001❄️ video;

[wardenofice]

[ooc: Potential for FF16 Spoilers in threads. If you still want to tag her but want to avoid mid to late game spoilers, I will be as vague as possible.]

[At first, the video is unfocused, almost dark, but something seems to be very close to the camera. That something also happens to be making the distinct snuffling noises of a canine. Leaning back away from the recording device, a pair of yellow eyes surrounded by thick gray and white fur greets the network. This is a very fluffy dog. You're welcome.]

Torgal...? Did you do something to make it work?

[Jill picks up the strange device, staring down at the screen.]

Hello...? Can anyone actually see me?

[She feels incredibly silly right now talking to a - whatever this thing is. Regardless, she'll push on. It's clearly recording her, or so she believes. Otherwise she's just talking to an inanimate object.]

I think I understand the reason we are here, as we're all told, but I don't suppose anyone has come to a tangible conclusion of 'why us' and 'how might we return to where we're from?' I don't suppose anyone else has questioned whether or not we're being given the truth?

Comments

[borelblue]

((Same, though the odds of me getting a PS5 are pretty low, alas. Fingers crossed for a PC port. That or I'll just watch a let's play.))

[His expression softens sadly at the mention of her separation. But she's right - there's nothing to be done for it at the moment, so maybe it's better not to dwell on it.]

Indeed, the people here seem willing and ready to help others. I would like to think that Olwen and the others are choosing well who they bring to Ellipsa. We are all experiencing the same situation, as you say. Though strange as it may sound, many here are finding they enjoy life in this world for the most part. I cannot say whether they would choose to stay here instead of return to their own world - just that for all we have been separated from, Ellipsa is not so terrible a place. For what comfort that is worth.

[wardenofice]

That is a small bit of comfort. There are always worse fates, than being able to live in a place comfortably. The fact that we are allowed to use magic freely is also new to me, I will admit.

[There is a somber note in her words, which causes Torgal to whine and put his head in her lap.]

Where I am from... [She hesitates a moment before pressing on -] people who can use magic are abused for their power. Here, they are treated as equals and in fact everyone can use magic here. That is why I wish to go back.

[To give other people that taste of freedom too.]

[borelblue]

[As Jill speaks, Aymeric's eyes widen.]

Halone preserve, how terrible. I've not heard of such a thing before. Magic is commonplace in my own world. Near everyone can use it, even creatures. One does not have to be a mage, either - those who fight with sword and spear can manipulate their aether to enhance their skills. The only people who cannot do so are the Garleans.

[He pauses, and his demeanour sombres.] Though I am loath to admit it, my world is, perhaps, an opposite of yours. Long ago, the Garleans were driven from their homelands by other races, who overpowered them with magic. It is only through the development of advanced machinery that they were able to even the odds, and they soon became a powerful, vengeful empire. [Aymeric sighs] I do not believe that people are inherently so violent at heart. But the desire to protect our livelihoods and loved ones can become twisted if not checked...twisted enough to lose sight of the personhood of others outside of our own circles.

[wardenofice]

Would that others in power from my home had the wisdom you do... then perhaps Bearers might not have had to suffer so.

[It's not the best of topics, but at least she feels better for being able to speak of it. Their worlds may be the opposite, but maybe it was salvageable for them?]

What happens to people here who use their magic? Do they die after expending enough of their aether? I apologize for laying the difficult questions at your feet.