Intro Log || Just in Time for the Last Holiday Season

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: November 01st - November 30th. New characters may wake up any time.

Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken from Crystal Stasis and might find themselves in quite the predicament. Are they in Aqures Ixen, the Desert, a Forest or a completely empty plain? The choice is yours! You can have your character wake up anywhere, so long as the location is neither crystallized nor sealed away (such as the Temple of the Heroes of Light).

Please refer to the Information Post for more information regarding the state of Crystallis. Fear not however as soon a Moogle and maybe your friends shall come to you. Indeed, Heroes of Light in Aqures Ixen have access to a map that show them whenever a new Hero of Light appears.The Moogles are using it to quickly find any newcomers, but nothing prevents other Heroes of Light from using it to go to the rescue! The exception to this are characters who were formerly in the game: they will wake up from Crystal Stasis in the Hospital of Aqures Ixen.

Furthermore, feel free to plot out with players already in-game if you want for them to come and search your character, find them and plot their escape from a particularly dangerous place and the likes!

Warning: N/A.

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within an instant, the world around you collapses. Reality twists and shatters... Or maybe you are the one who is collapsing and shattering away from reality as you knew it. No matter what the answer is, it will only take a few seconds for you to find yourself sinking into a void, your world vanishing into the distance. There is nothing but darkness as far as the eye can see. Even you feel different: all the powers you might once have had, are now gone. It is silent, cold and it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you.

At this moment, when it looks as though nothing but a never-ending void awaits you, a red Crystal forms before you. In this void, its warmth compels you to grab it. But soon it faded, and everything else along with it, nothing but darkness remaining....


The Search for the Heroes
— Anytime —
To you, it's like only a second passed ever since you grabbed this crystal. But months or even years may have passed in the real world. And as you emerge, you find yourself in the world of Crystallis, a place where magic and technology coexist, filled with friendly people... And not so friendly ones. Have you awakened in Aqures Ixen, Esdham or a similar city...? Then it's perfect, you are surrounded by friendly people who will be - very confused - but helpful to an extent.

Have you woken up in the wilderness? Hopefully there aren't too many monsters around! As it is, other Heroes of Light might have woken up close to your position, it might be a good idea to work together with them.

Thankfully enough, before long a fluffy ball of fur flies toward (and most crashes into) you! This creature is a Moogle, sent from Mognet Central to assist you and take you to Aqures Ixen. It will explain you everything about the situation, the other Heroes of Light already present in Crystallis and all that is happening! This Moogle will be your guide back to Aqures Ixen-- If you decide to follow them anyway...


The Voyage Home
— Anytime —
The journey to Aqures Ixen might be an eventful one (or uneventful one if you awoke in the city already). It is a possibility for you to explore the world by taking your time, or to be lazy and board an Airship in the closest city. Don't lose your way or you risk venturing close to the Calamity-- You wouldn't want to be devoured and ripped apart my mega-powered Calamity Monsters, would you?

And thanks to the map and the efficiency of Mognet, odds are you'll encounter other Heroes of Light on your way: those who arrived in this world within the past two years. You may have imagined heroic and charismatic figures when your Moogle told you that there were other Heroes of Light in this city. You may have imagined persons with fearsome powers when they told you about how they managed to push back the Empire and defeat the fearsome Palitutu! And more importantly, you may have imagined them as people who would have all the answers to your, doubtlessly, numerous questions.

If so, you may be up for a tragic disappointment. Still, for the most part they know more than you on the situation and may be more than happy to fill you in, especially if your Moogle didn't tell you much.


The City of Aqures Ixen
— Anytime —
Finally, you might reach Aqures Ixen... And it turns out to be a very busy city. You might visit it, or the laboratory from where you can spy track where Heroes of Light are. Indeed, Palitutu's Laboratory (and its underground section) is a place where employed characters can research various topics. Most importantly, characters can see a file with their name...

