgotten people who mean so much to us, isn't that rather sad as well?

We grow and change here, we see much, perhaps learn much as well. And then it's all forgotten. I wouldn't call it pessimistic - just realistic. [ twice he went home and he is certain that if he remembered anything from this place, things would have been so different ]

[ video ]

[illuminescent]

But I am happy to have the chance to see them again.

Wouldn't you be?

video

[du_vallon]

If you only wait a few moments, I'd be more than happy to help you find it, if you'd be willing to let a friend help.

video

[illuminescent]

Porthos!

Oh, Porthos, do tell me that d'Artagnan and-

Please tell me that Athos is here as well, and-

Porthos.

[She says it with such fondness in her voice.]

I'm afraid my slipper is not so much to be found as it is to be replaced.

video

[du_vallon]

Athos is as grumpy as ever, d'Artagnan just as eager and charming and you have a lost slipper that needs to be replaced. Are you going to come to me, or will I come and help you buy a new one?

video

[illuminescent]

Well. Yes, lost is quite a kindly word for it.

[It was ammo in a fight with her brother.]

I do not think it possible to go to you missing a shoe, sir Musketeer.

video

[dendarii]

[ Oh my. She makes an impression, all right. ]

You were away, miss? Back home?

yessssssssssssssss

[illuminescent]

Yes, for what was to me near to a year, although no one has had the chance to say to me how long has passed here.

HELLO!!

[dendarii]

Alas, I couldn't tell you. I'm only newly arrived myself.

I'm excited!!!!!

[illuminescent]

But-

Oh.

Oh, sir, you are not my friend, Dr. Gottlieb! I do so apologize for the terrible confusion on my part!

Then pray, do speak your name so I may know you?

Voice

[viced]

Er -- that happens to all of us, actually. When we go home. It's...pretty depressing, isn't it?

Voice

[illuminescent]

Mr. Hundred!

It is quite a pleasure to see you once more!

[And a pause-]

I think it sad, yes, but-

-but we should not think on those things.

Voice

[viced]

It isn't happy no matter which way we go. It's...

We're losing out either way. Our friends and loved ones at home, or here.

But at least...I don't know, at least you came back and remembered. That's more than most get.

[illuminescent]

I do not like to think of it in such terms as things lost.

Perhaps you will know, how long have I been away?

video

[mousquetaire]

[ Well, this is a timely event. D'Artagnan only manages to look pleased, even though the dominant thing he's feeling is relief. Now, he's just smiling at her. ]

While a Queen can never be late, my Lady, I do feel the need to point out you missed Christmas.

[ He lifts an eyebrow, for once pretending at a judgment that he doesn't feel. ]

I saved a little of the spiced wine, just in case. Are you coming home?

video

[illuminescent]

d'Artagnan!

[She says his name like a miracle.]

I missed-

But no, I recall leaving gifts, did you find them? Please say you enjoyed the holiday even without my humble presence-

[And a pause.]

I would gladly - mostly gladly, I would be gladdest, to come home, but I would require some assistance. I think Porthos will fetch me.

video

[mousquetaire]

I'm sure that he will. I'm afraid I'm far from De Chima just now, my lady. Certain obligations have waylaid me elsewhere.

[ Read: He's stuck babysitting Crane and it's awful. He would rather keep Lucy as far away from that man as possible. ]

We have gifts for you, as well. Perhaps this evening we can celebrate together.

video;

[brushoff]

Toby's still here. [ but, you know, in jail.

And man oh man is Dorian conflicted here because he still really hates Lucy but because of recent events in canon he's become even more possessive of Toby and so he doesn't want them to get into a fight so he needs to at least be decent to Lucy but she's so awful and conflicting feelings and being a nice person sucks. So, Dorian settles with, ]

What the hell are you wearing?

[ because what the hell is she wearing ]

video;

[illuminescent]

[Oh.

Oh it's you.]

It is called a dress, Dorian. I have heard tell that you should know of the garment, as I believe you frequently try to find yourself beneath the skirts of them.

[So, hey, she has a little more experience with men now.]

Is Toby well?

video;

[brushoff]

Saucy! [ he can't help but remark, with a laugh. ] You'll forgive me, your majesty, it's hard to tell what that exactly is underneath the horrible and gaudy exterior.

[ because that dress ate another dress and then puked the first dress up. ]

But yes, Toby is well. Still incarcerated, I'm afraid, but he should be out by the end of the month.

( video. )

[desequilibre]

My lady --.

[ He has probably known her long enough that he can hear the relief in his otherwise controlled voice.

It has been a long month of brooding for Athos, a long month of drinking. He probably should have chosen audio though, there are heavy bags under his eyes. But he is just so thankful to see her. ]

Have one of my companions come to find you yet?

( video. )

[illuminescent]

Athos!

[And there is no disguising the relief in hers. Oh, Athos. It is forgetting him that has weighed most on her.]

Porthos has suggested I go to him, but I told him I am missing a shoe and this would prove-

-but sir, you look quite tired, you should not make haste for my personage.

( video. )

[desequilibre]

I will bring you shoes.

[ Porthos, merde! You're supposed to be looking after her. ] You do not care which? [ He'll have to enter her room but he's sure this is one of those occasions where it is only fair. ]

Tell him not to worry. Just let me know where you are and I will make haste.