maskormenace | 001 ⚔ Video

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001 ⚔ Video

[The device is unfamiliar to Van, but he has always been a quick study. After a brief fumble with the initial direction of the camera, he appears upright on screen, a young man with earthy red eyes, wild black hair, and a stern expression that suggests he is attempting to, and only halfway succeeding at, controlling a barrage of intense emotions.

Probably confusion and disorientation, the same sort almost all imPorts feel upon their arrival, though some more so than others, particularly those who hail from worlds much less advanced than this one...]

I'm looking for two friends of mine.

[He's abrupt and to the point, seemingly unhappy with having to ask for help, but obviously knowing that he's without any alternative options at the moment.]

We were traveling together before I found myself here. Merle, Hitomi...I've been told that this is the quickest way to reach you if you've also been brought here by that Porter.

[If...

Van's expression darkens, and a gloved hand rises to cover the lens of the camera.]

...I would be grateful to anyone who has perhaps heard of them, or who recognizes the names Gaea or Zaibach.

[The latter said with such potent disdain it's a wonder the young man's voice didn't crack before he simply...disconnects.]

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If you can describe them to me, I have a network who can search for them. But as for the names, no. Unfortunately none of them are familiar to me.

[ Of course, Petyr does recognize that look. And that means this Van fellow must be from a world not quite as advanced as this one. ]

It can be difficult, arriving and adjusting to this world. In time, you will grow used to these technological advances.

It's—

[Fine? No, not fine, because none of this is fine at all! But...]

—it's alright.

I think they'd have found me by now if they'd arrived before or after.

[Whether by having seen his post or by using Hitomi's pendant to track him down, he's certain that they would have come back together again if it were possible.

But it's not.

Van's gaze hardens, shoulders growing more rigid—and then, at Petyr's astute observation and assurance, he gives a mild start. Was he so transparent?]

I'm not too worried about this thing, to be honest. [Referring to his phone. Sure, he's unfamiliar with the technological leaps this world has made, but he's no stranger to strange devices. He'll acclimate quite quickly—especially when ignorance is a weakness he cannot afford to have in a world full to the brim with potential enemies.] I don't want to grow used to it, though.

[He wants to go home.]

I wish this world catered to what we wanted. Unfortunately, we have little choice but to cater to this world as long as we are here...

[ His tone seems sympathetic, though. ]

But you are not alone. There are those of us who come from worlds that are quite lacking in all of what we are surrounded by. I, myself, am one of them. If ever you do need someone's aid who understands what you are going through, I would be more than happy to help.

[If he should ever need someone's aid? Yeah, about that...]

...who exactly would I be asking if I decided to come to you for such help?

[Ever cautious and unwilling to lend his trust frivolously, Van still sees no reason not to learn who people are and what they're capable of. And, sometimes, the best ways to do that aren't from a distance at all.]

Lord Petyr Baelish of Weteros.

[ Van seems like the type of guy who can appreciate titles, after all. ]

I have been here for three months. Which in theory is not terribly long, but long enough to impart the knowledge of what I have learned during my stay.

[He does indeed appreciate them, but he also knows that a title is only as good as the man behind it, and how good Petyr is has yet to be seen.]

Lord Baelish...

[What is the proper etiquette here? How does he introduce himself to someone not of his world, but who bears a noble title? It seems a strange thing indeed to go to great lengths when they're not really face-to-face, either...but it would be even more disingenuous not to be wholly truthful when Petyr has given his title.

He stiffens marginally, adopting the appearance of someone familiar with formality but who also finds it exhausting. It's so...indirect and impersonal.]

I am Van Fanel, reigning King of Fanelia.

[He pauses briefly, regretting that he does not have Balgus' counsel here, nor even at home any longer.]

Three months is still significantly more time than I have spent here. In light of that, your offer of assistance is appreciated. I...would like to meet in person.

Your Grace.

[ Petyr inclines his head respectfully. He doesn't make an overly large display, but just gives a nod to Van's title -- a title that is larger than Petyr's and thus deserves a bit more respect. ]

I would be more than happy to meet with you. Which porter city are you currently residing within?

[Van isn't quite sure whether to be grateful for Petyr's restraint or to find it strange. In the end, however, he finds that it's nice not to have someone bow and scrape upon introduction, even if in reality there were very few who did that back home.]

I believe the name of the city is De Chima.

Right in the heart of all the technology and advancements. They did not ease you into it at all.

[ There's a bit of sympathy in his voice. ]

If you would like, I can come to you. Or if you would prefer something a bit quieter, I do have a place in Maurtia Falls.

It's better that way.

[He says, attempting not to show weakness, but for however overwhelming De Chima has been, Van truly does appreciate having been dropped into such a bustling atmosphere. He learns quickly, after all. And while time to more gradually acclimate to this world may have suited someone else, he feels that same amount of time would only serve to soften him and make him unprepared for what surprises may lay in store here.

Nevertheless...the promise of someplace quieter, perhaps even more private, isn't without its appeal. Enough that Van even consents to go to Maurtia Falls. The visit will be brief, after all. It shouldn't serve to set him back.]