Should your character decide to go there and peek at their file, there are two possibilities. Either the file is corrupted and they cannot access it: too bad for them, but at least their life will remain a mystery. Or should you decide the file isn't corrupted, they will find a summary of their lives up to their canon point, as if written by a third-person omniscient narrator. On the column left to the text, to the top there is a portrait of them, and beneath it there is a 3D model of them. Said portrait and model can be switched to any year of their life. At the bottom there is a percentage, indicating 0%. On the right column, there are various links, most of which are grayed out. The clickable links lead to their Homeworld History and their future post-canon point history (corrupted file for unfinished canons). At least, they can lock this file away if they don't want anyone to see it.

Or maybe you could visit your new house in the 11th or 14th District, and get to know your new neighbors and housemate(s). Hopefully your neighbors are people you will get along with.


It's Never Too Early
— Anytime —
No matter where you wake up in this world, from the arid climate of Esdham to the balmy jungles of Mysidia, you might notice a hint of ~**Christmas Whimsy**~ in the air. Pine-scented garlands are wound about streetlamps, delicate glass ornaments and twinkling lights have begun to adorn tree branches. The air is rich with the smell of baked pumpkin and cinnamon, and the occasional cool hint of peppermint. The bakeries are filled with seasonal treats like kupo nut pies, cranberry tarts, eggnog cakes. Though it's only the month of November, anyone complaining about the good cheer and pretty decorations will be stared at with a mixture of shock and pity, for clearly these people do not understand the true magic of the season.

Wherever you go, there's a distinct and rhythmic clanging of a small brass bell. Following the sound of the bell inevitably leads to a small adorable Moogle decked out in a fur-trimmed red suit standing next to a donations pot, with another clad in green passing out fliers inviting people to visit the Santa Village. They're requesting gil to craft toys for the refugees living there as well as the children across the world, and to expand and improve the Village as well.

Upon seeing any indication that you might be a Hero of Light, both Moogles make a happy sound and immediately press a flyer into your hand, insisting that you must visit, and not so subtly hinting that those who take up the Santa Claus job would be warmly welcomed by everyone. 'Tis the season, eh? Eh?


The Hospital
— Anytime —
Characters who have already been in Crystallis before do not wake up anywhere like everyone else. Instead, they will wake up in the Hospital of Aqures Ixen, in a room where there are over a hundred other Heroes of Light like them-- Maybe even some familiar faces... Except they're all in Crystal Stasis.

A couple Moogles and a few nurses will be waiting by the room, and they will welcome all characters waking up. Upon exiting the room, they will also meet a lot of guards, and they all have orders to shoot anyone that comes out of this room without a Moogle. Hopefully you won't try running out without waiting for your Moogle. As for why the guards are so on edge, it might be a good idea to ask the other Heroes of Light about what happened last year.

Comments

Natalia L.K. Lanvaldear | Tales of the Abyss

[worstintheworld]

The Threat to Trano Golsaucia

It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Natalia that she's pretty much jumped into her role feet first, rolling up her proverbial sleeves and getting straight to work. There was still a great deal about this place she didn't know, but Kumew had been an absolute gem in answering her barrage of questions. Her curiosity was not yet sated, but she knew enough for now.

What frustrated her the most was the lack of her skills, even as an archer. Her natural talents should have allowed her to assault the crystalline beasts with a flurry of arrows. Instead she could scarcely manage more than one at a time. Her accuracy remained as sharp as ever, but even so. She found the whole situation to be more than stressful, especially with her weakened healing abilities.

It was fortunate that most of the Tarutarus remained as safe as they could be within the city limits, and she had to admire their dedication to restoring the grandeur of the city they loved so much. But every now and then, a monster could still break through. If Natalia was lucky, she could drive it off and use her White Magic to heal the wounds. If she wasn't lucky...

It was really too sad to think about.

Finding Natalia wasn't all that difficult. She could often be seen walking the perimeter of the city with an arrow nocked to her bow, green eyes sharp and focused as she scanned for threats. She rested and ate when she could, knowing it would be unwise to push herself too hard, especially when she was still waiting for reinforcements. Natalia just hoped Kumew would return soon with the pension she was supposedly granted, which had been placed in her new quarters in Aqures Ixen. Bundles of arrows didn't come cheap, and neither did the rates of even the most inexpensive hotel in Trano Golsaucia.

