001 {dictated}

[ol_northy]

[Well, after having arrived a little while ago, North has kept a watchful eye on the communications of others, and he's got an idea of what he ought to be doing.

It's been a harrowing trip--mentally, at least--and he's still slightly confused by the situation. Last thing he knew, he wasn't conscious. And now he's been deposited in a place that's about as mysterious as it gets.

He stands in the lobby of the castle in full armor, book open, and decides to introduce himself. Voice muted by the helmet, he addresses the general populace.]

Don't stop me if you've heard this one before. This is North, and I'm less lost than I am confused. Anybody care to give a guy the grand tour?

[After which point he just shrugs at the damn thing and tucks it away in his armor. With a shake of his head, he takes off his helmet, and begins to wander the lobby.]

Comments

[i_got_this]

[South isn't in armor, nor does she have her journal open, so she misses the introduction. She's trouncing down the stairs on her way to the kitchen and stops short when she sees the familiar armor, slipping a step and grabbing onto the railing.]

[For the moment words escape her and if possible her face pales a shade. With any hope he hasn't noticed her --]

[ol_northy]

[As he looks around, he takes the place in, all glass and metal and unfamiliarity. There's so much to see, to try to make sense of, and that strange gap in his memory is beginning to bother him ever so slightly. Nothing can be done about it, really, so he shakes his head again.

Another glance up, and he sees her.

As if a man could not see his own twin sister.]

South?

[i_got_this]

North.

[It's a little chocked out, and she takes a step back, as if trying to keep the railing and some space between them. She stares at him wordlessly for a few more moments before spitting out,]

Took you long enough.

[She couldn't tell, just from these first few moments, when he was from, and it frightened her. Even more, she felt weighted down by the knowledge of what happens, and for a moment understood why Carolina hadn't told her anything on her own arrival.]

[ol_northy]

So you've been here a while?

[Last thing he remembers is arriving at the cliff, knowing they were in trouble, but... South was there. And then there's a gap, and somehow he knows--knows--he didn't make it out of that place in one piece. Man, though... he's glad to see her. And he looks relieved.]

[dontpatr0nizeme]

[Have a Wash that sounds... Older than he did when North heard him last.] Welcome to the castle, North.

Now, you get the fun of babysitting your sister. I'm sure the rest of us would all appreciate the break.

It's good to see you again.

[ol_northy]

[Well, holy smokes. That's an interesting voice to hear, considering things. With everything being so convoluted, he's not sure what side and what agenda Wash is on. But that last bit sets him at ease.

Also, thank god he already knows South is here.]

Well, that's a sound for sore ears. Under interesting circumstances, too.

Has South been being herself?

[dontpatr0nizeme]

Oh really? How interesting are the circumstance? Also? North, this place can be a little odd on timelines. We've got a lot of points represented here. What's the last thing you remember?

And of course she has. We're talking about the idiot that decided to carry a magic nutcracker they made people kiss around in a backpack for the holiday and was shocked it went wrong.

Also? For reference? The journal has filters. Since South wants me to teach you.

[North Dakota]

For instance, this is only readable by you.

[/North Dakota]

It can be done less specifically to. Like "The bitchy twin in the purple and green armor" would probably get get your sister, but it could get other people of similar criteria.

[ol_northy]

[Well, for one, you apparently shot his sister. But she doesn't want to talk about it, so maybe he should let it be for now.

Let's focus on this filter thing.

FILTER TIME.]

The last thing I remember? I can't remember it. Before that, hiding out with South. Something was chasing us down.

Written

[i_got_this]

[Angry writing. She's not going to hide that it's her.]

WASH; TEACH HIM ABOUT FILTERS, BEFORE I BREAK YOUR FACE.

[dontpatr0nizeme]

Aww, what's the matter, South? Worried he'll embarrass you?

Filtered to Wash!

[i_got_this]

You'd better be worried for what I'll do to you.

[pompous_today]

I see that others can give you the tour, so let me at least welcome you to Paradisa.

[ol_northy]

Thanks, I think. Not really sure if I want to be here or not. Can I ask who this is?

[pompous_today]

I'm Simon, one of the castle's... residents, I suppose. I arrived here several months ago.

[ol_northy]

So you've got some seniority over me. I can't say I'm entirely clued in on the details of the place, but what I do know sounds interesting in the bad way.

How many people are here?

[originalcopy]

[Church spots the purple armor and for a split second thinks he's looking at South. But it's a bit too dark and she doesn't seem wear her armor wandering around (something that he's still getting used to). Plus, the fact that she's storming up with stairs was probably a dead give away.
Oh dammit not another Freelancer.]

[ol_northy]

[Not South! Much nicer than South, though just as formidable. Less prone to giant bitchfits, too, by a long shot.

And now he's just heading back down the stairs, looking around and making note of anyone else there.]

[originalcopy]

[Church is grumbling internally... seriously, doesn't this place have enough Freelancers running around already? And if it was going to send in a new one why not Tex? Stupid fuckin' castle.
Maybe the guy hasn't noticed him yet and he can just make his way back out... pretend he never saw him and deal with him later.]

[ol_northy]

[No such luck, good sir! Have a little wave.]

Hey. Mind if I ask you some questions?

[encryptedlock]

Heard it before? Not in way too long. Good to hear from you again, North.

Did the others already get you up to speed?

FILTERED 'cause he learned how to do that and stuff

[ol_northy]

[Alright, after the trauma of South being completely bizarre, this is one hell of a good voice to hear.]

Suddenly, the voice of reason arrives.

I'm still half lost, but Wash is getting me oriented. I wouldn't mind a run-down of the situation if you've got any thoughts.

Filtered!

[encryptedlock]

Naw, that's Delta. [Which is a little bit of a test; does North recognize the name? For all York knows, he might be from before the AIs.]

Sure. Magic castle, likes to nibble on our emotions from what we can tell. You can wish for anything as long as it's not too big or destructive, so most of the people here are pretty content. There's a couple of troublemakers, though, and some of them have weird powers, like comic book superheroes or something. Kind of annoying. But for the most part it's peaceful, and even though it does weird shit to us sometimes, it's not really a bad place.

[This opinion may change in the near future, but that's his current thought on the matter.]

Far as people from home, it's you, me, your sister, Wash, Carolina, and a Blue soldier named Church. There are a pair of Spartans, too - Noble Six and a guy named DeMarco. Other than that, you're just as likely to meet a wizard as you are anyone who knows what our armor is.

[He's not actually exaggerating. There are two Merlins here.]

North

[youfallback]

If no one's offered, I'm available. [Despite her words, though, her tone is bright, obviously pleased to have him here. That and she's finally back on her feet after a month and change of recovering.]

Carolina!!!!!!

[ol_northy]

[Yet another welcome voice. North's heard from the whole crew, now, and he's not disappointed.]

I've had the not-so-grand tour from Wash, but I could always use an update. I hear you're our glorious leader.

North

[youfallback]

More or less. [She's tried to downgrade her leadership role over the past year or so since her arrival, for her own sanity, but it looks like most people still see it like that.] He show you the hangar?