First Log [Written]

[seventhfonist]

[The words form slowly on the page in neat handwriting, lacking flourish indicative of someone accustomed to writing large amounts in little time. The hesitation becomes less noticeable as the entry goes on.]

This is Locrian Sergeant Tear Grants of the Oracle Knights requesting information.

A cursory inspection has revealed this place to be completely unfamiliar. Requesting information on location and means of arrival.

[The writing paused for a moment as she inspected her surroundings.]

If you have captured my with malicious intent, you will gain nothing for it. The Order will not negotiate for my release.

Comments

[honorinflames]

[uh oh... a voice with a currently-uncharacteristic amount of cheerfulness bounces back to her over the journal. boy on a loss, heads up!]

Oh, you must be new.

[seventhfonist]

[She blinked, quite surprised by the voice emanating from the journal. She recovered quickly enough, though her voice still held a hint of uncertainty as she replied.]

I have not been here long, yes.

[fistfullofmagic]

You too are new here?

[The writing is neat with a slight flow that suggests the owner of said handwriting is used to calligraphic script.]

[seventhfonist]

That is correct. Have you been here long?

[fistfullofmagic]

Less than a month I believe. I was mortally wounded when I arrived, and I'm uncertain how long I was out.

[honorinflames]

It takes a while to get the hang of this place. I don't know if you ever get completely used to it, though.

[atadiscoverer]

...Tear?

[That question comes hesitantly over the journals.]

You're back?

[seventhfonist]

[There was quiet as moment as if even thinking pf something to say was hard.]

What...is this place?

[seventhfonist]

I'm glad you are feeling better...

[What else could one say?]

Could you tell me something about this place?

[seventhfonist]

"Back"...?

[She thought a moment, trying to place the voice.]

I'm sorry. I don't know what you mean...

[fistfullofmagic]

Expect strange occurrences. One of the people who saved my life is from eight thousand years before my time, and I was visited in the Clinic by a round pink creature named Kaabii.

[seventhfonist]

[There was a long period of silence.]

I appreciate the warning... This place certainly sounds unique...

Is there any way to leave?

[fistfullofmagic]

I had...important business to complete back home. If I knew of a way to leave, we would not be having this conversation.

[seventhfonist]

I see...

Thank you for your help, sir or madam.

[honorinflames]

It's called Paradisa, and we're all stuck here until it decides to send us back.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

[A moment later, some neat scrawl comes across the paper in response.]

'Hello, Locrian Sergeant Tear Grants, this is Colonel Jade Curtiss. There is no malicious intent, unless you count silly pranks and oddities malicious.'

Dictated o/

[radiantwingedone]

... Returned... [ It's a deep voice, followed by the journal writing it down for her too.

He'll listen to the rest of that too. Hrmn. Doesn't remember then. ]

Castle is answer to both; means and location. Known as Paradisa.

[fistfullofmagic]

You are welcome.

[atadiscoverer]

...No. Of course you wouldn't...

[Damn castle. Throat clearing and professional tones]

My name is Dr. Carson Beckett. You've been taken from your home world by the castle you're now in. We don't know how, or why, but you're trapped here like everyone else.

...And you might not remember it, but you were here before.

[seventhfonist]

[The handwriting changes a little, becoming slightly less stiff.]

Colonel, it is reassuring to know that you are here as well. If you have time,I would like to meet to discuss this matter in detail.

[seventhfonist]

[Having just accustomed herself to the idea of being taken by the castle, she now has to acclimate to the idea that she may have been there before.]

Thank you for the information, Doctor.

...I apologize. I do not remember being here before. We were friends?

[seventhfonist]

It decides? Are you implying this place is sentient?

[seventhfonist]

Thank you for the information, Sir. [Even if none of those were full sentences...]

What do you mean by 'returned'?

[honorinflames]

That's the easiest way to think about it. If there's someone else in charge, we've never met them.

[musing for a moment] I think of it kind of as a spirit world in that way.

[radiantwingedone]

[ He doesn't like full sentences. ]

Had encountered Locrian Sergeant Tear Grants, some .... nearly seven months ago. Silence, then same name asking for information; in way those who arrive do.

Thus, you returned.

[seventhfonist]

[This person spoke quite oddly. Cryptically, without even seeming to try.]

Well, Sir, I do no recall being here before. Therefore, I cannot have returned.

[seventhfonist]

[She nodded, and the realized he couldn't see it at all.]

That makes sense. Is there anyway to communicate with it?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

'Meeting in person wouldn't really change the situation.'

[seventhfonist]

Isn't it easier to discuss things in person than to write it all out, Colonel? Besides, if this castle is as full of pranks and oddities as you claim, would it not be better to confirm details without making use of these....journals?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

'If you wish to meet in person, I have no qualms. However, I've had to use the journals from the start, seeing as the castle has rendered me mute.'

[seventhfonist]

[Mute?! There was a long pause, presumably as Tear took that in.]

I see. One of this place's pranks? I would like to meet in person, despite that.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

'I see. I don't mind. Are you in the lobby?'

[honorinflames]

If it can hear us, it doesn't really answer.

But it gives you things if you ask for them.

[radiantwingedone]

Seems to be common. Rarely, those who leave recall upon returning.

over the journal!

[adorbs]

M-Ms. Tear?

[atadiscoverer]

Colleagues. You volunteered in the clinic when you were here last. We had a friendly working relationship.

[seventhfonist]

That would imply that it can hear us, somehow, even if it doesn't respond directly...

Thank you for the information.

[seventhfonist]

I see. That certainly sounds like something I would do...

If it would not be awkward for you, I would like to volunteer, or resume volunteering, as the case may be. I have some skill...

[seventhfonist]

I am. When you have a moment, Colonel.

[seventhfonist]

Have there been many returning without remembering that they were here previously?

[seventhfonist]

Yes? Can I help you?

[adorbs]

Ah! [right, like with Ms. Anna. She doesn't remember... So it's up to Nanako to be helpful and tell her about this place!]

Did you just get here?

[atadiscoverer]

No! Of course not. We'd be happy to have you back.

Best person to speak to would be Dr. Helen Magnus.

[seventhfonist]

Thank you, Doctor Beckett. I'll look into contacting her.

I hope to see you around.

[seventhfonist]

That's right.

[She took a moment to understand the hesitation.]

Did you know me from before?

[adorbs]

Uh huh. You were here before... Um, but when people come here and go back home, they don't remember being here.

So, it's okay if you don't remember me.

[atadiscoverer]

Count on it. I hope you settle back in.

If you need anything, give me a wee shout, aye?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

[It takes a bit for Jade to travel down from his cozy apartment-like room int he Gaudium Tower, but he does make it down and he smiles when he spots Tear, walking over.]

'A pleasure to see you again.'