[OOC: Want to fight monsters? Find a Mu and give it some fire? Take a break on the streets? Escort her home? The sky's the limit!]

* * * * *

House B-07 (and open to neighbors and passersby)

[When Natalia finally completes her long (and unexpected) stay in Trano Golsaucia, coming to Aqures Ixen is a literal ray of sunshine. It feels so good to have the sun on her face again, and the air seems downright balmy after dwelling in that chilly city for so long.]

[She's eased the string on her bow and slung the weapon across her shoulders, walking gracefully down the street with her head held high despite the weariness of her body. She's so tired, and could certainly do with a hot meal and a nice long bath. As such, her first order of business is to seek out the house to which she was assigned and meet her new roommates.]

[As Natalia starts down the little stone walkway leading to the front door, a little Moogle zips in front of her, colliding with the princess's shoulder and squeaking in surprise.]

Goodness! Are you all right?

[The Moogle shakes its head to gather its senses, fluffs up its fur, and presents her with a neatly folded brochure.]

'This is for you, kupo!'

[As Natalia takes it, the Moogle flies off, leaving her to examine the contents.]

My...! A discount for new Heroes to visit the Fairy Spa, with massage treatments and a hot spring?

[She's very tempted. She curls her fingers thoughtfully under her chin. There's so much work to do, she feels guilty at the thought of indulging like this. But the chance to relax and have someone work her sore muscles...]

I really shouldn't...

[...buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut...]

* * * * *

It's Never Too Early

What's this?

[Natalia accepts one of the flyers and reads it curiously. While she's had quite enough of the cold thanks to waking up in Trano Golsaucia, the pictures featured on the paper she's holding seem so warm and cozy that it lights her heart up just looking at them. She isn't familiar with the concept of Christmas and Santa Claus, so the Moogles have found themselves a very attentive listener.]

[Or they would, if a Hypello didn't just come by and leave a large donation. Both Moogles squeal with delight and fly up to the fellow to shake his weird gross hand, leaving Natalia to figure things out on her own.]

[Well. They seem busy, so she turns and briefly scours the streets before her eyes land on a fellow Hero.]

You. Come here.

[She holds up the flyer, waiting patiently for her new contact to approach. Once this individual arrives, she gives the paper a light shake.]

What can you tell me about this Christmas celebration, and the Santa Claus job? I sincerely hope you plan on using this job yourself, it sounds as if there is a great need for its use, does it not?

-------------------

[OOC: Brackets and prose tags are both fine with me, as are original starters if nothing above suits your fancy.]

It's never ever too early

[skyofreverie]

[Sora is definitely a fellow Hero and actually is utilizing his job as Santa. Seeing as how there doesn't appear to be trouble in this city, he's done the red suit and is doing his best to pass along his Christmas cheer. Even after everything it is still his most favorite holiday of the year.

So when a voice calls out to him, unfamiliar but insistent, Sora turns towards her. At the sight of the flyer in her hand he does indeed move closer.]

Oh! [He's a bit surprised at the questions. It seems like it's been so long since he's had to explain Christmas and Santa to anyone.]

Well, Christmas is a holiday celebrated during the winter season that has some religious meaning to some worlds out there. Though I've found that for a lot of worlds it basically all comes down to spending time with your friends and family with good cheer, great food and even gifts. You can do all kinds of winter activities with each other like ice skating, building snowmen, going skiing, sitting together and drinking warm drinks around a fire.

Santa Claus isn't just a job. He's a person. One who wears something like this. [Sora motions to his red clothes with white fur trim. He even has the hat on, though it's a little crooked on his head.] He has a big belly and an even bigger heart. Every year on Christmas Eve, Santa uses magic to deliver presents to all of the good boys and girls who belive in him. I haven't exactly understood why it's a job yet but I don't think you need the job to spread the good cheer around.

