[He laughs as well -- aiming to give the impression of his spirits lifting from his embarrassment earlier.] Oh, it's all right. I admire your curiosity! Please, ask me whatever you wish.
Ah, but first, I really ought to turn back, lest anything think strangely of you for conversing with a dog... but if you don't mind, could we perhaps find somewhere a bit less out in the open? A power like this isn't something I'd like spread around.
[--that and it'd probably be bad if he ran into someone from home while putting on an act right now. They'd definitely give him away!!]
You may not wish to give me that sort of permission. [But she's smiling as she says it--a joke, of course, she doesn't intend to chatter his ear off with questions or anything.
But she listens attentively and makes a noise of understanding, before looking up in thought. Her room at the dorms in the Sanctuary were out of the question, there were always too many people coming and going from there. The housing district was probably swarming with new arrivals trying to find their homes, but...
There were many winding back alleys and though they're close to the residential district anyhow, it would be easy to slip away somewhere with fewer people milling about.]
I think I know of a place where there wouldn't be too many prying eyes. If it doesn't make you uncomfortable to go into the alleys with a stranger. [Because she's... honestly concerned about his comfort here. Like she's the big threat. She hesitates and then adds] Should I... Would you like me to carry you again? I do not mind.
[Well gosh, he perks up at that, but probably for all the wrong reasons:
Does he want the pretty girl to carry him again? >YES >YES >YES >>YES
...definitely for all the wrong reasons. But he can still act the part of sounding at least a little embarrassed, even if that wag in his tail is being far more honest tha the rest of him.]
Oh, I'd hate to ask it of you... but I would hate all the more to lose sight of you in the crowd, seeing as I'm rather small right now.]
[Her gaze slides to that wagging tail, but she'll choose to believe he's just a little lazy and excited to not have to keep up with her comparatively longer strides. Always look on the bright side of deathdemonsthings.]
That's reasonable enough. [And she doesn't mind, really. Mipha reaches out and carefully scoops him up again, standing in one fluid motion and carries him away. It isn't a long trip at all, maybe a minute or two, and she speaks low to point out some things of interest to him (mostly things like where some of the major roads go and swearing it's pretty straight-forward once you get used to it). When she slips into an alleyway she pauses, head tilted to listen before deciding the cost is clear.
She gently sets him down and steps back, folding her hands together in front of her] Will this do?
[At least he's not too weird about it, staying nice and still and being as much of a gentleman as a demon-turned-dog can be. He even hums appreciatively at the little things she points out, taking care to remember every sight and sound as they pass through.]
[Ah, but now was the time for the big reveal! He needs to think carefully about what expression to show when he turns back.]
Yes, this will be perfect. Ah, now if you'll excuse me...
[He clears his throat, counting out a soft chant of eins, zwei, drei before disappearing in a poof of colorful smoke--]
[--only to reappear, now as a very tall man in an odd white suit. He definitely fits the description of a magician like this -- or maybe a super villain, if she were from a world that allowed her to be more genre savvy.]
I hope my appearance doesn't startle you... but now that we've met properly face to face, please allow me to reintroduce myself!
[And he bows.] My name is Mephisto Pheles. And I am truly in grateful for all the help you've provided me during such a difficult time.
[She takes a step back as the smoke appears, waving a hand in an attempt to clear it quicker.] Oh! [His sudden more human appearance is still as startling as it is delightful, and her surprise quickly turns to a pleasant smile
You really are quite tall! [Alas, she's growing used to being the small one around here. She quietly takes in his appearance then and, strangely enough perhaps, it's the pointed ears that help her most relax even if she's not aware of it. Her gaze lingers on them a moment, expression sort of nostalgic before she continues on.
There's a little giggle at his reintroduction, but she bows back a little to reintroduce herself as well.] Pleased to meet you properly, Mr. Pheles. As I said, I am Princess Mipha, and [Because this question always inevitably comes up too:] my people are called the Zora. But there is no need to thank me, I'm all too glad to help and be useful.