Someplace quieter, then. [Because no matter who it is, it would be unwise to invite people into the place he's staying right now. Even if he's sharing that space with someone else...] I can come to you.

Then I shall meet you at the porter and take you to my home from there, Your Grace.

[ He figures it's easier that way rather than leaving Van to navigate the streets alone. Petyr certainly had a hard time of it at first. It's difficult coming from a world unlike this one -- both geographically and technologically. ]

Are you hungry? I can have food and drink prepared if need be.

Alright, but...

[Van hasn't thought about food since the night he'd flown from Palas with Merle and Hitomi, and the meal then had consisted of scarce fare: a snake, a small lizard, and some skewered grubs split between three people.

He supposes he is hungry, all considered. It's been more than a day by now, nearly two...but he's not certain he's ready to accept foreign food and drink from someone he barely knows.]

I'd rather hunt. Is that possible?

Not between here and there, unfortunately. There are very little by way of woods or hunting grounds. Though I believe it is within your right to hunt for yourself in the lands around you. I cannot say if there are laws in place to ban it, but so long as you keep away from the civilized population, I believe it is fair game.

[ Not that he would know. Baelish does not hunt his own food. ]

Modern day markets, you will find, have everything you need. But sometimes that is not enough for people from our situations -- people who are used to making their own way rather than have it conveniently provided for them.

I'd rather not break any laws by accident.

[Again.]

So something from the market will be fine, if you really don't mind.

Not in the least.

[ Serving royalty is kind of what he does, and he does it with a smile on his face at all times. (And usually a knife behind his back). ]

I will see you shortly, Your Grace.

Alright.

[Shortly after disconnecting, Van makes his way from the base in De Chima to Maurtia Falls.

He knows nothing of Petyr Baelish; the man is a mystery, a stranger who claims to be understanding of his situation and who is also eager to be of assistance. Van wants to trust that the help being offered to him comes without cost, but experience has taught him to be as cautious of men and women with titles as he is those without. People scheme if they believe there's something to be gained from it...

Which is why it may be to his advantage that he doesn't look the part of someone born of royal blood. His hair is unkempt, his clothes are common and powdered with dust, and the boots on his feet are both old and well-worn. Truth be told, the only thing on Van's person that speaks at all of his highborn status is the sword at his hip. The scabbard and hilt, a vivid cobalt blue polished to a faultless shine, would appear mismatched to him were it not for the familiar way his gloved hand rests upon the weapon.

But, familiar or not, he still appears more soldier than he does king, more boy than he does a man.]

[ Baelish is waiting as he said he would be, and as he recognizes Van from the video -- he is struck by how unkempt, short and young he is. But for all of his youthful appearance, he does have the hardened gaze of someone who has seen some shit. Children from his world and likely Van's as well, often have to grow up fast. And Van had come here straight from arrival -- he didn't even have time to bathe first.

Even though he has been here for a few months, it is clear Baelish has not chosen to update his clothing in all of that time. He wears a cloak over his tunic and his collar displays a silver mockingbird sigil. At the sight of Van, he bows a bit more deeply than he had on camera. ]

Your Grace. Welcome to Maurtia Falls. You will find we are a city of entertainment and prosperity, but it also does have its share of forests and nature if you head toward the outskirts.

[Van has in fact seen some shit, but not as a result of living on Gaea. There were many children from his world who retained their youthful innocence, whose mirth never faded, but Van's responsibilities hadn't afforded him that luxury. Having lost both his parents at a young age, and with his brother fled from the kingdom to join an enemy empire, ruling Fanelia had fallen to him. Her crushing defeat as a result of his incompetence was never far from his thoughts, even now as Petyr greets him.

After all, the last time Van had dressed so well was at his coronation...the day Zaibach had attacked.]

Thank you, Lord Baelish, but...

[Well, first, he's not here to explore, and second, he's really not accustomed to all these formalities. The Seven Kingdoms and the lands of Gaea were alike in many ways, but there many more in which they were not. For example, the courtesies shown kings like Van generally weren't so...courteous. There was less scraping and bowing and more challenging his authority with demonstrations of power. In all, people were much more forthcoming with their intentions.]

You really don't need to do that.

Old habits die hard.

[ The words sound from his lips, rich with amusement as he straightens from his position. ]

It has been bred into me to show the proper respect to a man of your status lest my head be placed on a pike for all the world to see what happens to men who don't bow.

[ But he does gesture for Van to follow him as he begins to lead the way through the streets. ]

What have people told you of this world so far? I can explain what I know on the way, but I do not wish to repeat anything you have already heard.

That's barbaric.

[Understandable to a degree, but still barbaric, particularly for a king like Van, who was far more familiar with his subjects than most kings would ever allow themselves to become.]

I'm not going to have your head mounted on a pike, Lord Baelish. We're not on Gaea or whatever world it is you come from. I can't ask you to go to such lengths based on my word alone that I'm a king.