[He laughs and scratches at his cheek with one of his seriously scarred fingers.] I think the moogles are just extremely excited to have people take on the job so they're trying to encourage it.

[worstintheworld]

[By now most people might be regarding Sora with a healthy dose of skepticism, or at least humoring his explanation. Natalia doesn't question any of it for a single second.]

My, it sounds like an absolutely charming holiday! And to think that someone would be so kind as to use his magic and generosity for the sake of the children. Why it's no wonder the Moogles have been suggesting we take on his job and visit his village.

[Natalia seems delighted by Sora's explanation. It's got her fired up to request this job immediately so she can be of service. Of course, that does leave her with the quandary of which familiar job she'd have to set aside. She folds her arms thoughtfully, about to debate the matter when she notices Sora's hands. They're scars, not wounds, so she can't possibly heal them with her spells, but the sight does cause her some concern.]

Oh, your poor hands! You must have been through something dreadful indeed if you bear that many scars.

[She lays her fingertips against her collarbone.]

My name is Natalia. And you are?

[skyofreverie]

[By this point in his life, Sora has had a lot of varying reactions to the idea of Christmas and Santa Claus. Some think he's foolish but it's a matter of fact that Santa's workshop exists somewhere out there. This teen is not one those people, her enthusiasm brings a smile to his face.]

It is a great holiday. One of my favorites. I always liked the fact that there was someone who delivered gifts for the sake of giving. [He nods and looks over his own Moogle.] Yeah, I can see why they'd do that. With everything happening here they're trying to bring a bit a cheer and hope to the people. I'm helping out as much as I can with that. Mostly by lending my hands to help with the construction of the Village they're building.

[Even though he doesn't have his usual abilities, he can still work with his hands to build things. That was something that he could do despite being stripped of pretty much every other ability he'd had.

He blinks in confusion when she makes the first comment about his hands. Then proceeeds to laugh it off like it isn't a big deal.]

Oh, yeah. I guess. It doesn't seem like that bad now that they've healed.

[Not in comparison to when he got them.]

Nice to meet you, Natalia. I'm Sora. Are you new to this world?

[worstintheworld]

[Well the scars sure seem bad to Natalia. He's far too young for something so terrible! But as much as she'd like to ask, it would be dreadfully rude, so she abstains. They only just met, after all. To answer his question, she gives a single polite nod.]

Indeed. There is a great deal to learn about this place, it seems. It's rather fortunate that I happen to know a few people from my world who also happened to come here. And yourself?

[Natalia neatly folds the flyer and slips it into the front pocket of her leather jacket.]

I assume you must have come here from another world as well. How long have you dwelled in this place?

The Threat to Trano Golsaucia

[dammit_flynn]

Yuri seems fine after dealing with a prickly princess. He really wants to know what kind of person she is and clearly she isn't the typical type and much like Estelle, she's probably a whole new category of her own. Yuri does hear things on his way down to the location as he picks up npc help. He also had Acrisius send letters between him and Natalia. The moogle is currently traversing around delivering the final letter as he rolls into the scene.

Of course, Repede is the first to walk ahead of him, sniffing the air and checking out the premise. Yuri keeps his hand on his sword as he looks around. He wonders where the threat is what he can do to alleviate that threat. It sounds like this place continues to be a source of violence. Not that he can blame them. The Calamity left no one alone. Even with how things panned out, there is still damage left and right. He sighs, running a hand through his hair.

He doesn't spot anyone fitting Natalia's description just yet, but opts to assist people instead. Some folks were having a hard time reeling things onto carts or carrying heavy luggage. Yuri is there right way to help them as he pushes their carts for them and carries their heavy junk. Eventually, he spots the blond. He observes her for a moment, keeping to himself, while sending Repede with water to other people. He wipes the sweat from his face as he pulls back his hair and and sleeves so that they won't get in his way.

Eventually, Natalia is free to notice him or notice the moogle that is hovering to her first with Yuri's letter. Otherwise, he's spending a good amount of time fitting right in with the people.