[Aw, what a charming little giggle and-- did she just say Zora??]
[Holy hell. He didn't realize it at first, but now that she's said it, it makes perfect sense. Walking around just fine on land despite looking every bit a mer-person or sorts, the fins, the unique skin coloring... she's so obviously a Zora. But what game is she from, he doesn't remember a Princess Mipha! Maybe she's from somewhere further down in the Hyrule timeline--]
[But okay, more importantly: video games are real???]
[It takes an intense amount of self-control to keep his inner fanboy in check. However, the smile that crosses his face now is much more genuine than anything that he might have attempted before -- hell, maybe even more genuine than anything he's made in ages. It's gross how happy this makes him tbh.]
Then I am most certainly blessed to have crossed paths with you! [Pfft. A demon, blessed. He thinks it's funny at least.]
Ah, but to answer your earlier question-- this magic of mine is rather powerful, yes. Why, changing my form isn't even the extent of what I can do!
[It seems a bit much, declaring himself blessed to have met her and all, but she supposes there are all sorts of people, you know? She's just doing her best, the same as pretty much everyone, right? He really is a strange one, but it's sort of charming in and of itself.
She makes a noise of awe though, looking intrigued despite herself.] I'm sorely tempted to ask about more, but I don't wish to put you in an awkward position of being unable to answer... I can understand the need to keep things secret.
[There's no use in showing your full hand all at once, after all, even if Mipha herself doesn't think she has much to hide. Typically, even if she declares herself Champion, people still tend to judge her at first glance. That in and of itself is a better advantage than hiding her abilities would be.
The joys of being cute and fragile-looking.]
But I've seen magic of many kinds, even where I'm from. I had one friend who could call lightning down from the sky with a snap of her fingers. I, myself, am a healer. [Which makes her smile warmly at him] So, if you are ever injured, please do not hesitate to call on me.
[There was certainly a benefit in looking cute and weak when the time called for it -- much like when he was a dog earlier. Likewise, so too was there a benefit to keeping the bulk of his abilities a secret! ...not that he could use most of them anymore. But in a way, it was better to give the impression that there was still more he could do regardless, just to keep those around him guessing.]
[Not that he imagines there would be such a need with Mipha, unless she's secretly one hell of an actress.]
...a healer?
[Maybe he really is blessed after all.]
My, that's quite the gift. Just what sort of wounds are you capable of healing? Can it apply to illnesses as well? I'm afraid the only sort of healing I'm familiar with are self-regenerative abilities held by certain creatures from my world.
I cannot heal illnesses, but I've yet to come across a physical wound I could not heal. [Watch the new Champions DLC completely joss all of this somehow.] However, it might take longer to do depending on how severe the wound is.
['Certain creatures' he says, and again her gaze goes briefly to his ears and then focuses on his face again] What other creatures exist in your world? Humans, I imagine? Most worlds seem to have those, at least.
How very impressive. [Hm. Well, that's certainly something to file away for later -- much as he'd love to jump at the opportunity to take advantage of such a thing right now, he's wary to let anyone see these injuries of his. And at the moment, he believes it would be best to keep his demon heritage a secret -- which might be more difficult to explain away should she get a look at what he's hiding under all those layers.]
Ah, that's correct, yes! As well as no small amount of animals of all sorts.
But the creatures I spoke of are of a different sort, for my world is also one inhabited by demons.
Demons? [She echoes him, a mix between surprised and intrigued. It's not as though the concept of demons didn't exist in Hyrule, though most were chalked up to superstition-- the moblins and all were in a league all of their own and Calamity Ganon...
She supposes that's the closest that might come to an actual demon. She brings a hand to her mouth in thought, tilting her head and staring at nothing in particular as she considers.]