[He can't. He won't. And even if he wanted to, which he doesn't, what use would it be here? In this world he is alone, without friends, without soldiers, and without a kingdom. His title is virtually meaningless. He's not so prideful that he's oblivious to the fact.

Following Baelish's lead, Van continues...]

I've heard a number of things so far. About the war, the way we were brought here, about time lines and strange occurrences. It's a lot to take in...but not all that difficult to come to terms with.

[Gaea, while different, had been the same in many ways, after all. Rampant with war, with travel between worlds, and bizarre happenings. In those respects, this place, this Earth, is familiar to Van.]

[ Well one thing is for certain. Van has a good head on his shoulders. He seems far more down to earth than a lot of boys his age. While there are exceptions to the rule back home, many of the younger leaders in Westeros tend to either be bloodthirsty or too childish. He offers Van a smile after his remark about not asking him to go to such lengths. But it fades to something a bit more grim. ]

You do seem to be taking it well. Better than a lot of people, at least. It is a great deal of information to be dumped on you. And there are clusters of information various imPorts have compiled in order to make it easier to digest over time. But I believe the most important thing we face as long as we are within this world is the war. I've been here for a few months, and while it has been quiet during that time, I imagine that is only the calm before the storm.

From my understanding, the month before I arrived, there was an invasion. The Russians infiltrated this country and were attempting to utilize mind control in an effort to turn imPorts over to their side. Unfortunately, we are viewed as weapons more than we are individuals. And both sides want us in a bid for power.

On the surface, this world isn't anything like where I'm from, but travel between worlds is something I'm familiar with.

[At least, he knows already that it's possible, and so it hadn't come as a surprise to him that it had happened at all. Meaning that, however few the other similarities between worlds, Van nevertheless held tightly onto them in the hopes they would make his transition easier. And so far, they have. Even if most of the similarities that existed were unpleasant to consider.]

I'm familiar with the concept of war, too. The countries may be different, and their generals might not be the same, but it's still senseless fighting. It's always senseless fighting.

[Though of course he believes Baelish when he says this is just the tip of the iceberg. It is the very nature of war to cause tumult. Therefore, things cannot get better before they get worse, and if mind control is a tactic being utilized, Van suspects things will get very, very bad before long.]

It seems the lengths people will go to in order to win won't ever change. [The sea smelled the same no matter where you were, right? Hitomi had said that, and Van same sentiment could be applied to people.] But I'm glad I know about it, at least. So, do you think there will be another invasion soon?

[How prepared to fight does he need to be?]

I do agree wholeheartedly. I never believed war to be a solution to one's problems. Diplomacy, intelligence, and coming up with a better solution -- those are the keys to making great change. Not brute force or swinging swords. One side cannot get their point across, so they feel they have to beat it into the other side. As you said. It is always senseless fighting.

[ As if to punctuate the point, a car on the road lays on the horn when another cuts it off. The man behind the wheel rolls down the window and flings a string of obscenities at the older woman in front of him, and she in turn flips him off. Petyr shakes his head at the display and continues to lead Van in the direction of his home. ]

I do not think the Russians will be so bold as to invade on American soil once again. Their defeat was swift and brutal. If anything, they will either lead us to them somehow or strike from the sky. But there will come a point in time when you will be called to arms, so it is best to keep that in mind and to not get too comfortable living an ordinary life here.

[Civilian squabbles aren't unheard of even on Gaea, but the profanity sure is...something else. Van stares after the two drivers a moment before quickening his steps and falling in beside Baelish once more.]

There's not much chance of that happening.

[Van's way of life isn't given to comfortable, ordinary living. Even here, given the chance to be a modern teenage boy, he's more inclined to hold onto the things he's most familiar with. Sadly, while he's not very fond of fighting, he knows too well what people are like and knows better than to completely let down his guard. If war breaks out on American soil or if imPorts are called to arms in another country...he'll be ready.]

You say the Russians might attack from above? What sort of defenses does this country have against an aerial strike, and are there ways of detecting enemies before they're above us?

It's a battle of technology. I do believe they are capable of detecting an oncoming threat. But Russia may also have technology to surpass that, or they could even ensure our technology is down at the time they make their attack. There is a creature -- LACKEY. It's something called an artificial intelligence and what that means is it is a machine capable of thinking for itself. This machine came to our soil and was able to control imPorts, so I've heard. I arrived one month after the events, but the story had been recounted to me by several.

From my understanding, this LACKEY was captured by the US government and it still exists at large in our country. I believe such a decision is a dangerous one as who knows how much the Russian army can control the machine.

[ He reaches the imPort housing and heads toward the individual complexes, withdrawing his keys in order to open the door. And once he does, it gives way to a rather spacious apartment -- decorated in about as close to a medieval style as modern furnishings and technology would allow. There is a dining room table of cherry oak filled with plates of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and sliced meats. There are crackers to go along with all of it as well as paper plates and bottles of fine wine. ]

It is not much, my friend. And if you would much prefer to eat something warm, I can heat up some beef stew for us both. I am able to keep the leftovers my chefs make at my business, and sometimes it is even better left over the following day.

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