[worstintheworld]

Though Yuri was likely too far away to hear Natalia, her body language was plenty expressive. She held a clipboard in her hands, flipping through a few pages as she spoke with a Hypello. Whatever he said, she didn't like, because her expression became cross and her jaw worked a little wider as she thrust the clipboard back into his chest and folded her arms. He waved his hands trying to placate her, and it seemed to work. The Hypello spoke. Natalia countered. A few more quick exchanges, then she smiled and they shook hands. Apparently she was haggling, because as soon as they'd finished, the Hypello started waving toward his ship and summoning workers to carry down large crates, stamped with labels that identified various types of produce, cheese, and grains. Natalia pointed and directed, delegating like she was born for it.

Where she went after that, it was hard to say. Depending on where Yuri went and how long he decided to watch her, he also could have seen her visiting the infirmary and pouring as much of her white magic as she could muster into healing the populace that was admitted. Or seen her chasing people out of the bar and shouting at them while pointing at the docks until they got moving to help returned citizens bring in their luggage and belongings. She wasn't all that far away from Yuri when his letter finally reached her. Natalia frowned and slipped her thumb under the flap to unseal it, her eyes darting back and forth as she read its contents, and sniffed haughtily.

"At least he's prompt," she conceded, with perhaps a little less prickle than she'd had after reading Yuri's first letter. Folding the letter and slipping it inside her vest, she gave a curt nod to the Moogle. "Thank you for your services. Should you see him before I do, please direct him to my location at once." That taken care of, she stooped to pick up one of the smaller boxes, hefting it into her arms as she escorted one of the elderly Tarutarus through the streets.

She was bossy, but she really cared, and she wasn't above moving things herself.

It didn't seem like she intended to stop either until a loud, brass bell suddenly pealed through the city. Tarutarus, Hypellos, and Humes alike stiffened in place as every head jerked up, frantically searching the surrounding area.

Natalia was quick to respond, lifting the bow off of her shoulders and swiftly fitting the string in place. "Get inside, make haste!" she commanded, her steps lively and hurried. "Kumew, go to the bell tower and find out where we can expect the attack to hit first, then report to me immediately." He saluted with a cheery squeak and zipped off to fulfill the princess's orders. Her eyes swept over the crowd as she checked for stragglers and signs of incoming danger, but when her gaze fell on Yuri, she paused. Human? With a Moogle? Excellent, he must have been a hero of light.

"You!" she pointed at him. "With the sword and beautiful hair! Come with me." Natalia didn't wait for him to accept or decline, she was already running for the edge of town. Kumew darted out of the sky to speak to her, and she corrected her course slightly to the left.

Welcome to Trano Golsaucia, Yuri, hope you're ready to fight some monsters!

[dammit_flynn]

He's good at reading people so it doesn't bother him in the least when he doesn't hear her speak. Rather instead of hearing her speak, he watches her from time to time as she executes her tasks. Of course, his joke was a joke and he can tell she was quite the hard worker. Definitely a different kind of princess thatn the ones he's seen. Even Estelle was in her own category. It's a shame that he never got a chance to talk with her before she went straight into the Crystal Stasis. Ever since then, she's never really woken up from it and Yuri just moved on.

There was nothing he could do for her and Raven at this point. All he can dois save this place and then go back home where they'll all be okay.

At least, that's the goal for him. He only laughed to himself when he saw the letter reach to her hands. Acrisius made his way back to him and the two of them worked hard to ration out things for peopl for a while longer. He is minding his own business until he hears the bow and he stops what he's doing and ushers the npc helpers to leave with the people as quickly as they can to a safer direction. He told them to go where Natalia was leading them. Yuri of course shifts to grab his sword and with the dog and moogle at his side he was about to make his own move until Natalia came at him and pointed.

Oh, so this is definitely Natalia. He's somewhat staring at her for a moment raising a brow.

"The name's Yuri if you didn't bother to read the signature at the bottom, Princess."

He replied giving her a bit of a laugh before following after her. He knows what they'll be doing so he's not going to fight it. After all words can be exchanged once the crisis is over.