Is it a world of conflict, then...? [She looks sympathetic at the idea that maybe his world is just constantly at war or something. Gosh, it' suck to know exactly how that feels, huh.]
No world can be truly free of conflict. But I believe that peace can be found in the disorder of different beings co-existing. It may not be perfect, but for me... there was no other place I would rather be.
[His expression falters -- it actually surprises him how easy it is to play his role here without even trying. He didn't exactly need to pretend that he was broken up about his world being gone.]
Ah, but-- I suppose it's a bit strange now, to speak of our worlds in the present tense.
[Mipha blinks slowly and watches Mephisto carefully, her gaze thoughtful and understanding. With the exception of Calamity Ganon, she'd like to think her world was relatively like that--peaceful, with all the races coexisting in relative peace and harmony.] With some exceptions, my world was... at peace. Or, it had been. Many different races co-existed together, we lived together, played together, worked together...
[She reaches out to lay a comforting hand on his am and smiles, all arm and encouraging] it is doable. And our worlds being gone now do nothing to diminish the peace most beings strive for, it simply changes the setting.
[A pause and she adds quietly] Not that I do not miss my home, but I... [Have had a hundred years or so to come to terms with leaving it?] I believe this place provides us with an opportunity too. The things we might have gotten wrong back home... It's a new start, to try new things and find better ways.
And maybe... Maybe some day, it might be possible to reclaim our worlds. I do not know how this Storm operates, exactly, if our worlds have been broken apart or are simply consumed and can be regained, but... It's not a possibility we should dismiss. There's always hope.
[Another pause and she shyly retreats her hand, looking embarrassed] I apologize, I believe I might have spoken too much....
Edited (i used the same icon in a row like a HEATHEN) 2017-09-24 14:30 (UTC)
[He isn't expecting to feel a hand on his arm -- but more than that, he isn't expecting her words to strike such a chord with him.]
[It's been in the back of his mind since he woke up and saw the familiar face of his brother resting peacefully in one of those pods. At the time, all he could think of was what they could do if he were to wake, how it would be better if only he could remain sleeping indefinitely...]
[But was he looking at this the wrong way? If the Natha were truly as powerful as they seem, if they could grant him a body that wouldn't suffer the pain of constantly breaking down... could they start over? Could he be convinced to give up on his plans of equalizing the world into nothingness? If such things were possible... could they be brothers again?]
[It's not something he's allowed himself to consider.]
[His expression remains a look of almost muted shock for a few moments before falling into something more neutral.]
...not at all. I think that's a wonderful way of thinking about it. Perhaps I've simply become a bit jaded in recent years... but I'm certain there are many refugees who would appreciate such an optimistic viewpoint.
You are right, after all. Surely if all of this is possible, anything could be.
Many. [She says it in agreement and tilts her head, a silent question hanging in the air that asks "and where do you fall?" He didn't seem to include himself in that statement, but it's fine either way.]
If someone's to give optimism and hope to people, I don't mind taking on that role. People need something to believe in... And it's not a role I'm wholly unfamiliar with.
[She smiles lightly and looks up as people pass by, their laughter seeming too loud all of a sudden. Mipha takes a breath and moves the conversation onward.] They'll have housing set up for you, though you're free to move once you have the means to. One of the guards should have the information for you. [And a nametag but she doesn't know they're continuing to slap on the newbies oops]
[He's not quite including himself, no. But he also wouldn't be likely to answer if asked directly, not entirely unaffected by her words.]
[He nods as she passes along the information, his own gaze falling out towards the street beyond the alleyway.]
I see... in that case, I should start getting all of that squared away. Much as I enjoy your company, I'd hate to use up any more of your valuable time than I already have.
[And he bows with a smile.] Ah, but I'm certain we'll meet again!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Ah, but first, I really ought to turn back, lest anything think strangely of you for conversing with a dog... but if you don't mind, could we perhaps find somewhere a bit less out in the open? A power like this isn't something I'd like spread around.