[worstintheworld]

"You're Yuri?" she stated, incredulous. She stared back at him over her shoulder, but didn't stop moving for a moment. He was more prompt than she'd realized him to be. A point in his 'good character qualities' column, which was sadly underpopulated, but not enough to let her start thawing quite yet.

"Hmph, you're older than I anticipated you would be. From the way you spoke and the sloppiness of your handwriting, I would have assumed you were eleven at most." She turned her head forward once more with a toss of her short blonde locks.

A little ribbing served him right for his blatant disrespect.

Rounding one of the browning hedges that rimmed the theme park, Natalia caught a flash of movement and immediately pulled back, pressing her shoulders against the wall as she peered around the corner. Bowling over an abandoned popcorn cart, a crystal-studded blob of a creature heaved its massive bulk across the cobbletones. Its thorn-tipped viney appendages flopped and slithered. Natalia's brow knit even further as she dropped her voice to a low murmur.

"An ochu. Have you fought one before?" She raised her bow and sighted the creature down the long shaft of her steel-tipped arrow. "It's best to fight them from a distance, as they can inflict poison and sleep on their victims." Rude, she hadn't even waited for his response before lecturing him on the beast. Drawing back the arrow, the feathered tips just lightly brushing against her cheek, she let it fly.

The head buried itself in a soft spot between the crystalline joints, and it howled in pain as its limbs wriggled and flailed. Natalia was already drawing another arrow and darted forward. It was already moving in their direction, and she had no intention of waiting for it to close the distance between them before taking another shot.

The Threat to Trano Golsaucia

[water_meebo]

Lucky for Natalia, a certain Water Seraph somehow traversed to this side of Crystallis and quick to start helping with extermination of monsters and healing the sick and wounded. Hey, he's even shooting arrows like nobodies business with pretty decent accuracy thanks to his maxed out Archer Job.

At the same time, he subbed his Archer Job with the White Mage job so he could be of some support. Eventually, he notices that there is a girl wandering about and helping others in her own way. He's never seen her around Aqures Ixen before, so he assumes she's a newbie. He wonders if he can offer any assistance to her.

"Excuse me, do you perhaps need a hand?"

[worstintheworld]

Natalia turned her head, surprised to find a volunteer that approached of his own free will. She smiled. How refreshing it was, to have someone she didn't have to scold or browbeat into responsibility! Rising to her feet, she extended her hand politely. "Indeed I do, thank you for your gracious offer. My name is Natalia."

Her gaze shifted just slightly to the side as she took note of the bow that crossed his chest. "You're an archer as well, I see! Excellent, I'd like to assign you to the watch."

The princess turned and pointed to one of the tall casinos, embarrassingly quiet with none of its flashing lights activated. On top of it was a big golden bell and a dimmed sign that announced it would ring every time someone inside won the jackpot. Now it was being rimmed by a small trio of two Tarutarus and one Moogle who were busily scanning the darkness all around the town.

"The creatures they call ochus are dangerous, but we're in the process of setting up spiked barricades around the town that we can light, as fire drives them away. It's the Buers that cause real trouble, as they can fly. As you might imagine, the more archers we have on hand, the better our defenses against a threat that can fly."

[water_meebo]

Mikleo isn't the type to have to be asked twice to do something. He's quite aware of his role and if he wanted to fulfill it, he'd rather do it willingly. Of course, saving these people means saving his own world. He would never leave the people of Glenwood to die. He certainly won't make it a thing here in Crystallis. He's fairly firm on that manner.

"Yes I am. What sort of watch do you have in mind?"

He muses as he glances at her for noticing his bow. Mikleo looks at the embarrassingly gaudy looking casino. He doesn't know what it is but it doesn't look appropriate. He watches as sh points to it and watches as the two individuals above seem to be scanning everything carefully.

"I see, so you need me to help shoot down these Buers that are attacking the innocent citizens of this town."

He states nodding to what she's clarified.

"I can do it. We need high ground clear of trees and anything that can obscure our aim."

[worstintheworld]

"That's correct," she bowed her head. "Overall they're less dangerous than an ochu, but because we can't stop them from entering when they please, that makes them the bigger threat at the moment. It's particularly difficult given the constant darkness that plagues this city."

Natalia turned to lead him toward the casino she'd indicated, pushing through the ornate double doors. The interior of the building was disturbingly silent given how loud and flashy a place like this was supposed to be. A lone Tarutaru was unpacking bottles of liquor and placing them on the bar shelves, but beyond that? There wasn't another soul to be seen. The place hadn't been abandoned long enough to start collecting dust. Honestly the sight of the empty pleasure palace gave Natalia goosebumps if she allowed herself to stare at it for too long.

"If we could move the bell to a higher building, that would be ideal, but we lack the resources at the moment. Still, it's high enough that we're able to observe most threats once they come within range, and the bell serves as a convenient alarm to get people safely indoors as quickly as possible."

She led him onward to a door marked 'staff only' and pushed it open to a drab stairwell that contrasted sharply to the gaudy glitz of the casino. Up they went!

"Tell me, Mikleo, were you an archer in your world before arriving in this one?" she asked, keeping her hand on the railing as she jogged up the steps.

Trano Golsaucia

[not_most_days]

Thankfully, Mary's airship survived the most recent holiday with minimal harm, and days later it was finally in fine sailing condition. As reports began to filter in of new Heroes being spotted in other lands Mary struck out to see who she could find. With the new monsters roaming about she expected there might be a few who would be in need of help.

When she found Natalia she'd be later relieved to find the Princess had things decently well in hand, but as a new creature leaped out to attack her on her patrol a shadow swept overhead and it was intercepted by a hail of shot from one of the new swivel guns on Mary's ship. The pirate waved from her spot on the deck, one hand still gripping the gun as smoke curled from the barrel.]

Ahoy there!

[worstintheworld]

[The constant influx of monsters really is too much for one Hero alone. Natalia knows this, but there are a few rare occasions where she has to race out of the city on her own, whether to retrieve a valuable weapon or to help a small group replace one of the torched barricades used to drive off the ochus. Natalia may be fleet of foot, but as a beginner-level archer against a crystal monster, it's just no contest.]

[So when rescue comes in the form of a hailstorm of tiny fire pellets, she's beyond grateful. She turns to face the captain of the airship up high, raising a hand to keep the dust and snow kicked up from the propellers from blowing directly into her eyes.]

Good tidings to you, Captain! You have my deepest thanks.

[Natalia bows, a bow clutched in one hand, the other hand resting over her heart.]

Pray, are you a Hero? Have you answered my letter?

[not_most_days]

[Natalia's heart is in the right place, and that's what counts. Mary might be the sort to scold the princess for being reckless in this, but certainly not for doing what she feels she needs to do in order to protect and save lives. At least Natalia knows she's putting her life on the line and isn't getting used to a sudden return to mortality.

Mary brings the Job granted airship to a landing before she tries to continue the conversation. Even settled on the ground the deck has her above Natalia's head, but she feels a bit of nostalgia as she plants her boot on a low point of the railing and leans forward.]

Been called a few things in my time but aye, I'm one of the Heroes this world has called out. Sorry for not replying to your letter but I was out looking for any other errant new arrivals and I thought it best to just head here. I can't speak for whether anyone else is comin' or not.

[She'd thought whether or not to disguise herself but in the end she opted to go without her bandanna on this trip.] Name's Mary Read.

Never too early

[neverfirstclass]

[As luck would have it, Natalia flagged down just the right person. A youngish looking Santa Claus walks over, his bushy white beard looking a bit odd to the rest of his face, but there's a bit of blonde hair sneaking out from under the cap.]

Ho ho ho! It's the holiday at the middle of winter, to celebrate love and happiness and joy! Though I hear some of you Heroes have other names for it on other worlds.

[Santa Cloud smiles and tugs on his belt, adjusting it against the pillow inside the suit. He's not using the job just yet, but he will be next month for sure. But that doesn't mean he can't play the role for promo purposes.]