[--that and it'd probably be bad if he ran into someone from home while putting on an act right now. They'd definitely give him away!!]
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But she listens attentively and makes a noise of understanding, before looking up in thought. Her room at the dorms in the Sanctuary were out of the question, there were always too many people coming and going from there. The housing district was probably swarming with new arrivals trying to find their homes, but...
There were many winding back alleys and though they're close to the residential district anyhow, it would be easy to slip away somewhere with fewer people milling about.]
I think I know of a place where there wouldn't be too many prying eyes. If it doesn't make you uncomfortable to go into the alleys with a stranger. [Because she's... honestly concerned about his comfort here. Like she's the big threat. She hesitates and then adds] Should I... Would you like me to carry you again? I do not mind.
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Does he want the pretty girl to carry him again?
>YES
>YES
>YES
>>YES
...definitely for all the wrong reasons. But he can still act the part of sounding at least a little embarrassed, even if that wag in his tail is being far more honest tha the rest of him.]
Oh, I'd hate to ask it of you... but I would hate all the more to lose sight of you in the crowd, seeing as I'm rather small right now.]
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deathdemonsthings.]That's reasonable enough. [And she doesn't mind, really. Mipha reaches out and carefully scoops him up again, standing in one fluid motion and carries him away. It isn't a long trip at all, maybe a minute or two, and she speaks low to point out some things of interest to him (mostly things like where some of the major roads go and swearing it's pretty straight-forward once you get used to it). When she slips into an alleyway she pauses, head tilted to listen before deciding the cost is clear.
She gently sets him down and steps back, folding her hands together in front of her] Will this do?
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[Ah, but now was the time for the big reveal! He needs to think carefully about what expression to show when he turns back.]
Yes, this will be perfect. Ah, now if you'll excuse me...
[He clears his throat, counting out a soft chant of eins, zwei, drei before disappearing in a poof of colorful smoke--]
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I hope my appearance doesn't startle you... but now that we've met properly face to face, please allow me to reintroduce myself!
[And he bows.] My name is Mephisto Pheles. And I am truly in grateful for all the help you've provided me during such a difficult time.
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You really are quite tall! [Alas, she's growing used to being the small one around here. She quietly takes in his appearance then and, strangely enough perhaps, it's the pointed ears that help her most relax even if she's not aware of it. Her gaze lingers on them a moment, expression sort of nostalgic before she continues on.
There's a little giggle at his reintroduction, but she bows back a little to reintroduce herself as well.] Pleased to meet you properly, Mr. Pheles. As I said, I am Princess Mipha, and [Because this question always inevitably comes up too:] my people are called the Zora. But there is no need to thank me, I'm all too glad to help and be useful.
1/2 This icon is internal only
[Holy hell. He didn't realize it at first, but now that she's said it, it makes perfect sense. Walking around just fine on land despite looking every bit a mer-person or sorts, the fins, the unique skin coloring... she's so obviously a Zora. But what game is she from, he doesn't remember a Princess Mipha! Maybe she's from somewhere further down in the Hyrule timeline--]
[But okay, more importantly: video games are real???]
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Then I am most certainly blessed to have crossed paths with you! [Pfft. A demon, blessed. He thinks it's funny at least.]
Ah, but to answer your earlier question-- this magic of mine is rather powerful, yes. Why, changing my form isn't even the extent of what I can do!
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She makes a noise of awe though, looking intrigued despite herself.] I'm sorely tempted to ask about more, but I don't wish to put you in an awkward position of being unable to answer... I can understand the need to keep things secret.
[There's no use in showing your full hand all at once, after all, even if Mipha herself doesn't think she has much to hide. Typically, even if she declares herself Champion, people still tend to judge her at first glance. That in and of itself is a better advantage than hiding her abilities would be.
The joys of being cute and fragile-looking.]
But I've seen magic of many kinds, even where I'm from. I had one friend who could call lightning down from the sky with a snap of her fingers. I, myself, am a healer. [Which makes her smile warmly at him] So, if you are ever injured, please do not hesitate to call on me.
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[Not that he imagines there would be such a need with Mipha, unless she's secretly one hell of an actress.]
...a healer?
[Maybe he really is blessed after all.]
My, that's quite the gift. Just what sort of wounds are you capable of healing? Can it apply to illnesses as well? I'm afraid the only sort of healing I'm familiar with are self-regenerative abilities held by certain creatures from my world.
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['Certain creatures' he says, and again her gaze goes briefly to his ears and then focuses on his face again] What other creatures exist in your world? Humans, I imagine? Most worlds seem to have those, at least.
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Ah, that's correct, yes! As well as no small amount of animals of all sorts.
But the creatures I spoke of are of a different sort, for my world is also one inhabited by demons.
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She supposes that's the closest that might come to an actual demon. She brings a hand to her mouth in thought, tilting her head and staring at nothing in particular as she considers.]
Is it a world of conflict, then...? [She looks sympathetic at the idea that maybe his world is just constantly at war or something. Gosh, it' suck to know exactly how that feels, huh.]
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[His expression falters -- it actually surprises him how easy it is to play his role here without even trying. He didn't exactly need to pretend that he was broken up about his world being gone.]
Ah, but-- I suppose it's a bit strange now, to speak of our worlds in the present tense.
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[She reaches out to lay a comforting hand on his am and smiles, all arm and encouraging] it is doable. And our worlds being gone now do nothing to diminish the peace most beings strive for, it simply changes the setting.
[A pause and she adds quietly] Not that I do not miss my home, but I... [Have had a hundred years or so to come to terms with leaving it?] I believe this place provides us with an opportunity too. The things we might have gotten wrong back home... It's a new start, to try new things and find better ways.
And maybe... Maybe some day, it might be possible to reclaim our worlds. I do not know how this Storm operates, exactly, if our worlds have been broken apart or are simply consumed and can be regained, but... It's not a possibility we should dismiss. There's always hope.
[Another pause and she shyly retreats her hand, looking embarrassed] I apologize, I believe I might have spoken too much....
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[It's been in the back of his mind since he woke up and saw the familiar face of his brother resting peacefully in one of those pods. At the time, all he could think of was what they could do if he were to wake, how it would be better if only he could remain sleeping indefinitely...]
[But was he looking at this the wrong way? If the Natha were truly as powerful as they seem, if they could grant him a body that wouldn't suffer the pain of constantly breaking down... could they start over? Could he be convinced to give up on his plans of equalizing the world into nothingness? If such things were possible... could they be brothers again?]
[It's not something he's allowed himself to consider.]
[His expression remains a look of almost muted shock for a few moments before falling into something more neutral.]
...not at all. I think that's a wonderful way of thinking about it. Perhaps I've simply become a bit jaded in recent years... but I'm certain there are many refugees who would appreciate such an optimistic viewpoint.
You are right, after all. Surely if all of this is possible, anything could be.
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If someone's to give optimism and hope to people, I don't mind taking on that role. People need something to believe in... And it's not a role I'm wholly unfamiliar with.
[She smiles lightly and looks up as people pass by, their laughter seeming too loud all of a sudden. Mipha takes a breath and moves the conversation onward.] They'll have housing set up for you, though you're free to move once you have the means to. One of the guards should have the information for you. [And a nametag but she doesn't know they're continuing to slap on the newbies oops]
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[He nods as she passes along the information, his own gaze falling out towards the street beyond the alleyway.]
I see... in that case, I should start getting all of that squared away. Much as I enjoy your company, I'd hate to use up any more of your valuable time than I already have.
[And he bows with a smile.] Ah, but I'm certain we'll meet again!
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If it is not too forward to say... I hope that we do.
[Making new friends!! Of course she wants to see him again, what could go wrong?]