The job is a very good one, but you need to be careful with it. It give you a mighty hunger for cookies and milk. Ho ho ho!

[worstintheworld]

[The Moogles turn to look at Santa Cloud, both amused and delighted. Natalia, however, looks from Cloud to the flyer then back again. There can be no mistake, this must surely be the jolly fellow responsible for this holiday of joy and merriment.]

My, I didn't expect you to seem so young!

[But his hair is sticking out...can't she see it's a costume? Either she's kidding around, or she's absolutely suckered in. Spoilers: it's the latter.]

I suppose if that is the only warning to keep in mind, it must be an exceptional job indeed. It's an honor to meet you, Sir Santa Claus.

[She lays a delicate hand against her collarbone.]

I'm Princess Natalia, from the kingdom of Lanvaldear in the world of Auldrant.

[neverfirstclass]

[Cloud's honestly not sure how to take the comment of seeming young, especially with his having spent the past two years struggling against his older self. He pushes the thought aside, thinking the Princess is playing along for the sake of the children gathered about but he can't help but wonder in the back of his mind.

At the least he takes her hand and gives it a firm shake.]

Well that's just the personal peril. You also need to remember that all the children in this world are counting on you. You need to do your best so that you don't let them down.

But Auldrant, I've heard of that world before. I think you have a couple friends here waiting for you, and I'm sad to say at least one in stasis. You might find one of them at the research lab.

house B7

[grandsummon]

( if natalia was hungry, hopefully the delicious, sweet smells coming from B7 would reach her, before she even reached the doors. things were getting colder in crystallis again, and what better way was there to warm up with a hot meal?

yuna had been cooking most of the afternoon, portioning everything out for two, it had just been her and rikku for so long the measurements came naturally to her as she prepared the food. )

Ah, almost done. ( one last peek into the oven said as much. )

[worstintheworld]

[The enticing smells do indeed reach the young princess. Spending time at a spa is a luxury she can admittedly do without, but everyone needs to eat, and her stomach is starting to complain in a most impolite fashion. Is that coming from the house where she's supposed to live? If so, then she's pleased someone is home as she wouldn't wish to appear rude by barging inside and claiming her space.]

[Without further ado, Natalia continues down the walk and taps her gloved knuckles to the door. Her letter of introduction (that Kumew provided at her insistence) is held firmly in her other hand, the flyer tucked behind it. Once the door opens, she introduces herself politely but proudly.]

How do you do? My name is Natalia. I was told that I would be assigned to live in this house henceforth, is that correct?

[Natalia presents the letter as proof.]

[grandsummon]

Ah...? ( she looks up at the sound of the knock, and the door opening. she looks a little messy, hands kneading through dough, a flower streak down one cheek, sleeves rolled up.

she gazes at natalia for a moment, then the letter, offering a smile as she takes in the princess. ) Well then, Natalia— my name is Yuna. It's nice to meet you although... I suppose the circumstances could be better.

( her hands retreat from the dough she had been working. ) I'm sorry, it's a bit of a mess right now, please, come in.

Trano Golsaucia

[pole_position]

[Don't worry, Natalia, help is coming! After Pyrrha disembarks from the airship, she immediately sets about the task of finding her new friend and ally.]

Natalia? Are you here?

[worstintheworld]

I'm here!

[Honestly, Natalia isn't hard to spot, given that most of the citizens of Trano Golsaucia are Tarutarus, and quite short. 5'6" isn't tall by normal standards, but compared to the dominant race here, she's a golden-haired giant. Her hand juts up high to catch Pyrrha's attention, for she came straight away to the docks once she heard the hum of the airship propellers in the distance. Now she stands near the gangplank, her bow resting over her shoulder.]

I'm glad to see you come so promptly. Do you need a moment to rest, or shall we get started?

[pole_position]

[If Natalia is tall at 5'6", Pyrrha is a giant among men at an even six feet tall. It's pretty easy to pick her out of a crowd. She heads straight for the other woman's location with a wave.]

No, I'm ready. The sooner we get things under control, the better.